Boss DD-5 with DIY tap tempo problem

[nic]

I've searched for similar issues or explanations here and everywhere else and can't seem to find a good answer so I thought I'd ask.

I've made plenty of tap tempos before with zero problems. (I mean, two wires...only I could mess that up...) But I've made two TTs now for two different DD-5s, and I'm having issues with them. I'm using a soft touch momentary switch and a metal jack in a metal enclosure, to give all the details.

The problem is they seem to work for a few times, then all of the sudden, they stop taking time at all. I've read a lot about how some people say Boss uses a NC switch (and a lot about how they use a NO switch, haha) but I have a Boss FS-5U that works fine and it's NO. (verified with meter). Anyway, I cannot figure out what the heck is going on. I've metered both my TT and Boss's TT, both work when pressed, both work no matter how many times I click, but only the Boss works all the time when plugged into the pedal.

I would generally say faulty parts or faulty wiring but two different taps with two different dd5s make me think it might be something else.

Anyone with advice or similar issues?

Thanks!

nic

[Paul Marossy]

Maybe it's the type of switch you are using. Maybe they have a lot of "switch bounce" and the Boss pedal can't tolerate that. When I made my tempo controller box for my DD-5, I just used a cheap switch from RadioShack. It's been working fine for several years now.

[sixstringphil]

Same here. I used the Radio Shack switch for years with no problems. Build a few for friends and never had any complaints. Wish I still had my DD5!

[nic]

Hmmm. Good thoughts. Anybody ever use something like the railhead effects tt? They supposedly work with the boss pedals and I think they use soft touch switches, though I can't verify that.

Thanks for the replies. I'll try a different brand of switch.