3PDT Footswitch Lug Orientation?

[Steve Mavronis]

I know there are multiple threads about wiring a 3PDT footswitch but I'm confused. I bought some Cliff 3PDT footswitches and noticed there seems to be a number 1 molded next to a corner pin. But in many diagrams there is no numbering so I'm disoriented. Am I correct to assume there is no up or down and you just think of lug rows to do your wiring? Sorry for the newb question. I'm want to wire my pedal with true bypass and an LED showing when the effect is on.

[Derringer]

easiest thing to do would be to use the beeper mode on a dmm and see exactly what switches to where


but otherwise, every 3pdt I've seen is oriented like this

- - -    (throw 1)
- - -    (common)
- - -    (throw 2)

[R.G.]

I cannot emphasize strongly enough what a valuable skill it is to be able to take an ohmmeter and figure out what connects to what on an unknown switch. Or pot for that matter.

Manufacturers may do **anything** on some new/different part. There is and can be no substitute for getting out your meter and making your own measurements for what connects to what with how much resistance. When you can do that, you're self sufficient, and will not get mistaken or ill-advised advice from online forums trying to figure out the mapping of pin 1 to some pin on what you have in your hand.

Pin 1 and all succeeding pins are merely what the maker stamps into the package. What's inside can - and does! - vary. For instance, all 5mm diameter LEDs have the cathode marked by the flat edge of the rim at the lead end of the plastic, and the + pin longer than the - pin. All except this package of LEDs I got from a surplus house, which were reversed. Anyone want to guess -why- they were at the surplus house for cheap?    And do you want to guess how many times I've picked up that package after a month, year or decade and gotten them wrong?

True, I should have Widlerized them (look it up) but I tend not to toss parts that can be used.

[randomair]

http://www.diystompboxes.com/pedals/images/3PDTwiring.jpg

[Steve Mavronis]

http://www.diystompboxes.com/pedals/images/3PDTwiring.jpg

Yes I have that diagram but my concern is which way is up or does it matter as long as you match the connection pattern in the picture.

[randomair]

As long as the switch is oriented in a way that holes in the terminals are up and down, you are fine. It does the same thing either way. The switch has no preference of direction as long as you make sure the holes are up/down like the diagram. Ignore the reference designation the manufacturer uses, its just a reference point, its not like an op amp where the pin configuration is absolutely necessary. Its just a switch.