I'm wondering if a 4PST switch would work for 2 sets of analog outputs from a DAC I'm building. I basically want one set of RCAs and the switch to switch between pre-buffer (L/G & R/G) and post-buffer (L/G & R/G).
If you user a DPDT that will let you select left and right of either source into one pair of RCA leads.
That's only 6 connections though. Wouldn't I need my GND connections going through the switch as well? The way I'm counting is pre-buffer -- L,G,R,G; post-buffer -- L,G,R,G = 8 inputs to switch. Then L,G,R,G from switch to RCAs =4 outputs. What am I missing?
This is how I'm envisioning a DPDT On On hook up from my DAC
Does this make sense now?

Does this make sense now?
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If you want to select where your input RCA's go then on the wiper of the DPDT switch place your RCA's and connect either side of the switch contacts, one to the buffer and the other to the pre buffer. Leave the earths connected as they come from the same point.
Centre pole is your input, up or down poles are your outputs to the places you want to send your input signal.
Centre pole is your input, up or down poles are your outputs to the places you want to send your input signal.
Actually. I'm trying to do the same. see my old thread here:
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/construction-tips/192136-double-dpdt-switch.html
They seem to call them 4PDT, I haven't yet heard whether these are needed or ground can be connected directly, I read both ways
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/construction-tips/192136-double-dpdt-switch.html
They seem to call them 4PDT, I haven't yet heard whether these are needed or ground can be connected directly, I read both ways
If you switch the ground connections then you will introduce needless contacts and noise.
DPDT is a two pole double throw changeover switch. A 4PDT switch is a four pole double throw switch. Twice the contacts.
See http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CGEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gaugemaster.com%2Finstructions%2Fswitches_explained.pdf&ei=4kS0UYqgIYWc0AXKuYCgAg&usg=AFQjCNHcM00dSOqF553HzlQtpUkJ9XhlUQ&sig2=GGoOoUy2_WIfX8cYtjLZcQ&bvm=bv.47534661,d.d2k
DPDT is a two pole double throw changeover switch. A 4PDT switch is a four pole double throw switch. Twice the contacts.
See http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CGEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gaugemaster.com%2Finstructions%2Fswitches_explained.pdf&ei=4kS0UYqgIYWc0AXKuYCgAg&usg=AFQjCNHcM00dSOqF553HzlQtpUkJ9XhlUQ&sig2=GGoOoUy2_WIfX8cYtjLZcQ&bvm=bv.47534661,d.d2k
yup. understood Jon.. just to the OP. if you want to switch grounds as well 4PDT is the way to go.. but since you mention joint grounds are ok. i guess DPDT is a better option..
If you want to select where your input RCA's go then on the wiper of the DPDT switch place your RCA's and connect either side of the switch contacts, one to the buffer and the other to the pre buffer. Leave the earths connected as they come from the same point.
Centre pole is your input, up or down poles are your outputs to the places you want to send your input signal.
However, I wanted to do two sets of inputs to switch from DAC and one output from switch to RCAs. I'll most likely forgo switching GND connections and select two of the GND leads post-buffer and hook them up directly to the RCAs.
This is what I'm referring to...
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
Is this not possible?
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