How do I wire a mini-switch for one of 3 inputs to 1 output?

Eric Philippsen · From: Central Florida USA

I want to use a mini-toggle switch to select from one of three different inputs (different value caps) out to a single output. Do I use a triple throw switch? Or? And how would I wire that switch?

Thanks.

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

If you wanted to chose between 3 different caps, yes, you'd have to use a SPTT (single-pole, triple-throw) switch. It goes like this: the 3 caps (A,B,&C) are all hooked together on one end, that's the input. And then each of the other ends would be connected to the 3 switch selection poles, and the common contact of the switch would be the output.

But if you just wanted to have 3 different values available, you could also do it with a SPDT (single-pole, double-throw, center-off) switch. That would go like this: the 3 caps would be hooked together at one end, and that would be the input. The other ends would be hooked to the 3 different terminals of the SPDT switch, and the output would be taken from the common (center) pole. So what you would have would be just cap B in the center position, cap B+A in the up position, and cap B+C in the down position.

(Capacitors in parallel are the combined value of the capacitors)

I give you the two options because SPTT mini toggle switches are very rare, but SPDT mini switches are exceedingly common.

Steven Paris · From: Los Angeles

SP3T:
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/NKK-Switches/M2024SS1W03?qs=sGAEpiMZZMvudeGI7i40XNXjdXsj23H5KySuuSRCSqY%3D
_________________
Emmons & Peavey

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

Wow, thanks for that link, Steven! Very Happy

One of those switches would make the job a piece of cake.

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