I want to make a Source selector switch using RCA connectors. The purpose would be to allow me to select from three sources all of which would have to pass through the AUX input on my Amp.

I know how to do the circuitry and the lay out physically is no problem. What I need help with is the actual switch. Radio shack has a 6 position 2 pole rotary which works the way I would like but I worry about sending a Source signal through a $3.00 switch.

Parts connection has a fancer 6 position switch but gives no info on the circuitry fo the switch. At $40.00 I would like to know what it will do before ordering it.

I can also simply use a series of SPST switches to pass each source to the amp it would just be a manual setup where I would have to turn off on source before truning the next one on. Simple easy to wire up unless some sort of feedback from one source to the other would be a problem then I would assume some sort of Diode would have to be included in the circuits to isolate one from the other.


A rotary switch would be most preferable. It would fit the project the best.

BUT what switch to use?


ANYONE got a Pioneer selector switch laying around???? That would work perfect. Something from a SX-XXX ??????

Passive four in one out switch boxes are readily available for about $20. AR and Chase Technologies both made units that would allow one to switch high level inputs and control volume with a remote. I use the Chase Technologies and have found that it works very well. Are you planning to make one yourself just for the fun of it?

Actually I went a lookin after I asked the question and found some Niles Units that have a rotary switch and five positions that would work real nice but I'll go looking for those you mention as well.

Try a four pole switch or 2 two pole switches so that you can swith grounds as well as hot side. You can have less problems with noise.

I built a three-in, one out switcher for my guitar rig that uses sealed latching relays. It has a momentary pushbutton for each input. The switch cancels the other two inputs as it activates its own. Each channel is modular so it can be made with as many inputs as you like. If this sounds like something you want to build, I'll either dig up or redraw the circuit and see if I can track down what relay I used.

I built a three-in, one out switcher for my guitar rig that uses sealed latching relays. It has a momentary pushbutton for each input. The switch cancels the other two inputs as it activates its own. Each channel is modular so it can be made with as many inputs as you like. If this sounds like something you want to build, I'll either dig up or redraw the circuit and see if I can track down what relay I used.

I have recently found and joined this group, and your idea appeals to me - I was thinking of building a similar unit using bi-stable mercury wetted relays.
I had yet to come up with a suitable circuit to drive them.
Would your circuit be suitable ?

Not sure. I don't have a driving circuit at all. I just scrounged the catalogs til I found a magnetically latched double-pole relay with separate set and reset coils.

The pushbutton for each channel SPST NO momentary. The switch is wired between the V+ and the high side of the set coil for that channel's relay. There is a separate diode from the switch to the high side of each other relay's reset coil. So if you have four channels, the button for channel A has one diode connected to the reset coil of relay B, another diode to the reset coil of channel C, and another diode to the reset coil of relay D. You can scale this up as many channels as you need.

When you push a button, you allow current to pass through that channel's set coil and through every other channel's reset coils. The relay for the channel you selected flips thisaway and all the other relays flip thataway. Because they are magnetically latched, when there is no current through the coils, they stay in whatever position they were last set.

I have all my grounds bussed together I use one relay pole to switch for signal and the other pole for indicator light, but you could switch both sides of a balanced signal, and add a separate relay for the indicator light if you wanted to.

You can get a pair of Female to Female RCA adapters and hook them up to a 18 inch RCA cord connected to the AUX in the back of the amp/receiver. (or buy a 18 RCA cord male one end and female the other) Then use three more 18 inch RCA cords, one on each source with lables to tell which is what. Then just connect up the one you want to use to cord from the AUX. Works like a charm, cheap and easy and invisible if you tuck the wires somewhere out of site.

Charlie

The problem with that Charlie is that my system is a 4' tall rack with 10 components that is set into a pocket in the wall. And while removeable for service (its a PIA to do) the front is flush mounted with two narrow glass doors protecting the gear. Not sure how that would look to have wires sitting on the floor in front of it.