These thoughts were rolling through my head when I noticed that Adafruit was offering a foot pedal switch at a reasonable price ($7.95 for single units, less if ordered in quantity).
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In the former case, we’re looking for some kind of physical connection to either the microphone jack or ACC jack of a rig, in the latter case, since “running” a frequency usually amounts to repeatedly stabbing the F1 key of some contesting software (e.g., N1MM) to play a canned message or send a CQ message in morse code, what we want is a means of sending the “F1” keystroke to a computer. Foot pedals would be helpful in two contexts: 1) for keying the rig’s microphone PTT during voice operation, allowing the operator to use a hands-free boom mike, and 2) for sending a “CQ” message during a contest.
A number of members remarked that it takes some coordination to depress a computer keyboard key with one hand, while working a straight key or paddles with the other.Īnother need that has arisen in the past relates to contesting. Any key can be designated, but metakeys (like ALT, CTRL, etc.) work best, since they are not likely to be used for anything else during the session. There is a VOX option in the software, but it often led to unintentional microphone keying during the session, feedback, and general interruption of the practice sessions. One issue that arose was that the software worked best in “”PTT” mode, where a key was depressed when the sender wanted to open his/her microphone. This VOIP solution worked very well, and while we know it’s not radio, it’s a fine way to practice. We had run a few CW practice nets on HF, but most of the time, band conditions did not permit all of the interested members to participate, since our members are not just from the local area. First, our radio club had started using TeamSpeak for internet conferencing. Several factors led to development of this project.
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For the rest of us, though, perhaps the left foot could be used for other purposes, leaving the hands free to operate the radio, and more importantly, convey items back and forth from the mouth during radio operation, supplying the operator with the necessary calories and hydration to make it through a contest.
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There are several physiological reasons why sending code with the left foot is not a good idea, although with practice it might be an option for some. This versatile expression is more often used in the interrogative, i.e., “QLF?”, or “Are you sending with your left foot?” Morse code operators have known this since the dawn of time and have a Q-signal dedicated to the use of the left foot to send messages: QLF. One of the limiting factors in making optimal use of a radio is the number of human appendages that interact meaningfully with the radio, hence the importance of a big knob on the front of the radio and hands to turn it.
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