3.5mm mono jack disability switch input

Using Arduino Project Guidance
1

I'm trying to create a device that uses disability switches to input keypresses when a switch is pressed:

Press switch: input keypress
Hold switch in "on": repeat keypress

The standard in disability switches is to use a 3.5mm mono jack input - eg Buddy Button. This outputs a signal that is either on or off depending on whether the switch is depressed. I've struggled to find any reference to if I could use a switch of this type as an Arduino input.

I assume I would buy 3.5 mm jack inputs, eg Amazon.com: Treedix 6pcs 3.5mm Female Audio Jack Breakout Board Plastic PCB Mount 5-Pin Stereo Socket Audio Connector : Electronics, wire them in, and then interpret the on-off.

Is this feasible? Is there a better way?

I like the idea of using the disability switches since they are supposed to be very reliable, durable, and are purchasable at variable sizes.

2

Within reason, a switch is... a switch. Two metallic surfaces, touching or not touching. Beyond that, it's finesse. I'm not sure I understand your concern.

You can also buy mono jacks, which, if I'm interpreting the Buddy button page correctly, will mate with the cable of your Buddy button.

3

For signals to a controller input the mm is unimportant. Any size would do.

4

A switch is a switch, this one has a five foot cable so you might want to use a real pullup resistor of a relatively low value and a small capacitor between the input and ground, like 0.1 uF ceramic.

Also, I am shocked (shocked!) at the price $75 per copy. As nice as they may be, I can't imagine why.

Sounds like something no one pays for directly, or even realizes someone else is doing.

a7

5

It's been a long time since I did any hardware. So excuse me for my lack of knowledge. Are you saying I can just wire the input directly to my board? I don't actually need a 3.5mm jack input?

6

Correct. Soldering is one option. Using DuPont style connecting is another.

7

Thanks! If I chose to I could simply buy several female 3.5 millimeter connector 2pin jacks so that I don't need to take apart the switch cables though, correct? This would allow for easy button replacement.

8

Use any connector You want.

9

I think I have my plan, but it has been so long since I've done anything related to circuits (i'm used to software) so I was hoping I could get some validation of my plan. (I know this is extremely rudimentary and simple but I would still like to run it by someone)

I already have a TEENSY 4.1 (Arduino compatible board), and I plan to use this for the task. This is my current plan:

Up to four switches, replaceable
Four mono 3.5 millimeter 2pin jacks
Pull up resistor(s)

Reference: Connecting 2-pin button - #8 by system

Teensy 4.1 contains internal pullup resistors, use these

Connect 1end of each mono jack to an input configured with INPUT_PULLUP using pinMode
Other end to GND