Selector switch

Rnickl · 26th January 2006, 02:57 PM

I posted this in the “everything else” forum and didn’t get much of response, maybe someone here can help out.

I’m looking for a 4 position rotary switch to build an A/V selector. Does anyone know of a suitable switch I can use? Do I need 6 pole to separate all the grounds or can I make them common for each component?

I would just like to build a simple box with 4 inputs ,1 output and a rotary switch to select different source components.

Thanks,
Rick

richie00boy · 26th January 2006, 03:33 PM

You would usually use common grounds.

Panelhead · 26th January 2006, 03:58 PM

I have started using some really nice old switches. These are Centralab steatite bodied switches. The contacts are all silver plated.
On ebay these sell for anywhere from 2.00 to 10.00. A dual pole, 4 postion switch non-shorting.
I like to wire mine up like Croft does their preamps. Use an old number of positions, and wire every other position as a ground. This makes muting real easy. I have used both shorting and non-shorting types.

George

Rnickl · 26th January 2006, 05:11 PM

Please pardon my ignorance but, what's the differance between shorting and non-shorting.

richie00boy · 26th January 2006, 05:17 PM

Break before make, or make before break, is what we usually call them in the UK. That should make more sense to you? For an input selector you want break before make.

Panelhead · 26th January 2006, 08:06 PM

On rotary switches the shorting or make before break switches have a wider wiper. This allows the wiper to contact both positions as it moves.
Most switches are non-shorting.

George

oaktsh · 26th January 2006, 08:34 PM

Rnickl,
You are in the same area I am in.
There's a very high quality 4pole nonshorting grayhill switch that is sold at Anchor electronics for only a few bucks. It would serve your purpose well. Look them up or shot me an email and I can direct you there.

Rnickl · 26th January 2006, 10:12 PM

Thanks for all the info guys.

Any chance you have a part number for the swith oaktsh? Chances are good they don't stock many 4 pole grayhill swithches anyway. I know where Anchor is and thanks for the tip.

oaktsh · 29th January 2006, 07:12 PM

Rnickl,
Anchor does not give a part numger. Upon looking at the switch that I bought from them, it is actually a single pole 4 deck, 16position, which should work fine for your application (can provide up to 16 different source input)

26th January 2006, 02:57 PM	#1
Rnickl diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: San Jose, CA	Selector switch I posted this in the “everything else” forum and didn’t get much of response, maybe someone here can help out. I’m looking for a 4 position rotary switch to build an A/V selector. Does anyone know of a suitable switch I can use? Do I need 6 pole to separate all the grounds or can I make them common for each component? I would just like to build a simple box with 4 inputs ,1 output and a rotary switch to select different source components. Thanks, Rick

26th January 2006, 03:33 PM	#2
richie00boy Did it Himself diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Gloucestershire, England, UK	You would usually use common grounds. __________________ www.readresearch.co.uk my website for UK diy audio people - designs, PCBs, kits and more

26th January 2006, 03:58 PM	#3
Panelhead diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Houston	Old fine I have started using some really nice old switches. These are Centralab steatite bodied switches. The contacts are all silver plated. On ebay these sell for anywhere from 2.00 to 10.00. A dual pole, 4 postion switch non-shorting. I like to wire mine up like Croft does their preamps. Use an old number of positions, and wire every other position as a ground. This makes muting real easy. I have used both shorting and non-shorting types. George

26th January 2006, 05:17 PM	#5
richie00boy Did it Himself diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Gloucestershire, England, UK	Break before make, or make before break, is what we usually call them in the UK. That should make more sense to you? For an input selector you want break before make. __________________ www.readresearch.co.uk my website for UK diy audio people - designs, PCBs, kits and more

26th January 2006, 08:06 PM	#6
Panelhead diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Houston	Shorting and non-shorting switches On rotary switches the shorting or make before break switches have a wider wiper. This allows the wiper to contact both positions as it moves. Most switches are non-shorting. George


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26th January 2006, 05:11 PM	#4
Rnickl diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: San Jose, CA	Please pardon my ignorance but, what's the differance between shorting and non-shorting.

26th January 2006, 08:34 PM	#7
oaktsh diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: San Jose, CA	Rnickl, You are in the same area I am in. There's a very high quality 4pole nonshorting grayhill switch that is sold at Anchor electronics for only a few bucks. It would serve your purpose well. Look them up or shot me an email and I can direct you there.

26th January 2006, 10:12 PM	#8
Rnickl diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: San Jose, CA	Thanks for all the info guys. Any chance you have a part number for the swith oaktsh? Chances are good they don't stock many 4 pole grayhill swithches anyway. I know where Anchor is and thanks for the tip.

29th January 2006, 07:12 PM	#9
oaktsh diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: San Jose, CA	Rnickl, Anchor does not give a part numger. Upon looking at the switch that I bought from them, it is actually a single pole 4 deck, 16position, which should work fine for your application (can provide up to 16 different source input)

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