where to find a 10 pole double throw switch, for a speaker array

[RandyC]

Recently I completed a linear speaker array project, used as an add on for my musical performance equipment. As it used some drivers supplied by PE, I thought I'd share it here. Understand this is a specialized array, intended to be used in conjunction with a separate floor speaker covering the lows. This is NOT a step by step build guide by any means, but there is enough critical info here for a seasoned DIY person to duplicate what I've done if they wish...

http://elfintechnologies.com/LineArray.html

But I have one remaining issue, which is that I really wish I could select from at least 2 wiring configurations with a single switch. I'd like to have three configurations, but after drawing out some diagrams I've come to realize that even switching between two of the configurations I'd like to have would require a 10 pole double throw switch, good for at least 3 amps. Well as unlikely as that seems, I did find some multi-layer multi pole and multi position switches at a company called Greyhill.com, but many of them are momentary and all are very expensive. Does anyone know of any other suppliers that might make such complex switches?

[fpitas]

I doubt you'll find that switch. If you can't, alternately you could use a bunch of relays.

[Sydney]

Don't know if this is along your needs

http://www.alliedelec.com/electroswitch-inc-c4d1006n-a/70152169/

[thekorvers]

Don't know if this is along your needs
http://www.alliedelec.com/electroswi...6n-a/70152169/

This switch only carries 0.5A.

[thekorvers]

A rotary 10 deck switch with 1 pole/deck will do the job. Or a 5 deck switch with 2 pole/deck, etc. Digi-Key has some. The problem is that you want it to be able to carry current also. That will make it somewhat pricy. Figure on spending at least $100 for this switch. Since PE does not even come close to carrying something like this, I feel OK to provide a link. If PE does not agree with this, they can remove it.

This is filtered to 10 deck:

http://www.digikey.com/product-search/en/switches/rotary-switches/1114210?FV=fff40011%2Cfff80062%2Cd00000c&mnonly=0&newproducts=0&ColumnSort=0&page=1&stock=0&pbfree=0&rohs=0&quantity=&ptm=0&fid=0&pageSize=100

[kevintomb]

Honestly, relays would be Far easier, and more cost effective.

I know some cringe using a relay, but a few heavy duty ones will be easy to wire and easy on wallet.

[RandyC]

A rotary 10 deck switch with 1 pole/deck will do the job. Or a 5 deck switch with 2 pole/deck, etc. Digi-Key has some. The problem is that you want it to be able to carry current also. That will make it somewhat pricy. Figure on spending at least $100 for this switch. Since PE does not even come close to carrying something like this, I feel OK to provide a link. If PE does not agree with this, they can remove it.

This is filtered to 10 deck:

http://www.digikey.com/product-searc...0&pageSize=100

Thanks. Yea I expect to pay between 50 and $100 for something like that. But just to know they exists is a big help.That's the second thing like that i found that can carry some current. :-)

[RandyC]

Honestly, relays would be Far easier, and more cost effective.

I know some cringe using a relay, but a few heavy duty ones will be easy to wire and easy on wallet.

Yeah, I've thought of a few good multi pole OMRON relays that would do the trick, and like you say a lot cheaper. But honestly, I'd still rather find a switch if i can. First of all, a set of relays means yet another thing that requires power or a wall transformer, and as a performer with dozens of cables to set up, I'd rather avoid them if I can. And then there is the fear (perhaps unfounded) of a relay failing to pick up, for whatever reason. It could mean frying either some of the speakers or that amplifier driving it if one of those relays didn't pick up. However unlikely, its hard to imagine a switch failing that way.

[envisionelec]

T-Bar switches. The local Mendelson's surplus shop has (or had..a few years ago) 'em for a few bucks. Maybe you can find something similar local to you?

[kevintomb]

Yeah, I've thought of a few good multi pole OMRON relays that would do the trick, and like you say a lot cheaper. But honestly, I'd still rather find a switch if i can. First of all, a set of relays means yet another thing that requires power or a wall transformer, and as a performer with dozens of cables to set up, I'd rather avoid them if I can. And then there is the fear (perhaps unfounded) of a relay failing to pick up, for whatever reason. It could mean frying either some of the speakers or that amplifier driving it if one of those relays didn't pick up. However unlikely, its hard to imagine a switch failing that way.

ya, was gonna recommend Omron, and yes I totally get it. I would rather a switch also, relays are not the same "feel"

I have had both switches AND relays act up at times, actually more so with relays, and bad contacts etc.

[ratch]

Why not just gang 5 of these: PE # 060-568?

[RandyC]

Why not just gang 5 of these: PE # 060-568?

Its not a terrible idea, though I probably could find switches with a few more poles to start with (heres a 4PDT... http://www.parts-express.com/4pdt-he...witch--060-572). I can't imagine a good reliable way to "gang" them though. Yeah I guess I could drill holes in a metal bar and epoxy it all together. LOL! But I'm still hoping for a real single switch solution before resorting to one of my typical "Rube Goldberg" approaches. :-)

Edit... here's 6PDT toggle switch at a reasonable cost. http://www.digikey.com/product-detai...928-ND/5086832

So I'd only need to gang two of those together. Still seems like it wouldn't be easy, and I'll bet I'd need to operate the thing with my FOOT! LOL!

[Millstonemike]

Still seems like it wouldn't be easy, and I'll bet I'd need to operate the thing with my FOOT! LOL!

Will you be dynamically changing the arrangement during performance? Like a guitar foot pedal? Or just selecting an arrangement to suit a venue? If the latter, than several multi-pole switches is cost effective and easy solution. Just design the wiring so that all switches are set the same direction for each arrangement. No need to physically tie them together (it may not be "idiot proof").

[RandyC]

Will you be dynamically changing the arrangement during performance? Like a guitar foot pedal? Or just selecting an arrangement to suit a venue? If the latter, than several multi-pole switches is cost effective and easy solution. Just design the wiring so that all switches are set the same direction for each arrangement. No need to physically tie them together (it may not be "idiot proof").

Well, I guess I would change depending on listener density, or maybe if an owner from far away signaled me to kick up the volume, and I saw i was already near peaking. See, one arrangement balances all driver outputs, and outputs a little less power. The other option both offers overall about 2X power, while also favoring (shading I guess) the top speakers with a little more output then the others, the idea being to reach farther back, slightly over the level of most people's heads. So all that said, its possible I might want to change settings if the crowd changed in density. But I'd never change in the middle of a song, or even between songs without turning off the amplifier, unless I knew all the contacts could switch pretty quickly. Probably, even if I had a e real 10PDT switch, I'd turn off the amplifier when I made the change unless it was a near emergency. But if I didn't tie them together, I would have to recess and cover the switches. Yes... I am VERY big on trying my best to idiot proof things, considering myself the biggest idiot just to be safe! :-)

[Sydney]

... I am VERY big on trying my best to idiot proof things, considering myself the biggest idiot just to be safe! :-)

What size venues do you play? What sort of crowds and room proportions?