Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
from
Bob Miller, KE5ZZY
on
December 18, 2011
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Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
I truly love home brewing whether it’s something complicated or something relatively simple. Many times any project you care to tackle hits a roadblock when it comes to finding the ‘right’ enclosure.
There are probably several variations on this theme out there so I’ll pass along mine. Anyone with a soldering iron and a drill can build this!
I’m not a huge fan of a PTT foot switch, and decided a handheld switch would be more to my liking. This little accessory can be built for about 5 or 6 dollars and has held up well with heavy use. A ‘store bought’ PTT pistol switch from one popular manufacturer costs 32 dollars.
The parts you’ll need.
1. A ‘campers’ plastic matchbox. (Just Google that and there are several available for 1 or 2 dollars/round/square/etc. or visit your local sporting goods store)
2. A switch. (Choose either latching on/off or if you have a strong thumb a momentary)
3. 2-conductor stranded cable of sufficient size to accommodate, then pigtailed to an appropriate connector to attach to your particular radio. Be sure to use good ‘strain relievers’ at the cable entry point. My setup has my mic connector pigtailed out to a female RCA, so I wired the switch with the male RCA as the pigtail out.
4. Easy as can be from there. Drill holes top and bottom, decide on length of wire to use, then terminate to your rig, and you are good to go. Plus, you saved some cash to put in your ‘Ham Radio gadget budget bucket’!
73
Bob Miller
KE5ZZY
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Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by W1JKA on December 18, 2011
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Excellent idea for a case Bob,a lot better grip than my 4 inch smooth sided plastic pill bottle version that I use as a back up cw keyer when I qo qrp bckpacking.
73 Jim
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Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by W5LZ on December 18, 2011
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Remember the older 'joy stick' game controllers? How about the ones that had a 'trigger' and maybe a thumb button or two? Hardest part with using them for the PTT is remembering which button does what. They tend to 'fit' nicely. You can even use the supplied cord/cable if it has one...
- Paul
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Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by K4TMC on December 18, 2011
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I just use a discarded computer mouse, one of the older basic 2-button types with 3-ft cable. Cut off the PC connector and determine which wires provide the switch connection. Add the appropriate connector for your rig.
The only problem is being careful which mouse to use when you have a PC in the shack.
73,
Henry - K4TMC
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Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by K8AXW on December 18, 2011
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I've been playing this PTT switch in a container game for quite some time. Until I happened to run across a small snap-action micro switch in my junk box, which I now use, I've never been satisfied with any container I've tried.
This one looks like a winner! Good job!
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Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by K1CJS on December 18, 2011
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With respect to Jim, I find that a pill bottle, especially those with a larger cap that can act as a stop against the fingers gripping it, are just as good as other hand sized containers. If the smoothness of the bottle is a bother, some fabric tape such as friction tape (or hockey stick tape, as some call it) serves to both provide some roughness for the hand to grip and also hides the wiring inside. Best of all, those bottles are free! Yeah, I know, the cheapness is showing. :-) 73!
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RE: Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by AC5UP on December 18, 2011
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I'll take European Monarchs for $600, Alex...
PS: Neat Idea!
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RE: Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by KG4RUL on December 18, 2011
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This is my solution: http://www.w4brk.org/PendantSwitch.bmp
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Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by K0JEG on December 18, 2011
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I thought it was going to be an article about building a Johnson Matchbox out of plastic!
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Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by NT2F on December 18, 2011
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The pill bottle worked for me, but results are not nearly as nice as this. Thanks for sharing the idea.
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RE: Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by KO4XJ on December 18, 2011
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Yep, a pill bottle or if want to show your age, a plastic 35mm film container but that feels to small for me. A couple of bucks and you can PTT!
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Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by WD8OQX on December 18, 2011
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I've GOTTA be missing SOMETHING here, because I just don't see the point. If your gonna hold something in your hand for PTT, why not a HAND-MIC? Please don't get me wrong, I'm all for homebrewing, but for me a FOOT switch to free the hands, makes more sense. So, can those that use this thing, enlighten me?
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RE: Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by KX5JT on December 18, 2011
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I mounted my pushbutton in a small project box and it sits right ontop my mouse pad. I just hit it to key up go back to my mouse until I unkey and hit it again. Viola!
