Help for hard to find Off-On-On switch

Moderator
Joined 2003
Paid Member
I've been searching high and low but couldn't find this type of switch. I modified the picture to eliminate the connection at "2":
https://global.discourse-cdn.com/digikey/original/1X/9575ce4e87e3ee1bef34244ec4c7bc2e1f66377c.jpg

Off-Mom-Mom.jpg



The purpose is to avoid relays in a power amp by first switching on the power -which has turn-on thumps- and with a second throw switching on the speakers, keeping the power up of course. I think this is a very elegant solution.

I found these https://www.digikey.be/nl/products/detail/e-switch/PB300DTQ/6126492
but 0,3A @ 28VDC is not suited for power and speaker connections.

Over here is exactly what I'm looking for so perhaps the tube guys can point me to anything useful:
https://groupdiy.com/threads/power-on-off-thumps-and-plops.77677/post-990387

Thanks for any help,
Hugo
 

Attachments

  • Off-Mom-Mom.jpg
    Off-Mom-Mom.jpg
    18.8 KB · Views: 87
Hi Mark,
The switch has 3 position. From 'Off' to 'On' is the first step. It switches the power on.
Then I wait a second (or two) to flip it to the second 'On', witch switches the speaker on. No turn-on thump.
Switching the amp off happens in reverse order.
First the speaker is switched off, second the power. No turn-off thump.

On-on-off.jpg


P.S. Point 8 is of no use. 6-2 is power, 3-1 is speaker.

Hugo
 
A DPDT ON-ON-ON toggle switch or a DP3T rotary switch will do for 1 channel.
For 2 channel you need a 4PDT ON-ON-ON toggle switch, or a 3P3T rotary switch.
IMO, switch contacts are no different than relay contacts.
Unless it's switching low voltage power supply, I would not wiring mains voltage together with speaker connection in one switch.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Netlist and tomchr
My only concern would be the insulation between the contacts used to switch the power and those used to switch the speaker. The data sheet snippet does show 1500 V dielectric strength but is that across the switch contacts or between the two switches?

Pretty neat idea, though.

Tom
 
  • Like
Reactions: Netlist
That's not strictly a momentary switch then?
Correct, wrong semantic 🙂 Actually, it's a Off-On-On switch. I'll ask to change the title.

@Hearinspace : Yes, two mono amps with external PSU. So I'll need two switches.

Unless it's switching low voltage power supply, I would not wiring mains voltage together with speaker connection in one switch.
It will be used for a low current (+/-100mA) unregulated 17V.
@tomchr: I guess this addresses your concern too.

The whole purpose is simplicity and to avoid another circuit with relays. And I kind of like these switches and the process of turning on an amp, vintage style.
I think 'll write a users manual for my heirs. 😊

Thanks for the incentive thoughts and corrections.
Hugo
 
The external PSU will deliver the 17V. That is the voltage the switch will see.
This makes 3 switches: one for the PSU and for each monoblock a power / speaker switch.
230VAC will never reach the amp, if the fuses work, the toroid holds the mains current, the rectifier bridge doens't fail, and all that at ones 🙂

Thanks for voicing your concern.
Hugo
 
  • Like
Reactions: tomchr