Need help with sequential switching

[alparent]

I'm going to incorporate this sequential switching (http://members.shaw.ca/roma/switching-2.html) in my next build.
It will allow me to switch between several caps value to change the tone.

It's all working fine......but I was wondering how can I get it to remember the last selected setting?
Any time I turn the effect off. It resets. How can I get it to remember where it was at ?!?!

Thanks for your help.

[Mark Hammer]

It won't remember.  What it would require to MAKE it remember is memory, and that ups the complexity of the circuit considerably.  There are many simple digital sequencer circuits around, that use very low capacity static RAM chips.  Take a look through the back issues of SYNAPSE magazine here, and see if they have something relevant: http://www.cyndustries.com/synapse/intro.cfm

[R.G.]

Mark is correct - making something like this remember sequences and go back to a past position requires a memory of those positions.

It is possible to do this with a group of several digital ICs, but is it very much simpler, cheaper, and more flexible to do it with a microcontroller. Controllers sufficient for this are available for as little as US$1.00.

The big stumbling block there is of course the programming. There are some controllers suitable for purposes like this which are programmed natively in BASIC. The first and best example of this is the Parallax Basic Stamp. These can be had for as little as US$29.00 each (http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10001_10001_127693_-1) and the starter kit containing manuals, programming adapter(http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&productId=140062), etc can be had for US$65.00.

If you're willing to put more money into the setup and programming, you can do less for each device. I bought a programmer for a wide variety of controllers for US$75.00 and a BASIC compiler for US$100.00. I can now program the $1.00-each microcontrollers directly.

But all of this does take time away from playing the guitar.

[alparent]

Or I could just use a 1$ rotary switch....like I did on the one I've already made.

The coolness factor is not the same.......but it works!

But I wanted this one to be remotely switchable with a foot switch. I've noticed that it always starts up at the same place. I could just set it up so it starts up at the setting I use more often.

Thanks for the reply guys. It's a blessing to be surrounded by knowledgeable people. 

I've looked into micro-controller more then once......but it look complicated and time consuming.....and I have so many things on my build list.........maybe one day? If I ever meet someone that can explain it ........

[Mark Hammer]

Yup, sadly...or maybe happily, there are times when lo-tech is optimal.  At the same time, I can imagine that there might be circumstances where a chassis would permit a small momentary push-button and 4 small indicator LEDs, or perhaps the indicator LEDs and a side-mounted mini phone jack for a remote mometary fopotswitch, but NOT permit installation of a much bulkier rotary switch on the chassis itself.

Another way of doing the same thing is by use of dipswitches.  You can cut out a rectangular hole for one and epoxy it to the chassis on the inside.  That was good enough for the first Sans Amp pedal.  A simple 8-pin/4-switch unit also permits you to use whatever combination of caps in parallel that you want; something the sequential switch would not be able to do.  Of course, you don't get the indicator lights, but it will "remember" your setting with minimal space, low cost, and absolutely no need to program anything.