The 3PDT universal footswitch kit is now available for purchase in the store.
Developed as a fast and reliable way to add an ON-ON stomp switch to a guitar or synth module build for true bypass and LED switching – or whatever else can make use of the 3PDT functionality!
A huge value for rapid prototyping, the 9-way (0.1″ pitch) 2″ long flexible cable brings out each of the three switches in grouped ways. The wiring is uncommitted, but I chose to make pin 4 (on the middle switch) a ground connection, which connects to a solid, uninterrupted ground plane on the upper side of the board. This is done for two reasons – it’s typical to use the middle switch for LED switching, so pin 4 can be utilized for the ground return for the LED. Clearly, also having a ground plane above all audio signals helps prevent electrical interference / return paths also.
Here’s the schematic –
This ground plane also has two 1mm holes for additional ground connections or test points.
The switch posts and cable ways are clearly labeled on the screen silk. The cable itself has a color coded strip indicating a pin 1.
Made with only quality parts, the kit comprises an Alpha 3PDT switch, a 2-layer PCB, and a 2″ 9-way 0.1″ pitch flexible ribbon cable. (The 2″ dimension is just less than the length of the plastic carrier – as shown in the pics.)
The flexible cable enables a short connection to your own PCB or Veroboard, which can sit at a different level than the footswitch PCB. It is very flexible – but note it is not intended for moving applications!
