Push buttons are a basic component for capturing your action. Ideally, the concept is that you can push a button to perform an action.

Push buttons can be used in several ways in your project like keyboard and hacking mouse among others. This offers an alternative way of using push buttons with audio output and input.

If you want to understand how you can connect a push button with audio output and input, here is a detailed guide to help you out.

 

Step 1: Know & Have the Necessary Components

 

The most important step is to understand the components and parts necessary for the effective functioning of your push button. The parts listed here are easily accessible at any local electronics outlet.

• Push Button: in this article, we use a button featuring an on/off locking switch. Nonetheless, you can make your choice from several options such as a push button with a toggle switch, no lock, or one with a foot switch.
• Twin Cable: Depending on your preference, you can use a loudspeaker cable here. The cable’s length is dependent on your purpose.
• 3.5mm Mono Plug: Pick one for audio output and another for audio input

 

Step 2: Identify and Have the Necessary Tools

 

Next on the list is the necessary tools for your project. Typically, these are standard tools that you can find in any accessory store.

• A Solder
• Soldering Iron
• Multimeter
• Wire strippers
• Solder-sucker
• Nippers
• Helping hands
  

Step 3: Cut the Middle of the Cable

 

Start by cutting one line of your cable (cables usually have mark on that one side) in the middle. Afterward, strip your cutting sides.

 

Step 4: Strip the Cable Ends

 

As aforementioned, after cutting the cable, strip it ends.

 

Step 5: Solder your Push Button

 

The next step is to solder your push button to the cable’s middle part. However, before soldering, you need to twist the cutting side of your cable to ensure it doesn’t expand.

 

Step 6: Soldering your Plugs

 

Follow this by soldering the plugs to the end of your cable. Ensure that you solder the cable’s switch side to the plug’s center.

Before the solder process, you must install the plug cover in the cable while the cable’s cutting side also needs to be twisted to prevent expanses. On soldering, proceed to attach the plug covers.

 

Step 7: Quality Control

 

After the following the above processes, you now have two plugs, a switch set, plus a cable. Use a multimeter on the resistance between your plugs. 

The grounds (lower side) must be zero while the tips (upper side) must be infinity.

 

Step 8: Connect to the Audio Input and Output

 

Since you now have all the necessary working components, we must connect both sides of the plug to the audio input and output.

 

Step 9:  The Software Part

 

The next step is the software section. Start by opening your programming provision like Flash, MaxMSP, or SuperCollider just to mention a few.

Note: The environment is suitable if it can treat audio input & output.

The process is quite straightforward as follows:

1. Assign a preferred audio signal for your audio output (e.g. 10000Hz sine wave)
2. Set audio input volume calculator.
3. Add a standard receiver for the threshold/calculator.

 

Step 10: Connection as the final & most integral step

This is perhaps the most important step and the actual reason for this entire guideline: connecting your push button with audio input & output. The process is quite easy as 1…2…3! Essentially, start the audio, then push the button and instantly get your connection! With that, you are well set to use your push button on any of your projects.

Note: If this does not work, simply adjust the audio output volume.

 

FAQS:

 

What are the basic uses of a push button?

 

Well, there are multiple applications of a push button with an audio input & output. The most common use is in a remote control.

 

What other modifications and improvements can you perform on your push button?

 

One of the best features of push buttons is that there are numerous types of switches and buttons. Depending on your purpose, you can incorporate two push buttons with triple cable and 3.5mm stereo plugs.

Note: If you want more push buttons, the best option is to extend with standard external audio interfaces. Nonetheless, you must use the right plugs for the audio interface port.