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Hoffman Amps Forum image Author Topic: replace amp input jack with switch  (Read 2598 times)

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Offline waldner

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replace amp input jack with switch
« 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

Offline eleventeen

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Re: replace amp input jack with switch
« Reply #1 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.

Offline AZJimC

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Re: replace amp input jack with switch
« Reply #2 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.

Offline Willabe

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Re: replace amp input jack with switch
« Reply #3 on: June 25, 2015, 09:30:32 am »
We also need to know what you want to use the switch for.


Offline waldner

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Re: replace amp input jack with switch
« Reply #4 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.

Offline vibrolax

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Re: replace amp input jack with switch
« Reply #5 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
Jon

Offline MFowler

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Re: replace amp input jack with switch
« Reply #6 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.

Offline sluckey

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Re: replace amp input jack with switch
« Reply #7 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

EDIT... I just realized you need a SPDT switch. Sorry.
« Last Edit: June 26, 2015, 07:31:48 am by sluckey »
A schematic, layout, and hi-rez pics are very useful for troubleshooting your amp. Don't wait to be asked. JUST DO IT!

 


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