Adding a 3.5mm Jack Port to a Frog Massager

I've added a 3.5mm switch port to a commonly available massaging aid without losing the ability to use without the switch. This means that the frog can be controlled by a child with complex needs to interact with the environment, sense the vibrations or even to have a supporter dip the frog feet in paint and use the frog to paint a picture.

This modification still allow the massager to be used without a switch as the soldered connection doesn't disable the original switch - this does require basic soldering skills.

I've assumed that anyone checking my projects out may want to get more actively involved so I'll include basic options for tools and supplies plus a more advanced option. See how you feel.

Supplies

Vibrating Frog Massager available here

Good soldering iron starter kit - available here

or a more advanced soldering station with holder that I'm using here

Lead free solder (smaller packs are available) here

3.5mm mono jack socket available here

Drill - here

6mm drill bit - here

Signal wire - two lengths as you see fit (I used about 7cm for each here but it could have been longer to make it easier) I've used white here but feel free to use whatever colour you prefer - here

Wire strippers (I use these as they take the work out of wire sizing) - here

Wire cutters - here

Philips head bladed screw driver - hardware shop of choice

Pencil - makers choice

AA batteries - this is a 20 pack which has balanced price and performance

These links are only suggestions for these supplies mind. I have included a few affiliate links for some supplies but only because they are cheap and effective supplies.

Step 1: Open Your Frog

For the frog I'm using I opened the packaging and removed the bag. The batteries for the frog are not included so I've included a link for a 20 pack in the supplies.

To open the frog look on the left side of the frog for a small recess. Push this up to remove the top of the frog (things you never thought you'd type #1772). You can now see the four small philips head screws - unscrew these to access the motor and switch.

You can now see the push switch with two wires going to the motor. These are where we will be soldering in the jack switch to allow use of the frog massager without an external switch.

Note: the motor has an orientation with mounts and support padding.

Step 2: Prepare the Jack

For this I've soldered a length of signal wire to the normally open contacts of the 3.5mm jack socket. Normally open means that pressing the switch closes the connection to make it - that's what we want.

Step 3: Drill the Jack Hole

Mark a hole position for the 3.5mm jack socket using a pencil. The position needs to be clear of the switch mechanism when the middle section is added so take a little time to get this correct.

Using the drill and the 6mm drill bit, make the hole for the jack. I propped the underside of the frog on a piece of wood to take pressure off the legs while drilling and give the drill something to press into. I also added a chamfer to the inside of the hole with a countersink bit but a deburr tool or a gentle scrape to remove the inner burr.

I added the wired up 3.5mm jack socket to the base of the frog at this point as it seemed the right thing to do. It also allowed me to check the fit of the assembly.

Step 4: Solder Time

This is where the fun starts.

Take care not to heat the switch contacts too much as this could damage the internals of the switch.

I desoldered the motor from the switch so I didn't catch any of the motor wires accidentally with a hot soldering iron bit.

Then I cleaned the switch contacts of solder then created a small hook at the end of the wires from the 3.5mm jack. I placed these over the switch contact and soldered them in place with fresh solder. Then the motor wires were soldered back to their switch contacts.

You should now have the middle section looking like the last photo - (removed from frog base).

Step 5: Reassembly Is the Reverse of Disassembly

Carefully place the middle back on to the frog base, taking care to align the motor correctly with the mounting points as before. Ensure the middle is flat on the base with the screw holes lined up before adding the screws.

Add 2x AA batteries to test using the normal switch. If it works - great, if not - check the battery polarity then review those solder connections.

Then use a 3.5mm jack switch (see my other instructables for how to build one of these if you don't have one to hand) - again - if it works, celebrate with a victory lap before adding the top to the frog.

If it doesn't work now - definitely check those solder connections.