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A foot pedal is a device that allows you to control audio with your foot, leaving your hands free to keep typing.  It is a required highly recommended piece of equipment for active typists.  However, it is not recommended to purchase a foot pedal until after training has been completed and a contract has been offered. Other methods of controlling audio are available during training, which you can read about here. 

For information about ordering a foot pedal, visit the following page for foot pedal sources.

Install a Foot Pedal

• Plug the foot pedal into your computer’s USB port.
• Your computer may display a message that it detects a new device and is looking for drivers. When the process is complete, your foot pedal is ready to use.
• To operate the foot pedal, follow the instructions enclosed with your device.

Verifying Compatibility with TypeEasy

• With your foot pedal plugged in, open TypeEasy, go to the Settings tab and click Foot Pedal.
  
  
• Check the Status section to ensure your foot pedal is successfully connected and compatible with TypeEasy.  Press each pedal to ensure the corresponding pedal lights up in the display. 
  
  
  
  
• If you see the message above, your foot pedal is not compatible with TypeEasy.  
  
  
  

Basic Default Settings

TypeEasy will automatically apply these default settings to the buttons on your pedal, but you can customize them from the Foot Pedal options. 

• Rewind with the left pedal
• Play/Pause with the center pedal
• Fast Forward with the right pedal

You can also adjust the number of seconds that it skips forward/back.  The default is 5 seconds, meaning if you tap either the left or right pedal once, it will skip back or forward 5 seconds.  

Snap-Back Seconds allows you to adjust how many seconds the audio "snaps back" when you press play.  When set to the default of 2 seconds, this means from wherever you paused the audio, it will go back 2 seconds and start from there.  This is helpful to allow you to re-hear the end of the last part before continuing. 

Operating a Foot Pedal

• Advance the audio by tapping the Play pedal (usually the center pedal, but may vary depending on your settings).
• Pause the audio by tapping the pedal again.

Troubleshooting Foot Pedal Problems

• Pedal problems caused by static electricity can be resolved by placing an anti-static mat under the pedal. 
• Be sure your foot pedal is free of dust, debris, etc.  This can interfere with its ability to properly recognize the pedal presses. 
• Ensure your foot pedal is securely plugged in to the USB port on your computer.  If one USB port isn't working, try moving to a different one.