Mouth operated piano foot pedal
The client is paralysed from a lesion at C4 from a fall from a roof some years ago. He therefore needs much physiotherapy to maintain strength and dexterity. For his hands and fingers he has taken up learning to play the piano. He had the idea of a mouth switch to enable him to operate the foot pedal of his electronic piano.
The solution
The solution was to use a relay, triggered by the pulse from the mouth bite switch. All the components except the mouth switch and connections to USB power and the piano foot control socket are in the component box illustrated in the photo. The circuit for the control was fairly simple – just the imposition of a relay to open and close the foot switch input triggered by a latching relay.
Depending on the choice of relay the control can be on/off by closing and releasing the bite switch or the pedal can be switched on with a bite and then off with a further bite. The client selected the first option for ease of operation.
The switch works well and the client finds it satisfactory, as does his piano teacher.
The benefit
The solution provided full control of the piano. The client uses piano playing as a means to achieve needed physiotherapy for his still functioning upper body and limbs.
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This is amazing! I would be very interested in a similar setup for myself. I have recently gone back to piano after a T3 spinal injury 5 years ago stopped me being able to play my cello (you guys helped me with this, but unfortunately it didn’t work out!). I have full use of my hands and arms but nothing below the bra line. I thought mouth operated or potentially under arm squeezing might work for me, but can’t find a ready made product to do the job anywhere.
Hi Rosie, thank you for your comment. If you think you could benefit from custom equipment, please complete our referral form with a bit more information, then we can see if we’re able to design something to help with your playing: http://www.remap.org.uk/help