parts for a "heel switch" like the new Fulltone MDV 2

[mordechai]

I want to build a pedal where the effect is turned on not by a stomp switch but automatically as the foot platform is moved away from the "heel" position toward the "toe" position.  This switching feature is on the new Fulltone Mini Deja Vibe 2, but I don't know what would go into sourcing the parts or how it works. 

If anybody could share information on this or point me to a resource where I can read up on my own, I'd appreciate it a lot.

Mordechai

[tommy.genes]

I think this pic from the Fulltone website tells a lot...



It looks like a PCB-mount switch, something like THIS from Small Bear. It could be a "normally open" switch, which means that it is ON when the pedal is toe-down and the button is not being pushed, but if it is driving a relay or transistor switching scheme inside the pedal, that wouldn't have to be the case.

-- T. G. --

[joegagan]

funny, i have been developing a switching setup to do this exact thing. i was not aware of fulltone's use of it.

[R.G.]

In no particular order:
- microswitch: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micro_switch
- reed switch + magnet
- compressed conductive foam and comparator
- optointerruptor
- capacitive proximity sensor
- magnetic proximity sensor
- LED/LDR plus mechanical interruptor (same as optointerruptor, but home made)
- magnet + Hall effect sensor
- string and pulleys (Fender volume pedal did this)
- conductive plastic + metal contact driving CMOS gate
- Millenium Bypass resistor sensor plus conductive plastic contacts

There are others.

[joegagan]

true, rg, it has been done many ways.

i am surprised that there has not been a major success of a pedal that operates the way fuller's mini-deja-vibe 2 does. heel back=bypass. pretty cool and intuitive. maybe steve jobs should start making guitar pedals.

seriously, i always am proud of fuller every time i visit his site. he is constantly pushing ahead, and his engineering solutions are nice. good products.

[petemoore]

  Helping to make a mess in order to bring order to:
In no particular order:
- microswitch: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micro_switch
I get these all the time, they are so simple as a switch, I found one use for 1 of them so far, with the switch as shunt circuit.
- reed switch + magnet
Also Simple,<?>reduces the chances for mechanical scenarios/switch messups.
- compressed conductive foam and comparator
I'm sure it has it's applications, say I didn't have all these Mswitches for 1 use.
- optointerruptor Smooth...not sure you want it in the SP.
- capacitive proximity sensor
They do look cool, rare as seen, note there's is 'cap' in the title tho.
- magnetic proximity sensor Maybe not ThE cheapest, not bad, seems like they'd be fun/easy to get working, even though I'm unfamiliar with exactly what the terminology/title refers to.
- LED/LDR plus mechanical interruptor (same as optointerruptor, but home made)
LED Requires power supply, LDR requires at least semi-dark, very lit seems preferrable for services I applied it to, mechanical requirements include planning room/fit/workability for the hardwares.
- magnet + Hall effect sensor
 I have more studying to do, sounds capless[?] and electronic in switching method, that would equate to reliable I guess.
- string and pulleys (Fender volume pedal did this)
 Is it ok to chuckle at this time, I mean...if that's all you got, consult "ACME" via The Roadrunner" [beep beep].
- conductive plastic + metal contact driving CMOS gate
 I can't tell..does this one refer to mechanical requirements[?].
 In any case, gate doesn't sound all that expensive either, the metal contacts the plastic and the CMOS gate changes state ? Sorry for the questions but it seems like the metal contact would hold up pretty well, as would a suitable plastic part.
- Millenium Bypass resistor sensor plus conductive plastic contacts
 Also sounds simple mechanically, otherwise reliable when set up right.
 If choosing for more than 1 or a few, starting with the graph like this:
 Cost, Availability, Difficulty, Mechanical, Reliable, non-capacitative, anything
 2           9               6              Y              9                N                 ?
 On a scale of 1-10, then decide with category gets the highest X factor caluculate [lol..mathmatically/socially/environmentally/ethically] and arrive at the solution best suited to your relevant categories.
 I ran out of room for the additional categories when demonstrating the "graphic switch choosing assistor" with 'anything' as in 'anything else'...
 All joking aside, with the number of options and optionals to those options, working up a table might be the way to arrive at a good and quicker answer to 'Sowhich way's best?'.

[jacobyjd]

maybe steve jobs should start making guitar pedals.

Yeah, but if he did, they'd only work with Epiphone Les Paul Customs, and he'd be able to change the sound remotely without your consent, and you could be arrested if you try to mod it.

[joegagan]

maybe steve jobs should start making guitar pedals.

Yeah, but if he did, they'd only work with Epiphone Les Paul Customs, and he'd be able to change the sound remotely without your consent, and you could be arrested if you try to mod it.

you made me laugh with this. not to derail the thread, but  awesome comedian adam carolla has a great rant about the planned obsolescence of apple products.

http://www.cultofmac.com/adam-carolla-on-apple-nsfw/42871

[SonicVI]

I've been using the same Mac since 2001.

[joegagan]

i have a mini-fleet of dead mac ibook g4s that i went through before i learned my lesson about their miserable cooling method.

[smallbearelec]

The momentary version of the tactile push switch in the pic is this:

http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=EG1017-ND

I will order for stock and make available.

Regards
SD