3PDT Footswitch - Power On/Off?

[Box_Stuffer]

Is there a way to use a lug on the footswitch to turn the circuit power on and off? I am making a LED based tremolo and I don't want the LEDs to be running all the time while it is in bypass mode. Should I run the main ground to the LED lug on the footswitch and then to the board? Or is there a way to do it with the hot wire?

[antonis]

Schematic diagram..??

[ElectricDruid]

*Why* don't you want the LEDs to be running all the time while it is in bypass mode?

In general, it would be better to turn off just the LEDs rather than the whole circuit. Switching the circuit on at the same time you switch the audio on is pretty much guaranteed to make a good thump, so it's not a good idea. But like Antonis says, we need to see a schematic to help much.

[Box_Stuffer]

I was using this from yet another youtube video. I have mocked it up on the breadboard and it sounded pretty good, but I would make a couple of changes. I do not like the 10uf cap on the LM386 because it creates distortion and I would rather it be clean. Also, maybe a dim constant LED inside the "roach" so that the effect is not so abrupt.

I guess I could just cut the power to the LED section only if that is the better way. I just don't want them to burn out if it sits plugged in, but not being used.




I also have this simpler one that does not use a buffer at all.

[ElectricDruid]

LEDs don't really burn out, as long as the amount of current they're fed is well within their limits.

I've got some red LEDs in my collection which I bought in the 1980s. They still work. I had a polysix synth from the same era, and while it had numerous faults, the panel LEDs weren't one of them - they all worked fine, after 35 years of use (If only the switches and the keyboard were half as reliable!).

So make sure the series resistor is suitable for the LED you're using, and as long as you're not using the LED close to its maximum current, it'll have a *very* long life.

[antonis]

Tom is right..!!

In case of a semiconductor fail, BJT should be first..