Rotary switches

[Kipper4]

Ok guys
Here's the deal after recently building a Riot.
It called for a DTDT on.on.on (its bought and has been shipped)
It was a real PITA to get and not the cheapest thing around here.

For future reference I'm considering using a rotary switch for the three clipping diode options for this sort of build.
They look clunky in the box I imagine and take up some space and probably cost more than the previous option.

Talk me through what to buy please. And why?
How do they work? How's it hooked up?
What not to buy.

Is there a reason I shouldn't use them.
Thanks guys

[Moxienator]

Hey, I've used a few rotaries in my builds, and can tell you that while they aren't what I would call cheap,
they're still only like 3 or 4 dollars out here in the US.
Without knowing the circuit, I can tell you that a 2P2-6T switch is what you'd probably use.
They make them to be adjustable, thus the 2-6T. there's a washer with a small tab on it under the nut that mounts the switch to the enclosure.
The tab sits in a groove that corresponds to the amount of throws you want to use. Super-simple to adjust.
They take up about as much room as a 24mm pot. Maybe a gnat's whisker more.
As far as the wiring it will have a ring of 12 lugs around the circumference, and the two common lugs in the centre.
The outer lugs are numbered 1-12, with 1-6 going to lug A, and 7-12 going to lug B.
When you turn it to position '1', lug 1 is connected to A, and lug 7 to B. position '2' is 2A 8B, position '3' is 3A 9B et cetera.
If you need more common lugs, 3P4T rotaries are also fairly easy to come by here, not sure about the UK.
Snip off any contacts you don't need to use.

[Govmnt_Lacky]

@Kipper

I believe what you are using is a DP3T switch. It has 2 poles BUT it has 3 throw positions (on-on-on)

Am I wrong here? 

[ashcat_lt]

@Kipper

I believe what you are using is a DP3T switch. It has 2 poles BUT it has 3 throw positions (on-on-on)

Am I wrong here?  

There's a bit of ambiguity here.  It actually only has two lugs plus common for each of the poles, but yes it has 3 positions.  The middle postion connects one lug from the one pole to its common, and the opposite lug from the other pole to its common.  I have seen them called DP3T, but you'll have better luck searching mouser or whatever if you call it DPDT on-on-on.  As contrast, what I would call a "true" DP3T is like a Telecaster blade switch with an independent lug for each position.  That Tele switch is basically a DP3T rotary turned on its side.

They don't really make DPDT on-on-on in rotary versions, but you can get a DP3T and jumper the opposite outside lugs to their corresponding middle lugs (pretty much exactly like standard Tele wiring) to accomplish the same thing.  

[Kipper4]

Thanks Fella.
Long time no hear Ashcat. How are you diddling? Havent seen you here or at HR lately.

So in esscence this would do the job just as well

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-x-DP3T-Slide-Switches-ON-off-ON-ON-ON-ON-/171099281595?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item27d64fd8bb#ht_634wt_960

and for a fraction of the cost

or this

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-Pcs-x-6mm-High-Knob-8-Pin-3-Position-2P3T-DP3T-Panel-Slide-Switch-0-5A-50V-DC-/190836499392?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item2c6ebde3c0#ht_1708wt_1000

thanks again