[Elecraft] Serious foot switches

[Bill W5WVO]

Ed Muns wrote:
> environment, I find them more tiring than the footswitch distributed
> by Heil.  I've used the Heil footswitches for over three decades now,
> at home and on contest expeditions, with no failures.

Two "secrets" (?) I've learned through trial and error when using the Heil 
footswitch:

(1) Attach the foot switch to the floor and route the cable safely away so it 
isn't being kicked and flexed all the time. The cable will break internally, 
eventually, if continually thus abused.

(2) Place your foot on the switch such that the center of your heel is 
directly over the pivot point. This maximizes mechanical efficiency and, for 
me at least, allows me to hold my foot in either the activated or unactivated 
position without tiring.

Having said all this, I've had to repair my Heil foot switch numerous times. 
The little "e" ring that holds the pivot axle in has a habit of coming off 
spontaneously (I completely lost it a while back), and I've had to cut off, 
restrip, and reinstall the cable a couple times as well due to internal wire 
breakage. It's far from bulletproof, but for the price, it's been an 
acceptable product, I guess. Could be better. :-)

Bill W5WVO