Ham Radio How To: Build a Headset Trigger Switch - Ham Radio Q&A

I recently purchased a Heil BM-17 headset to help out with my portable operations. But I needed a switch to operate the headset. Heil makes a trigger switch for that purpose. While a nice product, I figured I could do something myself and save some money. Using a bicycle handlebar grip, a momentary single pole single pole switch, and a 1/4 inch phono plug, I put together this inexpensive switch in about an hour.
Parts List:
Bicycle Handlebar Grip: amzn.to/3aJ6C10
Single Pole Single Throw (SPST) Momentary Switch: amzn.to/3nrrWNF
1/4 inch Mono Phono Plug: amzn.to/32SkLEU
1/2 Inch Schedule 40 PVC
1/2 Inch PVC Cap
Multi-conductor Wire
Tools:
Soldering Iron
Utility Knife
Wire cutter/stripper
PVC cutter or saw
Drill with step bit or sized standard bit
Vise Grip
Pliers
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#HeilHeadset #TriggerSwitch #HamRadioHowTo

[@N6PCD]

Back in the days when I did my own automotive tuneups, I made one from a starter jump switch, like I’d used to bump the starter when setting the timing. Works great and was cheap.

[@larrybomber83]

That was so easy. Another one of those "why didn't I think of that" segments. Thanks for the easy fix for a somewhat large problem.

[@michaeldebiase4432]

Yes it was

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Wow! What a project. Amateur radio innovation at its finest. Three thumbs up. 👍👍👍

[@paulnittel1748]

When I got my Heil headset I realized I didn't care for the IC-7300 transmit button, so I thought about buying a PTT switch. Then it dawned on me that I had something that might work: a straight key! It sits on the desk, doesn't move, and isn't fussy about how I press it. Lots of hams have 'em and they can perform a second duty! Your switch looks really great!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

That's a great idea.

[@Plasmastorm73_n5evv]

What a great idea!

[@TomZ23]

An easy way to get a rubber bicycle grip over something is to apply some isopropyl alcohol inside. This allows the grip to slip on easily; it will then dry, and the grip will hold in place.

[@randomcrap763]

Ifyou are struggling to get the grip over the PVC Tube and you have access to an air compressor, use a blow nozzle and blow air under the edge of the grip as it's being slid over the tube, the air will inflate the grip and make it MUCH easier to slide over the tube. (We use this trick with motorcycle grips all the time :) )

[@Plasmastorm73_n5evv]

You can also use some WD-40, soapy water, or even corn starch. (Used all of these tricks to put grips on handlebars.

[@ClayExtrudingExpert]

Just saw this using the link you posted in your 1/24 POTA video notes. This looks fun and I really like the idea of it combined with headphones in the park. Less voice carry, less annoyance to others camping nearby. Many thanks!

[@donaldsmith3048]

My head set came with a hand switch. But yous may fit your hand better. May was one size fit all. Thank you for the information you give all the time.

[@skipsharpe8509]

Good job Michael. Nice little project.

[@Capitaine.Albator]

Cool little project! Thanks for the share 👍🏻✌🏻🇨🇦

[@HighDesertAdventurer]

Just made one today. Great tutorial!!

[@hamradiowithkevin]

Can't believe i just found this video Michael, really great stuff. I think i will be making one now.

[@johnjennings8355]

Sure enjoyed this project! I built one and it works great. Looking forward to using it when I start doing POTA this summer. Thanks and 7 3!

[@scotdavenport612]

Nice job

[@kirkjohnson8259]

Hey Mike. I love it. Going to make one these. I am in FL for the winter. Heard you doing a pota activation yesterday. Tried to break through the pile up but was unsuccessful. Maybe next time. If not, I am sure I’ll see you somewhere in WI this summer. Take care - KD9REK 73

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Sorry I wasn't able to get you in the log. That park is seldom activated (I was number 3), so there were quite a few looking to add it to their stats. The pileup was brutal for the 90 minutes I was on the air.

[@davewhite7679]

I built a similar hand PTT switch many years ago, but I never thought of adding the bicycle hand grip. That really dresses it up nicely. For rag chewing, a latching SPST switch would be an option too. KZ9V

[@carsenadams7995]

I’m not using this cause I was looking for pedal to talk but I liked cause amazing work and idea props to u cause ur helping people out and it’s clear and easy step by step I’m subscribing 👍👍👍

[@KM4ACK]

Great video. Thank you sir.

[@Locksnut]

Nice home brew 👍. To ease the handle on the pipe try alcohol. Have done for years with handlebars, also with putting tubing on slingshots. Just give it a bit of time to evaporate

[@applejacks971]

Alcohol metal will make it slippery for a bit, but on pvc it'll be extremely dry, which is why its used to clean pvc before putting the glue on it when connecting to other pvc fittings. My go to is dish soap, a couple drops of that goes a long ways.

[@Dbigpinoy]

Im partial to a footswitch, logging on N1MM with my hands.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Foot switch rocks in the shack, not as practical in the field.

[@billnicholson2470]

I think I would eliminate the pvc and just put the button in the handle. Maybe a little hot glue or something. Maybe just push it in if the hole is the right size. Great project. I have a Heil headset with a push button switch that can be intermittent at times. 73de KB7ICI. Solar trailer project looks really nice!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Now that I think of it, a PVC plug may fit into the hole of the grip. That may be an option if you want something lighter.

[@brucegazdecki1701]

@@KB9VBRAntennas I did notice when I went to the hardware store that the pvc caps they have are rounded, whereas the plugs are flatter, so the button might sit a bit flatter on the plug even if you use the pipe.

