Amp Channel Footswitch

[HeaD]

Hi, I would like to build a simple amp channel footswitch with led.  Unfortunately I haven't found suitable schematics on the net. Someone know how to do it? Thanks! 

[fixr1984]

i have made 2 channel pedals for myself already. I havent used an LED on mine but all I used was a SPST switch with a mono plug in. Connect one of the switch lugs to either of the lugs on the plug and the other switch lug to the other one on the plug. Actually i just took my Marshal pedal apart. There is a red LED with a 1k resistor on it attached to both of the lugs on the switch. Hope this helps.

[southtown]

i odnt get it... how does this change channels...

[fixr1984]

Assuming you have a 1/4" plug in to the amp for a footswitch...the signal from the amp comes thru the cord to the tip of your plug. In order to make the amp change channels you need to get that signal to the shaft part of your plug and complete the circuit.. You can do this by installing the switch to connect and disconnect that signal. Does that explain it a little better?

[southtown]

ok so the footswitch plug is really just 2 poles... when these poles are connected the amp is switched to overdrive...when the poles arent connected the amp is on clean? basically your just making the switch have long connectors to your amp?

[fixr1984]

You got it

[HeaD]

i have made 2 channel pedals for myself already. I havent used an LED on mine but all I used was a SPST switch with a mono plug in. Connect one of the switch lugs to either of the lugs on the plug and the other switch lug to the other one on the plug. Actually i just took my Marshal pedal apart. There is a red LED with a 1k resistor on it attached to both of the lugs on the switch. Hope this helps.

Thanks.... something like this?

[robbiemcm]

So the amp has something built into it so that it switches over internally? Like.. a digital switch or something?

[HeaD]

So the amp has something built into it so that it switches over internally? Like.. a digital switch or something?

I really don't know... I should build it for a friend. Is a Mesa Boogie Trem-O-Verb. Here is an image...

[fixr1984]

A quick test you could do before putting a switch together is to take your 1/4" plug, stick it into the amp, take the other end of the plug and take a wire and touch it to the tip and and the other end of the wire to the shaft. That should switch channels just by doing that. If that wont work try pulling the cord half way out of the amp and try again. You might have a stereo plug in on the amp and it would need to be half way out to make a connection. If you have any problems I could post a pic of the ones i have made.

[robbiemcm]

So it's a digital thing then am I correct? Like using this system:

http://www.geocities.com/thetonegod/switches/switches.html

[Garrett]

I've made a switch pedal for my boogie dc-5 head. Basically these channel switches just switch a path to ground.
my boogie switch pedal had a eq switch as well and it used a stereo cable and stereo 1/4 jack. (channel switch, eq, and common or ground)

[cab42]

Hi

I build a switch for my amp using a dpdt-switch this way:



Regards

Carsten

[vanhansen]

If it's a single channel footswitch then get a vacuum cleaner switch and a 1/4" female jack, wire it up (doesn't matter which wire goes to which lug), box it up and you're good to go.  I've built several of these using a Hoover vacuum cleaner switch and they still work.