Hands free operation is a must. Two basic options exist to achieve it; voice operated transmit (VOX) or foot pedals. VOX has its time and place, but usually it is not the preferred method. Any noise in the shack can trigger the radio to transmit.
I have used a foot pedal for some time on my Yaesu FT-736R. The device is an older, industrial quality (heavy) one that is equipped with two pedals. Both pedals are wired together (on output line), which was the way I got it. After getting my new Yaesu FT-991A the need came up for a way to switch between having an output between the two radios. To accomplish this, I decided to go with an RJ45 manual switch box. I threw some labels on it and got to work.
I went with this particular switch box for a number of reasons:
- It is reasonably priced.
- I do not need to switch microphone inputs remotely (i.e. an Arduino switch).
- Has RJ45 ports – using CAT5/6 cable is one of the easiest ways to get a cable up and plug up and running fast.
I drew up a quick plan of what I wanted to accomplish. The FT-736R has a PTT plug (RCA female) on the back of it. This is what I had the pedal switch originally wired to. The FT-991A was going to be a little different, as the PTT is in the RJ45 mic jack on the front of the radio. I used a CAT5 cable to get the needed audio lines and PTT control from the radio.
With the basic plan drawn up it was time to get the soldering iron warmed up and get to work getting everything connected up.
I first took a small CAT5 jumper cable and cut it in half. I decided to use the two outermost wires for the GND/PTT lines, White/Brown and White/Orange.
The PTT line on the foot pedal switch is red, and obviously the ground is black. I soldered them to their appropriate counterparts on the CAT5 cable. The audio lines were then soldered to the other CAT5 cable that would plug into the front of the 991A.
After the 991A’s setup and testing was complete it was time to move onto the PTT line for the 736R.
I used a cheap CAT5 cable that I had purchase for a dollar, and an RCA terminal plug adapter for connecting the switch box to the 736R.
It was then time to get it all installed and put it through its paces. The end result is exactly how I expected it to work, and I am happy with the results. It fits in nicely with the other switch box that I use to switch a DB9 input for the audio source for the 736R.
