The foot switch thread

[Scary Guy]

So, my PCSensor (that's the brand name) three petal (key) foot switch has died (mostly, I think it's a USB connection issue.) I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on what to replace it with.

I find having one is useful, especially if programed to function as modifier keys. No more Emacs pinkie! (or in my case, thumb.)

[browncow]

how about those heavy duty industrial pedals for machines, they have roller micro switches inside which you could just wire up to a pro micro
https://www.amazon.de/-/en/YORKING-Indu ... B08D6FTX98
something like that, i think you can find even cheaper pedals than this and they are super sturdy and satisfying

[Muirium]

What jack do they have on the back? Can’t see it face on in the pictures, but you can tell it’s something quite large, which may be satisfying in itself! Chunky oldschool cable like that you don’t wanna miss out…

[browncow]

it's not a jack, its a holder for a thick cable but those are screw-on so you could probably mount some nice big jack connector there or i think a DIN would fit too.

[Muirium]

Ah! These were made for modding, then. Seems to be an obligatory element of their use!

I’ve heard our very own Kbdfr uses a footpedal in his work to control audio playback. Wonder what kit he’s into under the desk. Not a foot-sized Tipro surely.

[joebeazelman]

I have an Austrian-made transcription foot switch I bought from a thrift store for $5. The pedal switches have a nice click to it. It also has a 6-pin DIN connector, but I have no idea what the pinouts are. It might make for a fun electronics project in the future, perhaps a user programmable USB HID device.

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[Scary Guy]

I was thinking more of something that maybe I could use the QMK firmware with, potentially. Although I'm pretty sure nothing like that exists right now. I guess if people really wanted there could be LEDs under the pedals too.

I'm way too ADHD to carry this idea forward though and the 'tism doesn't help any either. I would really like it if my ideas could just appear out of thin air.

[kbdfr]

Ah! These were made for modding, then. Seems to be an obligatory element of their use!

I’ve heard our very own Kbdfr uses a footpedal in his work to control audio playback. Wonder what kit he’s into under the desk. Not a foot-sized Tipro surely.

Of course a Tipro

[Scary Guy]

Of course a Tipro

Not a horrible idea really, but it probably only works well bare footed or with wingtips.

Actually never mind, I just imagined cleaning that.

Also I can't realistically see needing more than 3 petals unless you're doing something with gaming or music synthesis.

[browncow]

I was thinking more of something that maybe I could use the QMK firmware with, potentially. Although I'm pretty sure nothing like that exists right now. I guess if people really wanted there could be LEDs under the pedals too.

I'm way too ADHD to carry this idea forward though and the 'tism doesn't help any either. I would really like it if my ideas could just appear out of thin air.

realistically you can use those industrial switches with QMK. you just need an arduino pro micro, and a bit of wire to wire the microswitches inside of those to pro micro pins. It would be super easy because you only need 4 pins, so you can just wire them directly and still have pins left for driving LED's for example.

[Scary Guy]

I didn't even consider that. Good idea, thanks!

[mmm]

If you come across a piano/keyboard foot-pedal those should also be possible to mod. I just checked one I have laying around, and it is definitely binary (but it's reverse of a normal switch, with ~0 Ω when it's unpressed). But the industrial pedals might be a better fit.

Of course a Tipro

I was not expecting to see something so accurate. Impressive.

I would really like it if my ideas could just appear out of thin air.

You and me both!

[Muirium]

I do actually have a Roland DP-2 piano pedal lying spare, which came bundled with my FP-30 piano. I use the posh 3 pedal board instead. Never had a use for the little guy with that. It's entirely binary, and I think has a big old fashioned quarter inch jack. If anyone local's interested, it's yours for the price of shipping.

[Scary Guy]

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ms ... -footpedal

I wanted to mention this, which is overpriced gaming crap. Also why does MSI even need a Kickstarter anyway?

I guess at least the lights make it easier to find in the dark.

[Muirium]

Also why does MSI even need a Kickstarter anyway?

Shame is unlocked as one of the higher stretch goals.