ID this footswitch

[JoeC]

I want to make a replacement for this amp channel switching footswitch.  It uses a stereo plug wired with 2 conductor + ground.  Looks to be a DPDT 4-lug, I've only seen 6-lug.  Any sources for this type in the pic?  Thanks!

[bruce bennett]

check it with you VOM. I'm betting you'll find that one lug does absolutely nothing... which means it's really just a SPDT switch.

of course it could be a DPDT .. ON/ON

[The Tone God]

Looks to be a DPDT 4-lug, I've only seen 6-lug.

There is no such thing as a 4-lug DPDT. My guess is that its a DPST. Its hard to tell through that clump of wiring but it seems to have been wired to become a SPDT. You should use a meter to confirm its operation instead of guessing.

Andrew

[JoeC]

OK guys, I'm learning more about these things all the time, thanks for the speedy replies...it is used to switch between clean and distortion channels on an amp so it would be ON/ON.  The wire looks to be a shielded two-conductor.  How would I trace this with a DMM?

[bruce bennett]

Looks to be a DPDT 4-lug, I've only seen 6-lug.

There is no such thing as a 4-lug DPDT. My guess is that its a DPST. Its hard to tell through that clump of wiring but it seems to have been wired to become a SPDT. You should use a meter to confirm its operation instead of guessing.

Andrew

actually It COULD be a DPDT with only 4 lugs.
 it just depends on how the internals are connected and how many times you need to push the switch to get to both functions.

they way I have always understood it.. ANY push on/ push off. footswtich style switch was automatically a DoubleThrow.

[The Tone God]

actually It COULD be a DPDT with only 4 lugs.
 it just depends on how the internals are connected and how many times you need to push the switch to get to both functions.

Agreed but thats a pretty unusual switch to be using especially for a channel switcher unless the switch was cycling through three channel states with one switch. In either case as we both suggested trace the thing to be sure.

they way I have always understood it.. ANY push on/ push off. footswtich style switch was automatically a DoubleThrow.

Actually you can get single throw switches but once again thats a weird switch that would have to be specially sourced.

I suspect that the switch is switching the grounds amoungst the two conductors so grab a piece of paper and make two diagrams of the poles with each diagram representing each switch state. Then grab your meter set to meassure resistance, take one probe attaching it to ground then you use the other end on each pole. Where ever you get a zero reading mark it on the diagram. Then look at your two diagrams to see whats changing.

My guess is that it is switching ground between the black and red wires.

Andrew

[NaBo]

you can also use the audible continuity test if your DMM has it (it should, my 18$ one does).  switch your meter to the little picture of sound waves, and then connect your probes to any two points, and the buzzer will sound if there is current flowing through.  map out your connections, push the switch, repeat and you're done.  either way will work... but for this one you dont even have to LOOK at your meter!  

i think you'll find its spdt, considering its application