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RE: Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by W1JKA on December 19, 2011
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With respects to WD8OQX don't FOOT switches cost money? HI (Happy holidays to all)
73 Jim
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Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by K2CMH on December 19, 2011
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There was an article recently in one of the ham magazines about using those big red 'Easy' buttons that you can buy at Staples as a PTT switch. While it was not touted as a handheld solution, it does work rather nicely on the desktop as it has some weight in it as well as rubber feet to keep it from sliding. I thought it was an interesting idea.
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RE: Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by WD8OQX on December 19, 2011
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W1JKA
If one MAKES one, I can't see it costing that much more than a hand one. It depends on how resourceful one can get. I've had a few ideas for one in the past but haven't really had a use for one, so I put the ideas to the side.
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RE: Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by K9WN on December 19, 2011
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To WD8OQX and others... A handheld PTT comes in very handy if you are using a boom mike such as a Heil Gold line. They don't have the little button like a mobile mike has on the side. I myself have both a HB hand switch, made of PVC sprinkler fittings and a HB foot switch in parallel, so if the foot gets tired or I want to move around, I've got the hand switch. I use a Heil boom/headset......ie no little button. Jake
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RE: Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by WD8OQX on December 19, 2011
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K9WN
Thanks for the info, that explains the need for an "external" switch, & I guess ones foot WOULD get tired, too.
Has anyone considered a toggle switch with a long bat, mounted at the console? Just wondering what the pros / cons of that would be. (other than the obvious - being at the console to operate it)
BTW: this project is by no means a bad one - If one desires a hand switch, the idea is quite sound. (thought I clarify that, as my questions make it sound otherwise)
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RE: Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by WD8OQX on December 19, 2011
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I guess I'm just not used to a "studio type" shack & when it comes to stuff outside the "norm", I get a bit puzzled. Thanks for bearing with me on this.
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Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by W0PZD on December 19, 2011
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"Back in the day" before digital cameras when we used 35mm film that came in plastic containers I used them for projects like the one described. I still have one for my QRP+ index to use as a PTT. One can also use a "push-on--push-off" switch so your thumb doesn't get tired if you are longwinded.
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Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by NC3C on December 19, 2011
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Great idea....
I used an old small flashlight. Drilled a hole in the plastic lens to mount the switch, and one in the other end to allow the cable entry. This particular flashlight had finger grooves so really felt swell while holding.
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Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by K9WLF on December 19, 2011
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I have made PTT switches out of dead magic markers. Those are cheap enough to just buy one and use it! Open them up and remove the felt pad. Add a strain relief knot before exiting the wire out the little hole and I used a momentary switch drilled and secured in the fat end. I used the switch a lot for 3 years with a headset boom mic when I was a NTS VHF net control years ago. Now I have a rat shack foot switch for the last 7 years. It works great and only cost me about $10 at the time, too bad it is no longer sold.
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Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by KE4ZHN on December 20, 2011
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Not to berate anyone who use's PTT, but it always seems that PTT users double a lot more because they don't let off the button on speech pauses and the other party thinks you un-keyed. This is why on SSB, VOX with proper set up is awesome. But, I also realize many of you cant use it due to noise in the shack or just not liking it. Some rigs dont even have it. To each his own. I used to hate VOX but once I got comfortable with it I wont get on SSB any other way. Very comfortable. To me, its more like talking face to face and your hands are free to work your shack computer or make adjustments while on the air. Now I cant stand having to hold a button or mic to operate. The only disadvantage is you need a quiet shack and you'd better make sure the VOX is off if you drop something and say a nasty word. lol
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by KX5JT on December 20, 2011
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I can't stand VOX and it's chopped up audio. If you use push to talk, it's simple... say OVER when done. DOH
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RE: Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by W0FM on December 20, 2011
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WD8OQX wrote: "Has anyone considered a toggle switch with a long bat, mounted at the console? Just wondering what the pros / cons of that would be. (other than the obvious - being at the console to operate it)"
I have done that in a number of instances Tim, and it worked quite well for me. I used a DPDT switch with momentary action on the "DOWN" side and locking action on the "UP" side. I mounted it in a small vertical panel along the top of the operating desk within easy reach of my resting right hand. Very comfortable, one finger operation. Got the idea from an old public safety dispatch console (which someone went to great expense and length to ergonomically design).
73,
Terry, WØFM
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Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by KK9CQ on December 20, 2011
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I use a foot switch just about 100% of the time. However, I also have a regular 110V light switch(the silent type) mounted on the desk to key the radio by hand and give the old foot a rest. If you want to make a hole in the top of your operating desk, drop the switch down and flush mount the face plate. Or, get an electrical box, face plate, switch,and surface mount it. It makes a very "smooth" key/unkey switch.