[@RookieLock]

Great lil project! Thanks for the inspiration !

[@brucegazdecki1701]

Very cool! I'm starting to gather parts myself. Hardest one so far is the bike handle ha ha; just can't find one I like.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

That's probably the hardest part of the whole build.

[@brucegazdecki1701]

@@KB9VBRAntennas Apparently the hardest part is drilling a hole in the cap. I can't seem to get it centered and if it's off center the hex nut to secure the button won't fit right.

[@clems6989]

Good Job..

[@michaeldebiase4432]

Keep up the good work Michael. I learn so much from you. That's what radio is all about. 73' s 2SF751 N.Y.C.

[@Mandarin110631]

KK7SWB- new ham here- question- i see the double plug adapter from the radio. is that a part you have to get separately? do you have to mod the headset connectors also?

[@banihex]

Great video! An idea one can get creative with too. I’m thinking of other things you can use besides bike handles. Problem is that I don’t do sideband lol. But if I do in the future I think this would be great!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Thanks for the tip, I hadn't thought of that.

[@johnbock3711]

Great video Michael! I couldn't find anyone stocking the Heil PTT hand hand switch so I'm going to give this a go. Could CAT-5 cable be used for the wiring?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Cat 5 will work. The stranded cable will be more supple. The only downside is that the wires are really thin, which could be a challenge in soldering.

[@GuyReynolds-rb6rm]

Like that so cool

[@itrstt66]

so your headset-radio adapter has 3 sockets? one for headphones, one for microphone and one for ptt switch?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

The Heil BM-17 has two plugs, one for the headset speakers and a second for the microphone. Heil sells an adapter that connects to the microphone plug on the headset and that adapter provides the third connection for the PTT switch.

[@jarrettmaryframe2278]

Where does the switch plug into the transceiver?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Headsets require an adapter cable particular to your transceiver to split out the microphone input and the PTT switch. You will plug the trigger into the PTT input on the adapter cable.

[@davewhite7679]

Lots of transceivers have a PTT input jack on the back of the radio for plugging in the external switch too.

[@jarrettmaryframe2278]

Thanks for your help! Looks like a fun project.

[@Aussie_Ham_Radio]

Great little project. I made a switch in a box for my IC-7300 with up and down momentary switches. The only thing is if i'm a little too slow in latching the momentary PTT switch there is a slight noise, a similar problem at an FM radio station i worked at and the on air light latch switch cause a glitch on the mic. I'm thinking a small value capacitor might fix that, not sure what value - maybe someone can suggest here, something small im guessing like 1 to 100uF ?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Icoms use an electret microphone element so the transceivers supply DC voltage on the microphone line. That may be the cause of the glitch. When connecting a dynamic mic to the radio, most people recommend a blocking capacitor of either 5uf or 10uf. I'd go with either of those values to see if that clears up your clicks.

[@applemachome]

Does this have switch have any noise or click when it is pressed or released? I know there are specific switches to eliminate any unnecessary sounds I’ve used before for audio setups.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I haven't noticed any noise or clicks with this switch.

[@w4mkh]

I'm assuming that the Icom PTT switch works the same way?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Yes. This switch plugs into the Heil headset adapter, so it is universal to the radio. The adapter makes the necessary connections for the PTT circuitry.

[@w4mkh]

@@KB9VBRAntennas That is greta. Now I just need to wait for things to cool down then I will build one. Wife thinks I have spent too much on my ham hobby this month and I haven't built up a good parts bin. I will also be buying your 2m Jpole after I save up and the wife cools down.

[@owlcricker-k7ulm]

Would cutting the cap shorter help with the length? Band saw or hack saw may do it, then shorten the pipe as needed

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

It would. You'd have to clamp the cap to carefully trim away material.

[@owlcricker-k7ulm]

@@KB9VBRAntennas would sliding it on a spair piece of pipe as a holder work?

[@WQ9FHamRadio]

Are you using the BM-17 with the headphones on both sides, do you find that it is it loud/clear enough when outdoors? I have the BM-17 with the headphones on one side only that I've been using for POTA and I have been debating switching to the two sided headset.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I have the two sided headphone and prefer that style as I find single ear phones tiresome to use on HF. My experience with the BM-17 in a noisy environment is limited as I haven't had them very long, but I've use the larger Pro-sets outdoors and they really block the noise.

[@WQ9FHamRadio]

@@KB9VBRAntennas Thanks for the reply! I am in the market for something new and will check out the Pro Set when I get a chance.

[@w6dfmp242]

I’m curious after some more time with this headset if you find you still like it. I’m looking for something for SOTA.

[@davidnienhuser3528]

WQ9F, I am considering the BM-17, but does the single sided headset boom work on the left side only? I am deaf in my left side.

[@WQ9FHamRadio]

@@davidnienhuser3528 you can use it on either ear. The boom can rotate to either side. 73!

[@preparados1917]

Hi. You mentioned you picked up a foot pedal at a guitar shop. I know nothing about guitar pedals, other than there are a multitude of them to create different effects. Did you modify the pedal to use with the radio? If so, can you make a video about that? Thanks

[@beck4u717]

You'll want to look for a keyboard sustain pedal. It's a momentary switch. Some even have a NO or NC switch to work with different keyboards. You won't be looking for a "guitar" pedal.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Correct, it's the effects pedal you'd use use with an electronic keyboard. I found a used one for about $10 in the discount bin at the music store.

[@preparados1917]

@@beck4u717 Thanks.

[@lousadventures2111]

Or I can wire you the funds and build me one for the ft 891 😁