How are 2-Channel Footswitches designed?

[truce11]

Tried doing a search, and with the time that I had... the results were mostly A/B or A/B/Y Boxes and the like.  

How are those little 2-Channel Footswitches made for Amp Channel switching designed.  I know they're cheap and from what I've gathered - the [simple 2-channel] footswitches can be universally used for any amp with 2-channel capability.  Please let me know if I'm wrong on this one.

I have been using a Boss DD-6 for dual amp operation (finally! dual amp tones!) for the time being.  The fun I've been having has really started a DIY itch to make an A/B/Y box.  

Resources for A/B/Y Boxes were easy as far as schematics and etc.  

The goal for me is pretty much, "Hey, since I'm doing it DIY-style, make it suit my needs and tastes."

The Idea that I wrote on scratch paper:

1) A/B/Y operation (2 stompswitches)
2) Direct Out for Tuning
3) 2 Stompswitches labeled 1 and 2... and... A Mini-Toggle switch to send the "1 and 2" operation to either output A or B (never Y of course).  
4)  DC Power Supply

So far I've got the A/B/Y design (found on yours truly - ARONDIY).  When I handdrew the design - I pretty much grafted a passive A/B design into the grand scheme of things.  

[This is getting long - Need to finish up]

My issue:  I'm not sure how the 2-Channel Footswitches are technically designed from the inside.  And I'm not sure how feasible "Vision Goal #3" will turn out - esp since A/B/Y can be reversed for "2 in - 1 out".

I know this will be utter-cool and flexible for my small gigs.
Thanks in advance for all you downtoearth geniuses.

[NOTE:  I'm tempted to spend the potential-DIY money on a Boss LS-2 and the Vox VFS2 footswitch...... but... I figured I can learn more if I just build it  Especially that AX84 amp that's done-but-doesn't-quite-work sitting in a box in my room - I will continue that troubleshooting endeavor after more funds are saved]

[truce11]

I forgot to include this idea...

I saw the "tonegod's" cool site on adding a buffer to one of his client's A/B/Y Box.  Definitely not a bad idea.

But, Doesn't the buffer affect tone? (a tradeoff for having not losing signal?)

I'm not analretentive about subjective tone matter, but if it's obvious - I'd rather be anal than sorry.

[niftydog]

Wow dude, that was a post straight from the head... try breaking it down a bit into more specific questions, your post is kinda rambly - nothing personal, it's just hard to catch your drift!  :?

How are those little 2-Channel Footswitches made for Amp Channel switching designed.

If I'm thinking what you're thinking, it's like this;

Tip, Ring, Sleeve jack plug - sleeve is grounded.

Switch connects the tip to the sleeve (ie; grounds the tip) and one "feature" of the amp switches.

Another switch grounds the ring and the "other feature" of the amp switches.

It's literally that simple in most cases, but not all amps work in the same way - so sometimes you have to design it specifically for an amp.

[cab42]

I once made a channel switch for my Amp, see this thread:

http://diystompboxes.com/sboxforum/viewtopic.php?t=25919&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=

It worked for my amp (and a couple of other places where I needed to switch).

Regards

Carsten