Rack Mounting Some Pedals

Here's the plan. I want to build a Comp, a TS-type pedal and another OD of some sort and put them in a rack mount case. The controls on the front panel, Ins/Out, Power Jack and Foot Switch on the back.

OK. Putting the circuit boards in and the pots on the front, that's easy enough. Supplying power, I'm thinking a One Spot plugged into the back with the jack daisy chainning the circuit boards would work.

The problem is the footswitch. Since there are three devices, I was thinking of using a MIDI cable to go from the unit to the footswitches. (On/Off for each device). But I have no idea how to wire a remote footswitch for three pedals. Do I use relays? If anyone can lead me to some different pedal switching schematics, or web sites with instructions or could draw a picture I'd be more then grateful. Help me wrap my brain around this.

Thanks!

No one?

Hi Paul, that’s a great idea …

Anything I have to offer is dated (80’s) and I’d have to think about it … with that said, I still remember getting a close look at Dean Park’s Bradshaw, which had a drawer that slid out with with pedals …

it was very cool

Here's the plan. I want to build a Comp, a TS-type pedal and another OD of some sort and put them in a rack mount case. The controls on the front panel, Ins/Out, Power Jack and Foot Switch on the back.

OK. Putting the circuit boards in and the pots on the front, that's easy enough. Supplying power, I'm thinking a One Spot plugged into the back with the jack daisy chainning the circuit boards would work.

The problem is the footswitch. Since there are three devices, I was thinking of using a MIDI cable to go from the unit to the footswitches. (On/Off for each device). But I have no idea how to wire a remote footswitch for three pedals. Do I use relays? If anyone can lead me to some different pedal switching schematics, or web sites with instructions or could draw a picture I'd be more then grateful. Help me wrap my brain around this.

Thanks!

I'll have a stab at this for you. Each pedal has a stomp switch right ? Therefore in each case you have to either dump the internal switch and replace it with your remote .... or .......... interrupt one of the wires going to the stomp switch and where you interrupt it becomes the access point for your remote switch. In the latter option you will need to have your stomp switch left in the on position.
For each pedal you will need to break out the connection into whatever cable you are planning on using. For 3 pedals you will have 6 wires in total , I would suggest you buy a 6 pin XLR ( yes they do exist )male plug and female socket. Obviously the socket goes on the front panel of your rack enclosure.
For cable the cheapest option with 6 cores is either multi pair telephone wire or alarm system wire. Both of these are quite thin 4mm ish and if you want something more sturdy find a multi pair audio cable.

Simple scheme, pins 1 & 2 = pedal 1
3 & 4 = pedal 2
5 & 6 = pedal 3

Note the colors of the cable at each end and you will need a 3 x stomp switch box to to the deed.

Thats it chief.

Note there may be power switching assosciated with the stomp switch in the pedals I have not factored this in but the second option ie, break into the wire and leave the switch on , will not interfere with any power switching function.






Best of luck

I'd recommend going with a relay system for each effect. That way, the guitar signal won't be running to and from the remote footswitches between each one. In fact the signal wouldn't leave the rack.

I've used the AMZ relay boards and they work great:
http://www.muzique.com/schem/bypass.htm

I'd recommend going with a relay system for each effect. That way, the guitar signal won't be running to and from the remote footswitches between each one. In fact the signal wouldn't leave the rack.

I've used the AMZ relay boards and they work great:
http://www.muzique.com/schem/bypass.htm

If indeed there is signal being switched at the stomp switch then yes relays are the way to go. The scheme I described above remains the same except the relay drops in at the stomp switch at each effect and the power for each relay is fired through the extension cable and footswitch.