3 Effects, One Box, Switcher

[milo56279]

So I've found a lot of posts on switcher type pedals, but none that I feel is right for what I want. Here is my idea: I want three effects in one box. I would like to be able to reroute the effects (fairly easily if not on-the-fly) in any order I want them. Here are the ideas that I've had or have been presented to me so far:

1) a 6P6T Rotary switch
2) in's and out's on each effect
3) use of a three way and a two way toggle

For #1, I have found a few  6P6T rotary pots that are around $20. This seems like the least favorable idea here, just because it would be pretty hard (at least for me) to keep track of which position correlated with which route.

#2 seems like it's the easiest to actually pull off (again, for me). The only thing I don't know is how to wire the jacks so that it defaults to the next effect unless something is plugged into the output (i.e. the FoxRox effects).

#3 is my latest idea, and it probably shows that I'm a programmer and have little knowledge of electronics. The 3way switch would choose which effect comes first in line. The 2way switch would select the next effect to come in line out of the two remaining effects. That leaves only one more effect and that would be the last effect in line. The last one seems like it would need some digital chips or something.

Now that I'm thinking about it, I think I'll probably go with #2. That way I could put them in any order or also put any other effect(s) between anything in the enclosure. So I guess my big question is how do I wire the jacks?

Thank you so much for any help, I'm very very new at this, which is kind of exciting. I haven't learned anything new in a long time and I find electronics fascinating. And now ends my first post. Don't hate me too much!

[Seljer]

look for "normalling jacks", they have a separate little connectors thats allows you to direct the signal to somewhere else if theres nothing plugged into it

[R.G.]

This material is covered in some detail at GEO - http://www.geofex.com.

[milo56279]

Any suggestions on what to search for? I've been searching and haven't found what I need. I've found a lot of effect switchers, but not the way that I want to wire mine. Normalling jacks seems like a good way to go, but I can't find anywhere to buy them or much documentation on them. I think I may have found a different name for them (switch jacks?). Anyway, if anybody could at least point me in the right direction, that would be greatly greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[milo56279]

Okay, I went directly to the Nuetrik and Switchcraft sites and found normalling jack (I think). This may take care of all my issues.

[R.G.]

Look here first.

http://geofex.com/Article_Folders/jiab/jiab.htm

The jacks you're looking for are mono(phonic) 1/4" phone jacks with tip shunts, or "shorting".

You can replace effects order on the fly with the switching shown here: http://geofex.com/Article_Folders/juggler/juggler.htm

and here: http://geofex.com/Article_Folders/fxswitchr/fxswitchr.htm

[NaBo]

Basically, "normalling" or "switching" mono 1/4" jacks are what you're looking for.  They'll have 3 lugs- one tip, one sleeve, and a "shunt" that connects tip to something else when there is no plug inserted (for instance grounding input of an amp, or switching internal speaker/external speaker of a combo amp).  In your case, you're gonna be sending it to the next effect input if no plug is inserted.  Check out the JIAB that RG posted to see the application.  This will allow right-to-left order without using patch cords, and any order using patches-  It's still beneficial to put the effects in some logical sequence that you think you'd use *most* of the time, but it's in no way set in stone.

Hope that helps

Edit: (Or just read RG's edit!!! )

[milo56279]

Thank you guys so much. You have been very very helpful. I found the Switchcraft 12A's which seem to be exactly what I need. A search for mono jack shunt turned them up right away. A\Thank you again, I'll post an update of my project when I get working on it.

Thank you thank you thank you!

[foxfire]

i don't know if this is any help, but i used a 3pdt toggle switch to flip the order of my 2 in 1 build. if you used a second one you wouldn't get every combo but you would get 123, 213, 312, 321. i'm a newb but i would think that it would work.

[bdevlin]

Look here first.

and here: http://geofex.com/Article_Folders/fxswitchr/fxswitchr.htm

R.G.,
I am looking at your "select one of three" schemo with the 2P4T switch to perfectly suit my needs.  But are we saying that we can also share a power supply with all three pedals as well?

[R.G.]

I am looking at your "select one of three" schemo with the 2P4T switch to perfectly suit my needs.  But are we saying that we can also share a power supply with all three pedals as well?

With all three in the same box, either all positive ground or all negative ground, sure, they can share one power supply.