Using a momentary switch to switch signals.

Thread Starter

Forgetful Assistance

Joined Aug 6, 2013
4
*First post so move if I have posted it in the wrong section please*

Okay. I want to use a spst momentary switch to control a circuit that will switch two signals between one output 6.25mm jack. So I need it to act like a SPDT switch.

I have done some searching and found this article:
http://www.thetonegod.com/tech/switches/switches.html

Pretty much exactly what I want but it acts like a DPDT switch rather than a SPDT switch. Thats okay but simply looking for options to reduce parts count.

Any ideas? Thanks for the help in advance!
 

Thread Starter

Forgetful Assistance

Joined Aug 6, 2013
4
Yes that is the obvious solution but I'm going to over complicate it :rolleyes:

If I was to use a mechanical switch I would need a DPDT because I would want an LED to indicate the status of the switch.

The reason for using a momentary switch is noise. Not signal noise but noise that I could hear from the clicking of the switch. I am intending to use it for an audio signal so when I record myself in the studio I don't want to hear the "click" noise of the switch engaging when recording because the microphone will pick that up. The momentary will still make some noise but considerably less.

I hope reason is logical to others as it is to me :D
 

Thread Starter

Forgetful Assistance

Joined Aug 6, 2013
4
Just thought I'd add this incase I missed it. I don't expect someone to design a circuit for me. If you could point out an IC or two or a method that I can apply that would be much appreciated.
 

elec_mech

Joined Nov 12, 2008
1,500
Well, not knowing any better myself, you could use a CD4016 which is designed to switch signals. It has four SPST switches controlled electronically, so I think you could make a SPDT easily enough. What I don't know is how you intend to "quietly" send the control signal. Have you found a momentary switch that is quieter than a toggle switch?

If you want to go for overkill, you could program a PICAXE and make a touch sensor from a piece of metal covered with a piece of tape and then control the CD4016 or a solid state relay or some MOSFETs.

A simpler approach may be moving your existing mechanical switch under your desk/cabinet/microphone and covering it in padding. Perhaps put a shoebox with good padding over it and add a rod to push the switch.

Just some ideas . . . :D
 

Thread Starter

Forgetful Assistance

Joined Aug 6, 2013
4
Using a Hex inverting Schmitt trigger and the CD4016/4066 was my initial idea. I was just looking to see if there were any other alternatives that would take less PCB space.

Here's the schematic that I drew up. I've connected all the unused pins to ground. Thats the right thing to do, right? I'm new to this.



I know this sounds very silly because a simple toggle switch would work :confused:. This inteded to be used for a guitar pedal:


The switches typically used for guitar pedals are usually a little noisy and prone to failure. I assume that's due to the constant use with your feet. They can't be put a way because I need to be able to control them with my feet as I play guitar. I can add the guitar effects to the recording on the computer but I like to use "real" pedals rather than digital simulations.



Thanks guys!
 
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