Simple Pedals for PC software (PTT for HAMradio, SDR console, FlexRadio)

[@smrqdt]

I've built an USB-HID based PTT-Footswitch for Discord, it uses an USB-Keyboard emulating Arduino Micro. I bought a 15 € industrial solid metal footswitch from ebay, the Arduino micro fits into the footswitch housing next to the end stop switch they're using as actual switch. Works perfectly since 2020.

[@HB9BLA]

Usinh HID is another good way of solving the problem. However, you need to know MCU programming. Maybe a topic for another video ;-)

[@davidholman2536]

Hi Andreas. I really liked this video. Can the CP2104 module connect a photocoupler like the TLP222A to ground? This would be very handy for driving a sequence of my driver amp and PA. I can of course put the footswitch in parallel to a path to ground. 73 David M0YDH

[@Leif_YT]

Did something similar but used an ESP32 and Bluetooth HID. Added some encoders.to control my voice meter audio Channels and two 3.5mm sockets for pedals. In the sketch I've mapped the Keys F13 and upwards to it. In Voicemeeter I could map them through it's macro buttons. For the pedals I use the Microsoft power toys to remap their F shortcut to what I currently need.

[@HB9BLA]

Interesting idea to go wireless! For the moment, I do not need more buttons (I once made a video where I used a midi deck, but did not like it). Maybe stuff for another video.

[@siberx4]

Great trick, and works well for software that supports/expects the "serial port status line trick" to get its inputs. I have, in other situations, used cheap USB footpedals from china to accomplish a similar task with other more general-purpose applications. In that case, you get a small software utility to configure what _regular keyboard key_ the footswitch emulates, which gets saved to its internal EEPROM so that you don't need to run the utility once it has been configured. This is useful for things like voice chat programs that support a PTT, but I'm not sure if any of the radio control software typically allows binding arbitrary keyboard keys to act as a PTT, especially when the window doesn't have focus.

[@HB9BLA]

I did not know that ready-made USB pedals exist. A very versatile product, indeed.

[@meinsda5983]

Very old way ;) There is a newer and a simple way Andi. You can use one of the new ESP32 Chips with USB support or an old AVR Chip with USB support. There are a lot of samples to emulate a keyboard. Now you can use a lot of inputs you need with one device. I Think its a ATmega32U4 oder 64

[@HB9BLA]

I agree, this is a good way, particularly if you want more than just a key. I once made a video where I used a midi deck with all the bells and whistles, but did not like it. This is why I came back to the simple foot switch.

[@johnward7619]

Great content as always! You can also create an HID interface that can map keys for ptt, say ( maybe a macro in the software) and a tuning rotary encoder..... much like the icom fob for rs-ba software

[@HB9BLA]

You are right. I once made a video where I used a midi controller for the SDR console. But I did not like it. So I came back to the simple foot switch...

[@dave_dennis]

I am using such a PTT on BlueDV for D-star and DMR.

[@HB9BLA]

Thank you for your feedback. Never heard of BlueDV, so I had to google. It looks like a nice project to replace a handheld in your shack...

[@joeripe5jw]

The rs232 is simple and reliable. Im using a midi console with vfo as well as some other functions. Also a ptt button, which has a in parallel a connector for the footswitch.

[@HB9BLA]

I once tried a midi console, but was not happy with it. so different people prefer different operating styles...

[@jamesmichener7526]

I do not agree with your recommended foot switch. The problem with most foot switches is that they roam around on the floor and you often are pushing on the back of the switch.... which will not activate the switch. Decades ago, while in a hospital, I saw the foot switch that they used for the X-Ray machine. It was solidly built, and the orientation of the switch did not matter. I got the information on the switch, and found that it was available for very reasonable prices. It has worked flawlessly for years. Your ham shack can benefit while you're in the hospital.

[@HB9BLA]

Good point! I do not have a lot of problems with it. But if, I probably would glue it with double sided tape to a piece of wood (or even to the floor). Speaking of hospitals: When I was there last time, two doctors knew me because they are frequent viewers of my channel. Unexpected!

[@AdityaMehendale]

Ah, when I first saw the "problem statement" i thought you would build a keyboard-emulator using USB-HID on a teensy or sth. BTW - for the "3d-printed case" - I usually put a squiggle-shaped "S" negative-space where the cable exits the printed part - No hot-glue needed (well.. perhaps a tie-wrap to be extra secure)

[@HB9BLA]

1. HID would have been another possibility. However, a bit more complicated because of the programming. This is my HAM channel where not everybody "speaks" Arduino ;-) 2. Good idea with the 3D print. I have to try it in my next design.

