Rotary switches

[Che_Guitarra]

I'm wanting to install a couple of rotary switches in my upcoming guitar amp build - one as a speaker impedance selector (4 or 8Ω), the other as channel selector (ch A, ch B, and A&B jumped).  Looking through the Mouser inventory i'm not entirely sure I know what to order as it's not a component i'm overly familiar with.  There's literally hundreds of options to choose from - all I know is that I want a rotary switch that can be chassis mounted in a typical pot hole.

Can somebody help me with out with a link or two?

 

[rob_gould]

Hi,

Try searching for Lorlin for a cheap option, Grayhill or Elma for something more expensive

for example

 

[ruairioflaherty]

I wouldn't want to switch speaker level signals with a Lorlin.  Look at Grayhill, Elma and Electroswitch.  Double check the current ratings and make sure you get a switch that allows for an adjustable stop (to reduce from say 6 way to 2 or 3 way).

Why not a toggle for the impedance switching?

 

[Che_Guitarra]

Why not a toggle for the impedance switching?

Just experimenting.  Amp makers like Marshall and Ceriatone use a rotary switch, so I figure I might give it a try too.

 

[ruairioflaherty]

Why not a toggle for the impedance switching?

Just experimenting.  Amp makers like Marshall and Ceriatone use a rotary switch, so I figure I might give it a try too.

Why not?!  That's the joy of DIY, just make sure you can reduce the switch positions on the one you buy.

I like the idea of a toggle on an A/AB/B switch, it makes sense to my brain especially when positioned between the relevant channels.

Tell us more about the build?  I'm back playing guitar in earnest and I've bought 3 amps in the last 6 months :-o A '70s Vibrochamp, a Roy Blankenship Deluxe clone and a '66 Bandmaster that's been rehoused in a fugly upright 2x12 cab (sounds great though).

 

[Che_Guitarra]

Based on a Marshall 20W Lead & Bass, aka 2061X. 

Two channel amp, 1 x vol and 1 x tone per channel.  Not really a fan of the traditional layout so i'm going to change it up to suit.  Instead of four inputs i'm just going to have one, with the channels selectable from a rotary switch.  I'm going to gang the tone pots onto one control, and add a VVR (B+ voltage controller) so I can keep a lid on overall volume (if need be).  So far, that's the plan 

 

[ruairioflaherty]

Nice!  I left my '70s Super lead and 4x12 behind me when I left Ireland, a phenomenal amp.  I bought it when I was 15 (38 now).

Please do a build thread or blog.

Cheers,
Ruairi

 

[Che_Guitarra]

Happy to do so 

So back to the rotary switches; if I want a 3-in 1-out selector - how does that translate in terms of decks, and poles per deck required?  And what type of contact will I require - i'm not familiar with any of those acronyms.  I know I want a chassis/panel mount switch with three positions... i'm lost on the other options.

Here's the Mouser 'rotary switch' options I have at hand:
http://au.mouser.com/Electromechanical/Switches/Rotary-Switches/_/N-5g2i?P=1z0x3z7

 

[mjrippe]

You are only switching one wire - the ground or neutral connection is the same for all taps.  Lets say you have 4, 8, and 16 ohm taps (that's three throws or positions), and they all go to the same single output jack (one pole).  Again, as it's just the one set of connections it is one deck.