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D.I.Y. "Speech" Device

Adapting for switch use

This guide explains how to adapt a 'Talking Tins' speech device for disability standard switch use. However, this technique follows for almost all speaking devices, including novelty speaking cards.



You can obtain a pack of three 'Talking Tins' for around £10 from TalkingProducts. There is an upgraded Talking Tin now with a 30-second recording memory for a little more money. All other components are commonly available from Electronics stores such as Maplin Electronics.

Buy pre-adapted: You can buy ready to go adapted 'Talking Tins' from the OneSwitch shop.

1. What you will need

1. What you will need.

  • 'Talking Tins' unit; 3.5mm mono headphone socket; thin wire (e.g 7strand 0.2mm).

2. Drill a hole

2. Drill a hole.

Open up the casing. Make a small pilot hole where there is enough space to house your 3.5mm socket. Drill a 1/4" hole as pictured, being careful to stop as soon as you're through.

3. Remove this contact

3. Remove this contact.

Removing this switch contact renders the black 'speak' switch useless, but is essential.

4. Switch contacts

4. Switch contacts.

The Green and Orange circles mark the points of the 'speak' switch circuitry that you need to solder a 3.5mm mono switch socket to. You will need to drill a hole through the encircled Green point...

5. Drill a hole.

Scribe a small pilot hole in the board, then very carefully drill a 2mm hole as pictured.

6. Solder your socket

6. Solder your socket.



Solder two lengths of wire to the socket. Expose the ends, tinning them if you wish.

7. Solder to the PCB

7. Solder to the Printed Circuit Board.

Solder your socket to the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) switch connections, aiming to have nothing jutting out from the board.


8. Reassemble

8. Reassemble.

Put the PCB back in place, and screw the 3.5mm socket into the casing. Test the device with a switch. If all seems OK, put it all back together being careful, when tightening up the socket, not to twist the wires too much.

If the unit won't screw back together neatly due to the socket spoiling on the casing, try cutting a little away from the casings inner lip.

9. Full Test

9. Full Test.


If the sound seems quite muffled, open the unit up again, and move the wires away from the speaker vents.

Text and images PUBLIC DOMAIN 2004 -
TalkingTins (c) Talking Products Ltd. -