The AM Forum

Does anyone use a foot switch to key an amplifier or accessory?

I have preferred a hand operated switch, maybe toggle or a rotary selector on a panel or having more of a manual-off-automatic function like that, but I'm interested in learning when a foot switch is preferable and why.

This switch got me thinking about these preferences. Believe it's a locomotive deadman switch, if that's what the switch at the driver's seat is called. Pretty large specimen of cast iron about 8" tall. The treadle is about 3"x1.5" and also cast.. not just for dainty users but I think CCS-rated for steel toe work boots!

I use one on the Kenwood equipment.  Have a foot switch that goes into a 'relay box' that has a couple mosfets as switches (key goes to ground) for amps or other accessories.

I figured it would help with hot switching keying the amplifier up WITH the radios TX line, rather than after the radio has started producing rf.  All my junk is too old to have a menu driven delay for TX)

The Kenwood has a studio mic boom.

The yeasu setup (6 meters on up) has a D104.  No amplifiers to switch on.

Love that pedal.  That would look great for Prime Minister and his clack clack clack relay......


--Shane
KD6VXI

I use one to activate the PTT on my Viking II when using it on CW.  Beats moving multiple switches.  All my boatanchors use 2-circuit [AKA "stereo"] phone plugs/sockets, so I have the footswitch wired to the 'tip' of the plug so it can be used with any of them.  Also nice for microphones with no PTT switch capability.  Got my 2 in a box lot that I bought  some time ago to get 4 6L6's;  think I paid $6 for the lot.

That brake dead man switch was replaced with one they have mounted on the top of the locomotives control panel nowadays. A long time engineer friend of mine said that many operators used to put a heavy break shoe on that switch. I don't know if it lead to any accidents as there is usually more than one person in the cab?

A number of my friends use the foot pedal switch but I don't know if I would like it?

I think the hand operated SW is faster for break in? What was the question ;) ;)

Tattoo parlors use interesting footswitches. (Not that I have ever been in one.) Among items they re-purpose into footswitches are old McElroy stream keys and modified Victor rat traps.

I use a dual foot switch that was originally from a Dictaphone dictating machine. The right side keys the radio and the left side is my "passing gear" which keys the radio + the amp!

Park=off
R=Receive
N=Standby
D=Transmitter
L=Transmitter + Amplifier

not too practical but it has an ashtray..

I remember from somewhere a couple of old hams talking about "horse racing" but I got the feeling no horses were involved.

I guess we'll see what the future brings with that footswitch.

My foot switch is a 4 ganged one from some type of old therapy chair.

Now for a radiotherapy clinic!