how do i properly test a 3pdt switch?

[doof]

Hi everyone, i used the search to look for an answer but didn't find anything, so hopefully i'm not asking this question for the millionth time.

i'm very new to electronics/pedal mods. I'm attempting the true bypass mod on my gcb-95. the 3pdt swtich came in the mail today.

I got out the continuity tester, and it tells me lugs 1 and 4 are connected, 2 and 5, and 3 and 6.

when i hit the switch, absolutely nothing changes. those same lugs remain connected. and no matter what position the switch is in, lugs 7, 8, and 9 are at no time making any connections with any of the other lugs.

Anyone have any advice? am i doing this completely wrong? i hope i'm not coming off as idiotic. i feel dumb asking, but how else am i gonna learn? any replies are appreciated. thanks, friends!

p.s. just for the sake of clarity, i am looking the switch so that the lugs are horizontal, and i'm considering the top row, left to right, as 1,2,3 etc...

[eMGee]

Sounds like you're doing it right -- you should get continuity on 1-4 2-5 3-6 or 4-7 5-8 6-9. Sounds like a bad switch.

Gotta ask the obvious question: Are you getting a big definite click when your press the switch?

[limbe]

I suspect the switch too.Have you double checked the solder joints to the switch?
Here is a good page that shows the lugs numbering and which ones that will be connected in on and off position.(You will have to scroll down a bit).I think you have got them right but it doesn´t hurt to check before you write off the switch as baaad!
Good luck! http://www.freestompboxes.org/viewto...p?f=48&t=14671
P.S. If I have understood you,the problem is that you can´t get any continuity between 4 and 7, 5 and 8, 6 and 9?

[udimet720]

Did you already do some soldering or attempt to do soldering on this switch?

As was mentioned, you should hear a click. Inside, there is a little see-saw piece of metal that flips back and forth as you depress the switch. No click means the see-saw is not changing the position.

I recently had to fix a pedal for a friend who tried to fix an issue. He over-heated the switch and the metal contacts moved. The result was the little see-saw inside was stuck in one position. I was able to undo the damage. But, don't overdo it when soldering.

[doof]

Thanks for the replies!

there wasn't any big definite click when i pressed the switch down. i was thinking maybe it was just the smoothest switch i've ever encountered, but that seems to be the culprit.

I have not done any soldering at all yet to the switch. i figured since i got it off ebay i should first check if there are any problems before getting to work.

P.S. If I have understood you,the problem is that you can´t get any continuity between 4 and 7, 5 and 8, 6 and 9?

- that is correct, sir.

i guess i'll contact the ebay seller and see if we can't resolve this issue. Thanks for you input everyone!

[limbe]

Thanks for making me laugh by being polite and calling me sir! I know I´m sixty but it is the same guy in Levis and a T-shirt who likes good Telecasters and nice girls in my own age group who is sitting here.In thirty years you will know! Thanks again!
P.S. Despite your claim to being a newcomer,you did everything right,including checking the switch before you did any soldering.

[doof]

Originally Posted by limbe

Thanks for making me laugh by being polite and calling me sir! I know I´m sixty but it is the same guy in Levis and a T-shirt who likes good Telecasters and nice girls in my own age group who is sitting here.In thirty years you will know! Thanks again!
P.S. Despite your claim to being a newcomer,you did everything right,including checking the switch before you did any soldering.

You're very welcome! and thanks for the kind words.

just as an update, i talked to the ebay seller, and he's sending a replacement switch. so hopefully in a couple weeks i'll have a true bypass wah pedal. Thanks for the input, everyone!