dumb question but have to ask...

[randomair]

i have a dpdt footswitch but i need an on/off switch. someone..gulp...want to enlighten me on how to wire it for just a standard on/off switch. thanks.

[Enzo]

"Standard" on/off switch for what?

If you simply want to open a circuit - two terminals that either conduct together or not - Then any two terminals that open and close on the switch will do.

The typical DPDT switch is rectangular with three terminals down each side. Pick a side. The center leg switches from one end to the other. SO wire to the center and one end on one side.

[randomair]

i am rehousing an alesis ampliton. the existing switch for bypass on the unit is just a two prong switch. so the bypass is turned on or off by this switch. i realize that using a dpdt switch for most effects has specific wiring which i am familiar with, but the problem here is that little switch is only two prong and trying to use a dpdt would normally be fine but the problem i am running into is (i have wired the switch the way you have suggested by the way) i have to push the foot switch twice for there to be a change in the led. twice for on, twice for off. in other words, if the light is on, i have to push it two more times for it to go off, instead of just once. same goes for the off position. i tried the original switch again just to make sure there wasnt something going on with the circuit and it works as it should. thanks.

[Enzo]

That is why I asked. The problem is not that you wired the switch wrong. The problem is you are trying to use the wrong kind of switch. You are trying to use a push on, push off switch - what we often call a stomp switch - when what you need is a momentary switch.

The circuit expects to to close the switch and then open it. This is normal for a momentary switch since they are only closed when you push on them. Take your foot off and the switch opens. But your click/click switch stays on after you push it, and you have to push it a second tome to reopen it.

So it works like you discovered - two pushes.

You need to find a momentary switch.

[randomair]

thanks so much for explaining enzo...got it!