multibox parallel/serial switching

[KaptenSpark]

Couldn't find anything with the infamous search function so here goes.
I'm thinking of putting five simple effects in the same box and i want to select between serial and parallel connections. This is what I'm thinking:

input goes to a dpdt selecting between serial and parallel
The serial goes straight through all fx with no possibilities of changing the order of them. All fx are switched just like normal with a dpdt each.
The parallel goes to a Y-splitter
The two connections from the Y go to two 2 pole 5 throw rotary switches so that you can select any of the effects on both switches.
From the rotaries, signal goes directly to the effects and back to the rotaries.
The signals from the two rotaries are put into a simple mixer and that signal goes to the other end of the first dpdt switch.

With some diodes to prevent signal from going the wrong way, do you think this might work?

I have a sketch in front of me but no possibility of internetting it, since I'm at work. Maybe tonight.

[RaceDriver205]

I might be able to help you (im working on one with..err.. to many effects in it).
What effects are they?
Also, It may be more simple to have some kind of master parralel switch, which disconnects the serial connections and reconnects the guitar to all 5 inputs, and runs all 5 outputs to a mixer. The mix would then depend on which of the effects were on (0-5) and their respective volumes.
This master switch would of course control CMOS switches/Cheap relays, as a lot of switching would be needed. Oh, and im not sure signals will 'go the wrong way', and a diode would not fix it if they did.
Interested to see your sketch. 

[KaptenSpark]

My camera wasn't here I soon realized.
I'm more interested in your idea now, though I do like the idea of two largely oversized arrowhead knops to select effects. How do you set up those cmos switches easiest? Is there an example around?

I'm planning on building a sort of Dan Armstrong quintuple; orange squeezer, red ranger, purple peaker, blue clipper and green ringer.

[KaptenSpark]

And since I know nothing about cmos and this and that I'll probably just use two 4pdt. Then I have to switch them both to change between serial and parallel, but at least it won't be that much work.

[RaceDriver205]

Not knowing anything about CMOS is fine. It would be better to have 1 switch, and the CMOS 4066s are exceptionally easy to use. Im afraid nothing good comes easy, heres what youd be talking about:

[Austin73]

Racedriver, just passing through and noticed your handy work. Nice job but was just wondering if the 2 grey boxes either side represent the poles ot the switch or are they two separate DPDT switches

Cheers

Aus

[RaceDriver205]

Yeah, they're poles of a DPDT switch.
The control of the CMOS switches has not been included, ill have to leave this to you Kapten, im afraid im exceptionally busy at the moment.

Each 4066 has 4 SPST switches, with each switch having a 'control' pin.
Type in '4066 datasheet' in google.
The control pins of some switches would have to be toggled + to Gnd by the main par/ser switch and other control pins would have to be toggled Gnd to + by the switch - depending on if the switches should be on or off.

Each of the green boxes corresponds to 2 SPST 4066 switches, only 1 switch on at a time.

[KaptenSpark]

That's about what I drew up too. But to use a 4066 don't you need a lot of other parts to control it? Or does it work like I want it to - when power goes to control, switch is on, when there's no power, switch is off? Wouldn't that be nice?
And a mixer. More work.

Actually all I want is a pretty box with switches, knobs and lamps.

[dano12]

I looked at doing CMOS switching for my fuzzlab which was five circuits in one box. In the end the complexity and my amatuer status made me drop the idea. Someday, I'll try it!

But another option that you may want to consider that will drastically simplify your design while still providing flexibility is to have 1/4" in/out jacks for each circuit on the back of your box. Basically, you would wire each circuit up just like it is its own stompbox, and then use patch cables to connect the effects in any order you want.

If you do this, you can dispense with the stereo jacks that are typcially used for switching power on and off and use standard mono jacks. In this case, you could use a simple switch on the back for power.

Another variation on this theme is to use normally closed 1/4" jacks. I seem to recall that the guy who builds the Captain Coconut pedal did this. When you don't have something plugged into a jack, the normally closed jack just routes the signal to the next effect. Very ingenious.

Hope this helps.

[KaptenSpark]

That's a really good idea! And I understand and am able to make it! Plus it'll look really advanced with all those jacks and cables.

[RaceDriver205]

Yeah, but you dont have the ability to run them in parralel - you HAVE to have a mixer to have parralel. Otherwise you may as well do what you originally wanted:

The serial goes straight through all fx with no possibilities of changing the order of them.

For the 4066s, no other parts apart from the main switch and the 4066s would be needed.  Switch On = Parralel, Switch Off = Serial.

Your call! 

[KaptenSpark]

Yeah I got that, I could give up the idea of parallell circuits just to have all those cables in the back.

Although the idea of parallel processing is far more interesting.

So you say, with the 4066s I only need the 4066s and nothing else. But a mixer. And a splitter. Right?
I can control the 4066s with only sending power to them?
How hard is it to build a simple 5-1 mixer?
Can I split the signals just soldering five wires to one?

[RaceDriver205]

Yeah, you can solder the wires by connecting 5 to 1. The only problem is that you increase the load on the guitar by 5 times. So you need the buffer, which looks like this:


The mixer is also very simple:


To control the 4066s, you wire the main switch like this: (Example for 1 4066)

[KaptenSpark]

Oh Yeah!! I'm doing it! Thanks a bunch racedriver! That really looks simple. Now I just have to find the time...

[RaceDriver205]

Awesome, Glad I could help.
When you get the time (which is tough for me too nowadays), tell us how it goes. 

[Austin73]

Hey Racedriver good work so far. Just passing thru again! and noticed the buffer splitter thing going on. If I make the buffer can I just add 4 outputs to it that simply ? Need a good splitter like the old Boss J5 but got bogged down with the TL 74 circuit

Aus

[RaceDriver205]

Your passing through is welcome
It should work. I can think of why it wouldn't, and I am fairly au fait with electronic stuff.
But as the saying goes, "in theory, practice is the same as theory, in practice, it is not".
If you could put it to practice that would be great 

[Austin73]

If I get chance tomorrow will a quick version of the buffer plus 4 outs if not will keep you posted on the tl 74