Channel selector for Mesa V Twin Rackmount

[ctxuk]

Figured would give an update in case anyone is interested and been checking the thread.

Got some things through after ordering, enough to have it partially working at least. It would have been completed except for being sent some incorrect components. I though had enough for one clean channel and three solo channel switches.
Testing that reveals you cannot operate the pedal that comes with the unit as its standard particular to the pre amp in conjunction with the other switches.
Mix function currently does not work and I think will not without extensively changing things. It though doesn't affect ability to use as is.
As it is for home use only then I think it is fine unless I was to record at home and needed to swap channels, although there is a hint that may work anyhow.
If I was using it for gigging and required use of all six channels then a midi controlled switcher would be required. Not many Rockman Midi Octopus around these days though, the market sadly lacking no doubt manufacturers not realising there is a call for them still despite many units having inbuilt midi.

Will do an update when it's completed.

[Mick Bailey]

Can you clarify what you mean when you say "Testing that reveals you cannot operate the pedal that comes with the unit as its standard particular to the pre amp in conjunction with the other switches."?

There should be no difference in operation (other than previously mentioned) between using the 6 external switches or using the front panel switches. Both functions activate the same sections of the schematic. With the front panel these are mechanical and when in position 2 the functions are replicated by the J175 switching JFETs. The clean/solo/mix pedal should work either way, unless that is, you've borrowed a 5v supply.

[ctxuk]

Finally got the part that was incorrectly sent replaced by the correct one through today.

All channels operate correctly.
Leds light powered only by the switching, no battery or 9v power solution required.
You can go from one channel to another without a silent point although volume does dip whilst 2 channels are selected.
It is far easier than attempting to flip the front face mini toggle switches whilst playing.

I still think though for live performance a midi switcher such as Rockman Octopus would be better, the cost though for that type of switching far more by at least 3x even used it seems and would still require leads and midi foot unit.

I do have to use the original footswitch with the unit though to get all six channels on the new solution operating. If I omit to use the standard footswitch with it one channel, CH3 Clean fails to show a led or operate outputting any sound.


My solution to it all was whilst looking to source components to build a switching unit to find what I attempted to find on offer at a sale price. I found a triple steel cased latching footswith unit with leds. It had two hardwired leads for connection, one a TRS Stereo 1/4" jack, the other a TS Mono 1/4" jack. I looked for and purchased 2 x 1/4" female TRS socket to 2 Male 1/4" TS Male jacks.
The 4 leads have been velco'ed to each other using the free cable tidy's I got by purchasing Viseosound cables - A nice touch they supply with every cable and their cables are good quality for home use, also discounted if purchasing multiples at once.
The chassis is substantial and a little like a Marshall channel switcher, bolting the two units together on the end a simple drill and put 3 nut/bolts through or attach a new base plate and attach them to it. They do a double socket version also (again on offer currently) so I may purchase one so that I have it to replace the standard footswitch which switches between the two channels and a mix switch (it would just require rerouting the wiring) more likely though is to purchase a third unit alike the two I already have to do the standard footswitch function and also operate the FX loop switching on/off.

Cost so far £76 GBP or 104.35 USD

Buying the parts would have cost me more although I would have learnt some things from constructing it. That said it is doubtful it would have looked as good.as I couldn't find suitable slant front chassis boxes. It does compare quite well with buying amp specific switching units that are 4 or more channels.
It may be cheating, but it works.
I could switch out the hard wired leads for a single cable with no adapters for TRS to TS and building an interface unit to sit in the rack but that would mean more socket and jacks and things to go wrong. I will probably find some form of sleeving to encase the 4 leads rather than use the velcro ties at some point leaving one substantial cable a little thicker than a good quality instrument lead jack end.

I however do appreciate the input from all others in the thread to go from thoughts to find a working solution to final product. Thank you.

[Mick Bailey]

That's not a bad price at all and it's good that you've got it all working. I was wondering how you'd box up the switches and bolting the two 3-way units together is a neat way of doing this. I did think of the Marshall 6-way switch units, though using one of these would have cost more overall and still need rewiring.

[ctxuk]

That's not a bad price at all and it's good that you've got it all working. I was wondering how you'd box up the switches and bolting the two 3-way units together is a neat way of doing this. I did think of the Marshall 6-way switch units, though using one of these would have cost more overall and still need rewiring.

I examined quite a few switching options and other makers footswitches when I started out looking at this. It is frankly annoying there was no easy option. I thought initially the Bugera Trirec footswitch would have been a good choice and it probably would be if I chose to get a midi switcher to add in the rack itself.
It was pure luck that the option I ended up purchasing was on sale (reducing the price per unit cost by £10.00) and by being on sale drawing me to investigate the ins/outs of it. There are a fair few other options out there but with momentary not latching switching, or missing led's which with 6 channels would make life difficult.
I don't even need to bolt the switches together, with the right velcro type just a plate beneath would sort it out the same as you would a pedalboard. Having no phantom power need, or battery imo a big bonus.

Maybe someone will get some inspiration from the thread itself. OK maybe not a seasoned modder, but the average guy/gal at home looking for a solution that works but having no idea where to start. If so, then at least it has served its use for someone else.

[Mick Bailey]

Maybe someone will get some inspiration from the thread itself. OK maybe not a seasoned modder, but the average guy/gal at home looking for a solution that works but having no idea where to start. If so, then at least it has served its use for someone else.

That's the real benefit of providing a full description of any work carried out - it's there for everyone to refer to in the future and shares the knowledge to the benefit of everyone.

BTW, I found this as an idea for the basis of an interlocking switch but it would need more work for use with the V-Twin - take a look at the video. The outputs can simultaneously be used to switch transistors or FETs to operate the channels; https://www.instructables.com/Electr...Radio-Buttons/