Be safe
Bob
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RE: Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by WD8OQX on December 20, 2011
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It's interesting all the ideas that we come up with... Keep them coming!
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Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by KE5ZZY on December 20, 2011
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To all: I enjoyed all of your comments, and find it interesting how each has a view as
to what my end goal was, which was a usable hand held PTT switch. I really enjoyed seeing
your comments and although I've only been a ham for about 3 years, I love the fact that I
was given an opportunity to offer up my little project and got to see some other 'angles' on
acheiving that goal. Thanks for the comments and ideas!! Hope to contact some of you down my log.
73! Bob KE5ZZY Tulsa, Ok.
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RE: Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by KO4XJ on December 21, 2011
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Everyone has their own operating style and comfort. I use a foot switch from a old stenographers device (two switches if I want to use two rigs) but I use the hand PTT (old medicine bottle)most of the time with a Heil PRO SET boom/headset. My hearing is not as good so the the headsets are great but the mic stays the same distance so I can move my head in the shack. VOX is great but I sometimes suffer from VFO RAGE... WHY DOESN'T THAT IDIOT TURN HIS VFO!!!!
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RE: Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by W8AAZ on December 22, 2011
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Ditto. I use different types of non ham or non comm. mics and my rig will key in phone with a straight key. So easy there, and nothing to change when you change modes, unless you want to use the keyer function, I guess. But all radios are different and something like this has been used here in the past.
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RE: Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by KX5JT on December 22, 2011
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Not to berate VOX users but personally I don't like the chopped up audio from the VOX turning on and off between words... especially since I tend to run more AM than SSB. :)
But everyone has their own operating style and I truly believe in a live and let live as long as we all have respect for one another.
I enjoy my PTT mounted there above my mouse pad right there in reach of an extended finger to activate it.
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RE: Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by KE4ZHN on December 24, 2011
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KX5JT - If its chopped up the operator is using too much antivox or talking too far from the mic. Properly set up vox is seamless on the air and smooth as silk if the operator knows what they are doing. But, whatever floats yer boat, Im not here to argue.
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Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by KJ7S on December 24, 2011
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Any number of ptt's can work, but, like this one, its highly variable depending on the station operation and operator hi. In my case, and for free... I used an old desk mic base (in this case an old flat black Sure desk mic),
put the proper wires in place and it works real well. Specially when you are doing nets and have to have the hands free for the PC and Paperwork. Of course when using the Boom Mounted Heil its all good hihi.
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RE: Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by W0PSK on December 30, 2011
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I use a similar switch setup on my FT-817, employing an old pc-mouse cable. Take notice, the connector at the end of many is a 6 pin din type connector-adapter and fits the data port of the FT-817 perfectly. Two of those pins on the data input will turn the xmit on and off. A cheap and easy use for PSK and other digital modes.
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Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by KC9IEE on January 5, 2012
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I did basically the same thing except I used the "easy" button from staples. I love it, Its big enough for me to beat on during the heat of a pile up, and I get the bonus of not hearing "that was easy" all the time anymore. :)
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RE: Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by KC5NYJ on January 29, 2012
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I like the long toggle switch bat idea. Reminds me of the mic toggle on old school Rockwell/Collins and Autogram consoles, to name a couple. They all had it back in the day. Worked great.
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Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by KE7BDI on January 29, 2012
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Hand held switch is a really nice idea...but for about the same cash I would save the time fabricating and go to vetco.com and pick a nifty $6 hand held switch ready made.
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RE: Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by N1DVJ on January 30, 2012
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Drag racers have a pretty standard switch... It's used to 'lock' an automatic transmission into both reverse and 1st gear, and with the proper controls, also does a rotating misfire of the engine so it doesn't foul plugs. When the 'tree comes down' you release the button and launch the car.
Some races build them into the vehicle, but if you have a 'practice tree' setup, you might have a standalone switch.
I would have thought that would make a decent PTT, but I'm wondering if it would mess up your reaction time...
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RE: Homebrew PTT Plastic Matchbox
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by W1HRM on February 2, 2012
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I USED A PUSH BUTTON SWITCH (RADIO SHACK) INSTALLED INTO THE END OF A PHONE PLUG.
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