How to Build your Own Transcription Foot Pedal using Cheap DIY Parts

How to Build your Own Transcription Foot Pedal using Cheap DIY Parts

For the would-be transcriptionists that don't have the money to spare to buy foot pedals, (Even the relatively affordable ones like mine)  Money (or the lack thereof) should not be a hindrance.  This data is available in the Web for those who know how to look, i'm just spreading the word out so that it'd be able to reach more.

Here's how you can build your very own foot pedal.

And before running off to Radioshack to start on building one, I'd remind everyone that the instructions mentioned below have only been tested for use witn ExpressScribe, Startstop, and Inqscribe.

All you need are the ff:

1. Serial 9-Pin/15-pin  plug and housing (you can buy these at the electronics shop, price varies from P35 to P100)
   
2. Shielded cable - (the thicker ones are better but it's gonna cost you around Php25/meter)
   
3. Soldering gun and a little soldering know how.
   
4. Foot switch (the ones used in Sewing Machines) These can be bought for around 500 bucks a pop, but i think you can get them cheaper in Raon.  For the single step, you'd need one for every switch
   
5. If you still don't have cash for the foot switch, door bell buttons or any other naturally-open switches with springs would do just as well (although not as sturdy)
   

As for the wiring, i got these from ExpressScribe's website.

Technical Specifications of Pedal Wiring

Standard pedal wiring for 15-Pin Gameport control

(Count the pins as 1-8 from left to right on the top row, and 9-16 left to right on the bottom row)

 

 

Single Step Pedal

• Pins 1, 3 and 6 must be connected to each other.
  
• A pedal switch between pins 5 and 7 is play 

2-Step Pedal

• Pins 1, 3 and 6 must be connected to each other.
  
• A pedal switch between 2 and 4 is Reverse.
  
• A pedal switch between pins 5 and 7 is play.
  

3-Step Pedal

• Pins 1, 3 and 6 must be connected to each other.
  
• A pedal switch between 2 and 4 is Reverse.
  
• A pedal switch between pins 5 and 7 is fast-forward.
  
• A pedal switch between pins 10 and 5 is play.
  

 Standard pedal wiring for 9-Pin Serial Port control

(Count the pins as 1-5 from left to right on the top row, and 6-9 left to right on the bottom row)

Single Step pedal

• Ground - Pin 4
  
• Play - Pin 1
  

2-Step Pedal

• Ground - Pin 4
  
• Play - Pin 1
  
• Rewind/Forward - Pin 6

3 Step Pedal

• Ground - Pin 4
  
• Play - Pin 1
  
• Rewind - Pin 6
  
• Forward - Pin 9 (RING) or Pin 8 (CTS).  
  

 If you have any questions, feel free to ask me and I'll try to answer it as best I can.

 

And before building one, please opt for my footpedals first, they'r reasonably priced, made of durable steel, and have six-month warranties. List down your cost of building one and pit them against buying one of mine's and you'll see that I'm giving you a pretty sweet deal.

 

For small groups who want to start in transcriptions, I can refer you to aptly-skilled Tech Support people (with experience in the transcriptions and call center field) who can help you set up your work stations. (You'd have to pay for their services, of course)

 

 Happy Transcribing!!!!

Here are some photos of the home made single-pedal housings that i've built