Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: waldner on June 24, 2015, 11:21:28 pm

Title: replace amp input jack with switch
Post by: waldner on June 24, 2015, 11:21:28 pm

I want to put a switch in place of one of the unused input jacks on an amp.  The standard carling switches are a larger diameter than the input jack holes.  Anyone know of any SPDT switches I could get that would fit the existing hole size so I don't have to drill it larger?  I guess I could use one of the tiny little switches with the blue back, but they are so small compared to the hole that they will want to move around. 

I figure someone must have covered this territory before but I couldn't find any info.

Thanks

Title: Re: replace amp input jack with switch
Post by: eleventeen on June 25, 2015, 12:07:38 am

The easy but not bat-handled answer would be to use a rotary switch...or, a pot w/a built in switch, and don't use the pot. I'm unaware of a 3/8" bushing bat-handled switch.

Title: Re: replace amp input jack with switch
Post by: AZJimC on June 25, 2015, 03:19:50 am

I recently came upon this issue. I ended up with a 1/4" Carling mini toggle. I made a bushing by slicing a ring from a 3/8" plastic tube. A couple washers and it smashes the plastic bushing into place and it stays centered very well.

Title: Re: replace amp input jack with switch
Post by: Willabe on June 25, 2015, 09:30:32 am

We also need to know what you want to use the switch for.

Title: Re: replace amp input jack with switch
Post by: waldner on June 25, 2015, 10:38:01 am

I want to use the switch to internally jumper the inputs on a 5F6A.   I did it on my 5E3 and it's nice.  I also never use the 2 low inputs and then could put another mod switch in the other unused hole.

Title: Re: replace amp input jack with switch
Post by: vibrolax on June 25, 2015, 01:44:26 pm

I like the 1/4" mini-toggle solution.  It's a low-current signal routing application, so no worries about big fat wire or its current-carrying capacity.

Jon

Title: Re: replace amp input jack with switch
Post by: MFowler on June 26, 2015, 06:59:10 am

I use a plastic/nylon isolating washer with 1/4" mini switch in this jack hole sometimes.


But you could just use the input jack wired as jumpered so you would have a normal input jack and a jumpered jack that would save you headaches.

Title: Re: replace amp input jack with switch
Post by: sluckey on June 26, 2015, 07:20:10 am

RadioShack has this 'push on/push off' switch that fits a 3/8" hole. They may also have other options...

http://comingsoon.radioshack.com/spst-3-amp-soft-feel-push-on-push-off-switch/2751565.html (http://comingsoon.radioshack.com/spst-3-amp-soft-feel-push-on-push-off-switch/2751565.html)

EDIT... I just realized you need a SPDT switch. Sorry.