I need help building a 4 button footswitch

felixvaughn · Post by **felixvaughn** » 20 Mar 2020, 23:27

I would like to build the footswitch shown in this schematic https://www.thetubestore.com/lib/thetub ... ematic.pdf

I don't have any experience at all with something like this and i would like some guidance please.

I presume that the unmarked diodes are 1N4448 as indicated in the text, but what voltage, current and wattage rating would they be?

Are the footswitches latching or momentary? on/off or on/on?

What voltage LEDs would I need to use and do they have to be red?

The socket symbol is unknown to me, I am confused by the arrow pointing at the socket tip, is this a TRS stereo socket? What does the arrow symbolise?

Is the socket sleeve ground?

Are there any components not pictured e.g resistors for leds?

What kind of cable would I use to connect this to my amp?

Is there anything else you think I should know?

I think this should be a relatively simple build but I am a total beginner at stuff like this so excuse my lack of knowledge. I hope I haven't overwhelmed you all with my questions!

Thanks

phatt · Post by **phatt** » 21 Mar 2020, 03:59

felixvaughn wrote:I would like to build the footswitch shown in this schematic https://www.thetubestore.com/lib/thetub ... ematic.pdf

I don't have any experience at all with something like this and i would like some guidance please.
I presume that the unmarked diodes are 1N4448 as indicated in the text, but what voltage, current and wattage rating would they be?

Likely a misprint, try 1N4148

felixvaughn wrote: Are the footswitches latching or momentary? on/off or on/on?

I'd say they are latching, others here might know more.

felixvaughn wrote: What voltage LEDs would I need to use and do they have to be red?

I'd say standard Red Leds, don't use those high brightness leds.

felixvaughn wrote: The socket symbol is unknown to me, I am confused by the arrow pointing at the socket tip, is this a TRS stereo socket? What does the arrow symbolise?
Is the socket sleeve ground?

Standard Tip Ring socket switch tab is shown but not used. Yes sleeve is circuit Common/Ground.

felixvaughn wrote: Are there any components not pictured e.g resistors for leds?

No this is the switch the rest is done inside the amp. BTW it's likely this will only work with the amplifier shown

felixvaughn wrote: What kind of cable would I use to connect this to my amp?

thin low voltage wire, no need for shielding, Whatever is easiest to use.
Raid some old electronics gear you maybe surprised at what you can scrounge from old E Waste.

felixvaughn wrote: Is there anything else you think I should know?

I'm sure other here can think of things that might help.

I think this should be a relatively simple build but I am a total beginner at stuff like this so excuse my lack of knowledge. I hope I haven't overwhelmed you all with my questions!

Thanks[/quote]

Manfred · Post by **Manfred** » 22 Mar 2020, 09:26

Hi felixvaughn,
As I understand it, do you have this fender amp from the schematic and do you need the foot switch because it is missing?

felixvaughn · Post by **felixvaughn** » 23 Mar 2020, 01:53

Manfred wrote:Hi felixvaughn,
As I understand it, do you have this fender amp from the schematic and do you need the foot switch because it is missing?

Yes, I have recently bought this amp without the footswitch and the tremolo is only usable if you have it.

Manfred · Post by **Manfred** » 23 Mar 2020, 16:09

I suppose you want to build your own foot switch.
What do you need instructions for, a circuit board and wiring?
The components can be mounted on a vero or a terminal strip,
which one would you prefer?

felixvaughn · Post by **felixvaughn** » 23 Mar 2020, 16:47

Manfred wrote:I suppose you want to build your own foot switch.
What do you need instructions for, a circuit board and wiring?
The components can be mounted on a vero or a terminal strip,
which one would you prefer?

Yes, diy is the way to go as these footswitches are incredibly hard to find it seems!
I'm planning on using terminal strip construction.

DiscoVlad · Post by **DiscoVlad** » 23 Mar 2020, 21:44

phatt wrote:
felixvaughn wrote:I would like to build the footswitch shown in this schematic https://www.thetubestore.com/lib/thetub ... ematic.pdf

I don't have any experience at all with something like this and i would like some guidance please.
I presume that the unmarked diodes are 1N4448 as indicated in the text, but what voltage, current and wattage rating would they be?
Likely a misprint, try 1N4148

1N4448 is the low-leakage version of the 1N4148, they're still available but I don't see a reason why 1N4148 wouldn't work if you can't source them.

felixvaughn · Post by **felixvaughn** » 25 Mar 2020, 01:29

I just want to check if this is all correct,

Here is my layout,

The switches are labeled by their first letter.

Lug 2 on every switch is not connected to anything.

4 Red LEDs
4 SPDT Latching Footwitches
4 1N4448 Diodes
2 15223B Diodes
1 Mono 1/4" Socket

I'm going to use a 1590BB enclosure.
Connected to the amp with a standard 1/4" mono instrument cable.

felixvaughn · Post by **felixvaughn** » 25 Mar 2020, 01:34

Sleeve is incorrectly labelled "ring".