Arduino Foot Pedal PTT Switch

Since I got a mechanical keyboard people on Mumble have been ranting about all the clicky-clicky noise it makes :)

I dont like the idea on wasting a finger just to trigger the PTT. So I always use the automatic voice activated PTT.

The solution, a foot pedal to trigger the PTT. I used an Arduino pro micro clone. I guess any compatible Arduino works as long as it got the ATmega 32U4 for the native USB.

I got a piano sustain pedal cheap of Ebay. It´s sturdy enough and has plenty of room for internals.

The project itself is very easy to make. And I guess any kind of switch would work.

The pedal quality is very good and sturdy.

I removed the floor rubber pad looking for screws. There aren't any :)

To remove the cover, get a very thin screwdriver and bend some pins on one of the washers holding the rod. Slide the rod and the cover comes off.

Now it is time to get the Arduino, LED and hookup wire. Also a suitable resistor for the LED.

I used digital pin 7 for the PTT switch. Pin 9 for the LED. And both GND pins.

Initially I had plans of drilling 4 holes around the Arduino, securing it with zipties. Unfortunately the metal was so hard that my dremel just couldn't drill through. I isolated the Arduino with a piece of rubber glued to the bottom. Removed the polarity switch and expanded one of the holes big enough to push the LED through.

Hot glue is your friend. I used it to secure both USB cable and leads coming from the Arduino. Reassemble the cover and the board is ready for programming.

Code available here.