Bulding a passive Monitor Switch/splitter

[davenutz]

Im looking to build a passive monitor switch/splitter.

Basically:

DAW ST Line OP------->Switch IP1
--------------------------------------- >(dual switch between IPs)->3way switch for 3 OPs
Comp Soundcard OP ->Switch IP2


Im looking to do this with a minimum of circutry, no volume control, basically just a line level splitter. Any advice is recomended. Im still an electronics noob, so i figured id start small.

[brianroth]

Not quite following you from that post.

What is the intended result?

Bri

[paully]

Sounds like a passive matrix that can toggle between 2 inputs, then select one of three outputs. Stereo-Mono?

Paul

[davenutz]

Sorry about the unclear description.


Just looking for 2 stereo inputs, 3 stereo outputs. Only 1 Input ->Output path to be used at a time, all line level.

I suppose a more direct question would be:

Can i do this with only 2 switches, a bunch of wiring, a box, and some panel mount jacks. Ive got the box and connectors, wiring is no biggie, what kind of switches would i need?

[Cojo]

Originally Posted by Dr. Nutz

Sorry about the unclear description.


Just looking for 2 stereo inputs, 3 stereo outputs. Only 1 Input ->Output path to be used at a time, all line level.

I suppose a more direct question would be:

Can i do this with only 2 switches, a bunch of wiring, a box, and some panel mount jacks. Ive got the box and connectors, wiring is no biggie, what kind of switches would i need?

Yes you can. Make sure the switches are of the "break before make" type. Only break the signals and let the ground be connected all time.

Good luck!

/Cojo

[paully]

Hey Doc,

I've (hopefully) inserted a simple diagram for your curcuit. Grounds are not shown, but should be common to all in/out points.. and to the metal enclosure. Jack types are your call. It uses a double pole, double throw toggle switch and a single deck, double pole, 3 position rotary switch. The dashed lines are NOT wires, just references to a normalled position.

Best, Paul

[davenutz]

thanks for all the help!

can anyone point me to where i might find the toggles i need? and perhaps what exactly you think i might need? Im a pretty big electronics newbie...though an excellent cable solder-er

[Tim Farrant]

The toggle switch shown in Pauls drawing is a standard DPDT (double pole, double throw) type. The rotary switch is a 2 pole 3 position type. You may need to get a 2 pole 6 position with adjustable stop and set it for 3 positions.

The circuit there is unbalanced of course, do you want it balanced? If so, you will need a 4 pole, double throw toggle and a 4 pole 3 position rotary and double the wiring.

Cheers
Tim.

[Matt Syson]

Hi
Go for Tims balanced version but you should add a resistor, say 1K5 across each OUTPUT to reduce the crosstalk and possible noises that unterminated amp inputs would pick up.
Otherwise go for it.
Matt S

[paully]

Originally Posted by Dr. Nutz

can anyone point me to where i might find the toggles i need?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
hey Doc,

Here are some suggestions.

* Get out that big, fat NYC Yellow Pages and look under Electronics Parts. There should be a wholesaler within walking distance that can select what you want.

***************************************
* I know this is going to raise a fury, but 'ol reliable can fill the bill at less than $10. Cheap way to make sure the circuit does what you want.

http://www.radioshack.com

Part number Part Disc.
275-636 DPDT toggle sw.
275-1386 2Pole 6Pos Rotary sw.
***************************************
* To design your own look, these sites can help you nail it exactly. Once you have the exact part number configured, they can be purchased from Mouser online.

http://www.mouser.com

links to PDFs:

http://www.carlingtech.com/pdf/s_110216.pdf (Carling: HD toggle)
http://www.electro-nc.com/miniature/minp3843.pdf (ElectroSwitch: Mini- toggle)
http://www.ittcannon.com/media/pdf/c...oggle_7000.pdf (Design your own Mini)
http://www.electro-nc.com/rotaryus/c1.pdf (Design your own enclosed rotary)

Don't forget, parts hunting is 1/2 the fun!

Happy Hunting, Paul

[Matt Syson]

Hi
Why not go truly 'retro' and get a couple of 'knife' switches that were featured in the 'Frankenstein' , 'Addams family' and similar horror movies. If the thought of putting audio through them worries you you could always operate relays with them to do the actual switching. This could also solve the possible crosstalk 'problem' from lack of termination of unused amp inputs.
Matt S