loop selector schematics

[flibbergibbin]

Could someone point me to some simple loop selector schematics please. It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance to anyone whom takes the time to read this post.

[d95err]

What do you want to do with the loops? Simple stomp on off for each loop? Select one of two loops? Select one of multiple loops? Select multiple out of multiple loops? Active? Passive? Programmable?

[flibbergibbin]

Basically all I'm wanting is to be able switch on/off two different sets of pedals. Pedals 1,2,3 on one loop with on and off and pedals 4,5,6,7 on another loop with on and off. As far as all the specifics I'm not sure. When I asked awhile back for beginning project suggestions Mark Hammer suggested a loop selector and I thought I'd give it go. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks.

[flibbergibbin]

*bumpity bump* anyone? it would be greatly appreciated. thanks.

[Mark Hammer]

There is actually a fair amount of useful info if you back up several levels and go to the FAQ forum.  Here's a good start: http://www.elixant.com/~stompbox/smfforum/index.php?topic=22432.0

The drawing shows a box that selects between straight through OR rerouting your signal out to one or more pedals that form a "loop".

It is also possibel to make a more generic box that provides a number of very useful functions simply by adding two more jacks.  As shown in Aron's top picture, the purple wires go to the effects loop, which you can bypass or engage.  At the bottom, you see a green connection, which is the true bypass path.  Here, the "output" of one switch section gets wired to the "input" of another directly.

If you wanted to, though, that green conection could be two wires that go to two additional jacks that form loop 2.  So, step on the switch once, and your signal gets routed out to loop 1. Step again and it goes out to loop 20.  I might point out that this can also serve as an amp switcher by simply running a cable from each of those loop outputs to separate amps.  There is no need to run a cable back to the box.

There is a principle familiar to those who work with modular synths called "normalizing".  These are patching systems that form default connections if you don't dictate otherwise.  If you use a mono "closed-circuit" jack for each of the two send jacks for the alternate effects loops, here is what you can do.  When nothing is inserted into the send jack, it will make a default connection that connects the send directly to the return, as if you had a short patch cable connecting the two.  In truth you only REALLY need it for one of the two loops, but sticking it in both buys you more flexibility in terms of quickly changing conenctions.  WITH a cable plugged into each of the send jacks, your loop selector can each choose between effects loop A or B, or can be an amp switcher that goes between A and B.  Unplug the cable from one of the sends, and the unit now turns into a true bypass box where you have a choice of loop select or straight wire bypass/feedthrough.

Not a whole lot more work, really, and it turns into the kind of tool you will be using 20 years from now because it will be just as useful.  A beginner project, but a professional device.  That's a standing double where I come from.

[flibbergibbin]

Possibly a slide in to third  . Thanks Mark.