Input needed!! Own designed routing box, but expectning som diffuculties

Started by JJRockford, December 17, 2006, 02:16:07 PM

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JJRockford

I had to much spare time and came up with an idea about how I could possible simplify my setup process just a little on gigs. Have a _very_ simple setup of pedals, which I brings with me everywhere. It is tuner->wha->distorsion->booster. But what I need is a "connection box" which switches where I connect my dist-and booster pedal, with and the change the signal path depending on weather I use an amp with fx loop or not. If there is an fx loop, I prefer to have the booster in the loop, but if there's no fx loop, I have the booster in the end of the effect chain just before the amp input.

My experience is that the pedalboard is more reliable the less you connect and re-connect cables. That's why I want this box with a few switches and inputs/outputs, where everything is connected all the time, and I can choose my setup by just flipping the switches.

Here is the idea about the signal path (painted with my own standard, hope you can interpret it! :)): http://www.sevengates.se/komplingsbox.jpg

Simple enough, right? But I suppose that if I will just wire it like this (input/output jacks and three 2-way switches) I will get problems with ground loops (or whatever it is called in english)? So, what do I need to do to avoid this?
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Please visit VII Gates official homepage at http://www.sevengates.se

JJRockford

*************************
Please visit VII Gates official homepage at http://www.sevengates.se

Meanderthal

 You shouldn't have any ground loop problems because none of this is hooked directly to the AC main juice, just make sure it's shielded. You're using a 3pdt, right? not bad...
I am not responsible for your imagination.

JJRockford

I was actually thinking about using "slider switches", something like this: http://www.banzaieffects.com/3-positions-Slider-Switch-DPDT-pr-16282.html  I mean, there are no need to be able to switch the signal path "in action". FX-loop -> all switches up, no FX-loop -> all switches down. Will hopefully also have the advantage of knowing which signal path I choosed, without using any diods, so I wont need any batteries/power supply.

Anyway, the reason why I am asking is because I've seen this A/B/Y-switcher on RG's site (geofex.com), which contains a lot of components, only to split the signal. Thought I might hit the same problems here, but hopefully it works like you said!
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Please visit VII Gates official homepage at http://www.sevengates.se

Barcode80

if you are going all-down or all-up, why not just a master switch? everything on the upper terminals wired to a terminal strip which in turn is wired to the top switch lugs, and same on bottom. seems much simpler than wiring a millinon switches.

JJRockford

I suppose that would be easier... But I can't really figure out how to do it? Or maybe there are components I don't know about...
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Please visit VII Gates official homepage at http://www.sevengates.se

Barcode80

if you build a pedal with 6 jacks and a 3pdt switch and wire them like this, it should work. the reason so many components are used for the A/B/Y box you are referring to is because it is also a buffer, i believe. this shouldn't load your signal enough to warrant any further parts. just wire the tips of each jack to the switch as indicated (don't forget to label them so you know where to plug stuff in!) and you should be good.

FYI, plug a patch from the input of your booster to "boost input" jack, same for booster output, then plug a patch from your other effects to the "output of other pedals." "to amp input" is obvious, as are the effects loop jacks. make sense?



JJRockford

Can it be that simple? If so, great! :)

Is it possible to find slider switches with 3 poles? Checked the big electronic company here in Sweden, they had only 2 pole.
*************************
Please visit VII Gates official homepage at http://www.sevengates.se

Barcode80

you can get 3pdt switches in almost any variety, just go to your favorite electronics supplier (or website) and ask (or search) for 3pdt switch, and you can get any kind you need (though if you want to make it a stompswitch, you probably should order it from aron, smallbear, or pedalpartsplus). I suggest a toggle as opposed to a slide, as in my experience they are much sturdier.