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geekhack Community => Input Devices => Topic started by: Cadrach on Fri, 18 January 2013, 12:41:56

Title: Foot pedal switch (not USB)
Post by: Cadrach on Fri, 18 January 2013, 12:41:56
I'm planning on adding one or more foot pedals to the ErgoDox (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=22780.0) keyboard that I'm planning to order (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=39107.0).  I've used my Kinesis Advantage and its secondary key layer for so many years that I just can't imagine not having access to extra layers via foot pedals.

As I understand it I basically just want a foot pedal that opens/closes a circuit, and then I'll wire that into the ErgoDox as a key.  Does anybody have a suggestion for a simple well made foot pedal?
Title: Re: Foot pedal switch (not USB)
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Fri, 18 January 2013, 13:01:01
The first thing that came to mind after reading your post was a Rock Band/Guitar Hero drum kit foot pedal, like one of these:

(http://www.siglermusiconline.com/store/pc/catalog/rbr/rbr_plate001.jpg)

It should be perfect for what you are wanting to do with it.
Title: Re: Foot pedal switch (not USB)
Post by: Cadrach on Fri, 18 January 2013, 13:17:43
Gosh, if only I had one of those in a closet at home.

Oh, right.  I do.  And now I feel stupid.

Thanks!  :)

If anybody has additional suggestions, they are of course welcome.
Title: Re: Foot pedal switch (not USB)
Post by: Internetlad on Fri, 18 January 2013, 13:26:50
Theoretically you could even solder the 3.5mm jack in place and then you'd have a removable foot pedal. That would be boss.

Like a wah wah for your keyboard lol
Title: Re: Foot pedal switch (not USB)
Post by: to1ne on Wed, 07 August 2013, 03:23:09
I am just curious, how did it work out?

I am also planning to buy an ErgoDox (the second batch will be available soon) and I am looking for a solution to use pedals as modifier keys on Mac OS X.
On Mac OS X the internal do not support modifiers from one input device to work with a second input device. Therefore the modifier should be sent through the same device (i.e. ErgoDox).

An other idea would be to build a "man-in-the-middle" device with a Teensy board. It would just forward the signals coming from the keyboard, but "add" the modifier keys coming from the pedals.