OT-- need plans for a wireless switch

From: ghldbrd_at_ccp.com <(ghldbrd_at_ccp.com)>
Date: Thu Jul 17 13:09:00 2003

> I'm posting this here because, on the average, you guys are pretty
> smart.

Not THAT smart, we just try harder than most people.
>
> I'm trying to put a push-to-talk switch on the steering wheel of my
> car so I can key the 2-meter ham radio while keeping both hands
> on the wheel. I've got a little boom mic and have built an interface
> box, but how to mount the switch has me stumped.
>
> I picked up one of the velcro aircraft ptt buttons, which mounts
> nicely, but even with the relatively short turning radius of my
> Subaru it's still a good number of turns lock-to-lock and the coiled
> cord has a tendency to get snagged in the space between the
> wheel and steering column.
>
> My next thought is to use the aircraft button, but with a tiny
> transmitter/battery mounted on the wheel, with a receiver mounted
> under the steering column with a keying relay. Hit the button, the
> relay turns on, let up, the relay releases.
>
> I've been Googling for a while, but most tiny transmitters are either
> for "spy" audio apps, or are multi-button jobs for garage doors and
> things like that. All I need is a simple on/off fm transmitter that
> controls a simple relay on the receiver end, preferably powered by
> a couple of AA cells or similar, and the transmitter needs to be
> hackable so I can connect the wheel-mounted ptt switch.
>
> Any suggestions?
>
> I know this isn't directly related to Classiccmp, but it IS related to
> ham radio and electronics, and ham radio and electronics are
> related to hamfests, and hamfests attract computer collectors, so
> there. I just made the connection.
>
> Thanks.
>
>
>
> Paul Braun
> Cygnus Productions
> nerdware_at_ctgonline.org

Scrap the button on the wheel idea --- I'd mount a good rugged switch on
the floorboard off to the left of the brake pedal. Something on the order
of a headlight dimmer switch.

With power steering, you really don't need both hands on the wheel
anymore. I can't remember back when, when I needed both hands to steer.

And I'd say a radio controlled 'PTT' might be a tad illegal under FCC
rules of controlling a radio with a radio link. That, if you remember,
has to be done on frequencies higher than 222 MHz.

One thing I did years ago and people thought I was crazy until they tried
it --- mounting the microphone so that it hangs handy for the LEFT HAND
instead of the right. Once you get used to it, it makes consommate sense.
 Keeps right hand free for steering, and automatic tranny shifting. This
might entail an extension cable, and another mic jack mounted next to the
door somewhere on the dash. In my case, the radio fit best on the LH
side.

Gary Hildebrand WA7KKP
Received on Thu Jul 17 2003 - 13:09:00 BST

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