making a momentary switch?

levisixguns · #1 11-02-2009, 10:17 PM

i have one of those cheap channel switchers for my amp with the click switch to turn the channel on and off. i just purchased a momentary switch and would like to know how to install it. i'm new to soldering so i figured this would be an easy start but i'm having a hard time locating a schematic and i don't really know how to go about doing this because theres half as many points on the new switch.

i've included some links to some pictures so you know what i mean:

(this is what i have)

(this is what i want to install)

p.s. if anyone's wondering, i am wanting to do this in place of buying one of those ugly roland momentary switches for my tap tempo insert on my DD-7 pedal. the pedal works as it is, but it doesn't properly set the tempo because its not a momentary switch.

levisixguns · #2 11-03-2009, 10:45 AM

nothing? all i need is some kind of link to some kind of schematic or a source for better understanding of these types of switches.

niftydog · #3 11-03-2009, 04:25 PM

A schematic is not going to help you necessarily. What you first need to work out is how it needs to be wired to satisfy the requirements of your DD-7. Look up the manual and see whether it says anything relevant.

The switch has three terminals, which makes it a single pole double throw switch. This means it has one 'common' terminal and two 'switched' terminals - the common terminal is alternately connected to the switched terminals.
When the switch is at rest the common terminal will be connected to one of the switched terminals - this is called the 'normally closed' terminal.
When the switch is depressed the common terminal will be connected to the other switched terminal - called the 'normally open' terminal.

In almost every switch I have ever seen the common terminal is in the middle of the two switched terminals. Working out which of the switched terminals is which will require a multimeter or simple circuit to test the continuity between the terminals. Or you can just wire it up and see if it works - you may need to rewire it to the other terminal if it's not quite right.