[@praveenb9048]

Thank you for your excellent videos! Have you tried FLDigi on the Raspberry Pi? I installed it on my Pi 5, but it slows the mouse cursor down to a crawl so it is unusable. Any tips on solving this? I understand people have used FLDigi even on the Pi 3 and Pi 4, so I'm wondering what's wrong on my Pi 5.

[@HB9BLA]

I do not even own a Pi5, so I am no help :-(

[@rogerorchard2317]

I know you like the esp32, they use a smiler trick on but the other way around got reset and program buttons.

[@HB9BLA]

Yes, they use the DTR pin if I remember right. This one is is present on all USB-to-Serial adapters.

[@anispinner]

Hey man 👋. I use this type of switch to Mute/Unmute the mic on my PC. Just connected it with 8266 and it's doing alright, plus can be battery-powered. But I think I'll move the solution to be wired. You need to make sure that the mute feature works correctly and without the delay, otherwise, I can't really rely on it.

[@HB9BLA]

Interesting project!

[@plemli]

For my FLEX 6500, rather than using the modem signals, I send RX; and TX; using an Arduino Nano to the USB serial port configured in CAT. The advantages are no confusion and easy monitoring with the Arduino serial monitor or PuTTY.

[@HB9BLA]

Interesting! Is this project documented somewhere? You still need a USB-to -serial adapter? Where would you see the confusion?

[@plemli]

@@HB9BLA No, it's not documented, but it is a really simple arduino script. Basically read the footswitch connected between GND and a digital input configured with an internal pullup, debounce it, and Serial.println("TX;") when it is pressed and RX; when it is released. There is no additional USB-to-serial adapter required as the Arduino Nano has one built in. Confusion as in which modem signal, what is high and what is low ? You were confused yourself in the video ;-)

[@neilcherry6452]

One note, there is an older version of RS232 (C?) which uses +/- 25v. If you are using modern RS232 USB dongles (not the serial TTL USB dongles which are +5v/0v) and having issues with connecting to the older equipment look for a different higher quality USB dongle that gets you closer to the older standards. Or you may need to build a converter setup to get you from the +/1 25v and the newer +/- 5v RS232 USB dongles.

[@miked4943]

rs232 is up to +/- 15V (+/-12V would work)

[@neilcherry6452]

@@miked4943 thanks for pointing that out. I've had 25v on my brain (worked on a 1940's Centronics interface with +/-25v max).

[@HB9BLA]

Thanks for the info. I only knew about the +/- 12V version

[@flosax]

i use an esp32 with usb hid support or stm32 to have a big button connected like a normal keyboard

[@HB9BLA]

This is another good possibility. However, you need MCU programming skills.

[@KX2U]

I thought the pedal switch would be great until I owned one. It's a pain in the A$$ trying to get it positioned under the desk or even on the side of the desk. Its always where I didn't leave it last and the cable tangles easily. I am looking for a hand switch now, or better yet a slap bar on the edge of my desk would be great.

[@HB9BLA]

For me, it is ok like that. But I agree, I have to check the place it is from time-to-time...

[@dogumctrl]

Hello Mr. Andreas. I'm Aykut Kaplan. I'm a member of a search and rescue team in Turkey. I want to build a device that can detect people behind walls in earthquake debris. I need your help. Can we get in touch?

[@mickgibson370]

I wondering why you did not use a parallel printer port. You can use 8 difference devices! And they are USB compatible too!

[@HB9BLA]

This was never considered because the programs I use do not support it. This was differerent for CNC machines. They extensively used parallel ports as "GPIOs".

[@Grishanof]

Would be easier to harvest the pcb from an old cheap keyboard, connect the footswitch to the pins of the key you need and map PTT to that keycode in the OS, don't even have to think too much

[@HB9BLA]

An interesting method!

[@Chris-ut6eq]

RS-232 is still commonly used in industrial automation for low cost device communication, so is RS-485. It is really dead for most consumer devices.

[@HB9BLA]

I agree. Even my solar inverter offers RS-485...

[@mcconkeyb]

😃

[@HB9BLA]

:-)

[@rpsmith]

Interesting! Ground or zero volts is not considered a valid state in the RS232 standard. But if it works, who cares That is probably why Flex does it the way they do.

[@HB9BLA]

Indeed, the standard was adapted to TTL levels for PCs. I do not know if it is an official standard, but widely used.

[@santoshbansode697]

❤```````

[@HB9BLA]

:-)

[@TheRealEtaoinShrdlu]

Why not just use USB?!

[@HB9BLA]

Also a possibility.

[@bjarkekorsgaard]

That was a nice inspiration - thank you very much. Vy 73 de OZ2BKK

[@HB9BLA]

Glad you enjoyed it!