Switch knowledge

[jimbob]

Im wanting to learn more about switching and how it applies to stompboxes- Does anyone know of any easy to understand tutorials online? I like the idea of using a spdt and dpdt switches I have lying around. I mostly use 3pdt for my projects, but I like the idea of switching in different things such as resistors, caps, ect.. even transistors. I have a decent idea about how to use a dpdt for switching 2 different things using the top 2 lugs for a resistor (for example) and the bottom 2 lugs for another (resistor) while using the middle lugs to connects to the board...

Bla bla bla

anyways- Again, an easy to understand tutorial would be great.

[petemoore]

  There are some fancy' tricks, such as the 'X' wiring of a pickup tap switch, stuff you'd have to stay up plenty late to contemplate.
  Different ways to TB, such as grounding the input when in BP mode...
  Pretty much any parameters and settings you want can be switched to, but it may require more than one switch to get there if a 4pDT isn't sufficient. Figureing out exactly what you want and getting just that may require trial and adjustment.
  When switching many paramaters with the same switch, at some point non-mechanical switching [such as with LDR's, Jfets, logic chips etc.] becomes desirable...not that it can't be used to reliably switch everything, it just takes a bit more to get it working than starting with a plain switch.
  Once a particular need is desired it is easier to discuss the actual switching options.
 

[jimbob]

I think that in order to research and choose between options I like the idea of switching in and out diffrent values. Im starting to understand the basics after reading and some research- but now i like the idea of sitching in more than a few things at a time, such as 3  or 4pdt in which I can choose between switching in and out many different sets of values and then back to the basic circuit. Im I on the right track here in understanding this? 

[aron]

Well, if you think about parallel and serial connections of components, then it's a matter of wiring the switch. For example, if you have a .1uF capacitor and want a .2uF there, use the switch to parallel a .1uF capacitor with the existing .1uF capacitor for example.

[jimbob]

That makes sense. I finally figured out switching!!!! Couldnt sleep at all last night. Of course I do have questions such as why 2 lugs are connected together at the top of the 3pdt switch for our stompboxes. The dpdt switch makes sense as well as spdt and spst switching..even 3pdt makes sense when i look at it as though there are 3 seperate spdt switches in 1 enclosure- except that part about the 2 lugs connected for our effects.

[kurtlives]

Here's how I think of it...

The middle lugs are the "nothing lugs". They aren't all that important. They are just there for grounding and the LED. The middle lugs are connected to the "input" lugs though so when the effect is turned on the LED comes on. It happens simultaneously.