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DIY Three-Way Rotary Switches

A three-way rotary switch can control three different sets of components. Beneath the switch itself are a number of disks, each of which is ringed with terminals, or connection points. These disks are the poles. The number of poles on a switch determines how many circuits it can control at once. There may be an input terminal to the switch, so that the switch can provide power to the selected output terminal.

Things You'll Need

  • Soldering iron
  • Solder
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the connections between the power source and the three components you want to select from. If you are working with a perforated circuit board, push the input terminal through one of the holes and solder it in place. If you are replacing an older switch on a musical instrument, remove the older switch.

    • 2

      Feed the wires from the power source and other circuits through the hole from the older switch and solder them to the appropriate terminals on the switch. Feed the wires back into the hole and put the newer switch in place.

    • 3

      Test the device by turning on the power and using each of the three circuits in succession. For example, if you are using your rotary switch as a pickup selector for an electric guitar, plug the guitar into an amplifier and use all three pickups. If the switch does not work as desired, check for loose connections, broken or damaged terminals and dead batteries.


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