foot switch PTT pinout or cable question

[Scott Gibson]

I am trying to figure out how to convert my mono 1/4 inch foot switch to the 1/8 inch stereo plug to use the foot switch for PTT.  My simple mind thinks I just need this.

The wiki says "The ring connector is the push-to-talk input."  I would like to adapt the plug and not cut or rewire it, but a mono to mono would ground both sleeve and ring when inserted I would think.

How is everyone using a foot switch?  I suppose I could get a USB to serial device and use Thetis to PTT as well.  I see these settings for that, but not sure if RTS or DTR is required.  Also, is this on when shorted (foot switch pressed) and off when not, or does this switch it on and off again?

I did a search and didn't find much discussion on the cable bit for a foot switch.  The two I have both have 1/4 mono plug and I have a mono RCA adapter for when I had a Flex.

Then if i get the foot switch working, I uncheck "Allow PTT to override/bypass VAC for Phone"???

[DL1YCF]

This has nothing to do with the SDR software you are using.

Just wire the foot switch to a 3.5mm STEREO plug, and wire the
ground of your mono plug to the ground of the stereo jack,
and the tip of the mono plug either to the top or ring
(don’t remember, try both) of the stereo jack. That’s it.

> Am 01.10.2023 um 06:39 schrieb Scott Gibson <gib...@gmail.com>:
>
> I am trying to figure out how to convert my mono 1/4 inch foot switch to the 1/8 inch stereo plug to use the foot switch for PTT. My simple mind thinks I just need this.
>

> <311z686RqEL._AC_.jpg>
>
> The wiki says "The ring connector is the push-to-talk input." I would like to adapt the plug and not cut or rewire it, but a mono to mono would ground both sleeve and ring when inserted I would think.
>
> How is everyone using a foot switch? I suppose I could get a USB to serial device and use Thetis to PTT as well. I see these settings for that, but not sure if RTS or DTR is required. Also, is this on when shorted (foot switch pressed) and off when not, or does this switch it on and off again?
>

> <2023-09-30 21_30_18-Setup.png>
>
> I did a search and didn't find much discussion on the cable bit for a foot switch. The two I have both have 1/4 mono plug and I have a mono RCA adapter for when I had a Flex.
>

> Then if i get the foot switch working, I uncheck "Allow PTT to override/bypass VAC for Phone"???<2023-09-30 21_34_02-Setup.png>
>
>
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> <2023-09-30 21_34_02-Setup.png><2023-09-30 21_30_18-Setup.png><311z686RqEL._AC_.jpg>

[radi...@mail.com]

Scott, as per this section on the Wiki:

https://github.com/softerhardware/Hermes-Lite2/wiki/External-Connections

You just need something to route the 1/4" mono footswitch plug to the ring of the 1/8" (3.5mm) socket on the front panel of the HL2.

You could do it with one of these (eBay link below) and use one of the 1/4" sockets to plug in your footswitch the one that goes to RING (mono socket on the adapter should be labelled RIGHT) for PTT and the other one (mono socket should be labelled LEFT) to plug in a CW key that goes to the TIP for the CW key, and then a simple lightweight 3.5mm extension cable to get from this adapter to the HL2 to prevent any strain on the HL2 socket. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/323914579476

Or do it in one hit with one of these cables. I only show for example. Must be cheaper around somewhere but sorry I have no time to search:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRYCTGQC?th=1

Obviously it's important to make sure that whatever adapter you buy the 3.5mm plug end is STEREO and the 1/4" sockets are MONO.

73

Max 

[V85NPV]

Hello,

In fact you have the choice of using the Hermes lite input or COM Port. Myself i have choosen the COM port since i am mostly a CW operator and prefer to keep the Hermes Lite input free for my CW keyers only.

The COM port DB9 is wired to the Pins 8 and 9 . You just need to setup the COM port accordingly (COM3 for me)

As a footswitch , i am using a footswitch for home light system and all working good.

73s Didier V85NPV

[Ron Lewkowicz]

I just used one of those stereo y adapter cables that you would use to plug a portable audio device into a regular sound system.  I already had numerous of these in the house. 1/8 TRS male to two RCA plugs is generally the format but you can get them with two 1/4 plugs either male or female.  The one that matches up with the ring on the 1/8 goes to your PTT switch. I soldered it in to an old CB mike.  The RCA plug fit perfectly.  The other can be simply left hanging or go to a CW key I expect.

[V85NPV]

In fact initially i was using the Hermes Lite input plug but since i have other homebrew SDR TRX using PowerSDR it was more convenient to use the COM port and not a port from the TRX . Otherwise it was tricky to mix with other TRX . Most of SDR TRX since using PowerSDR, SDR Console , PIHPSDR and QUISK you can trigger the PTT with RTS/DTR from the COM port.

73s Didier

[Scott Gibson]

Okay, I should be good.  Got it figured out well enough.

[radi...@mail.com]

Yes, that will do it and plug keyer in the other side. Sorted. Only thing I would strongly recommend is use a 3.5mm (you call it 1/8"?) extension cable between that and the HL2 jack to reduce the strain on the HL2 socket. I've had to replace my HL2 socket already due to intermittent issue. 

73

Max

[Dustin - KD9QGP]

Thanks for all the information here. I've wired these into most of my radios as they are cheap and seem to work well.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BZX4XGY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1