Posted 2011-03-26 10:30 AM (#132163) Subject: 12V Rocker Switches for Speakers
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Posts: 489
Our trailer has speakers inside and outside, we can use the fade on the stereo to adjust to just indoor, just outdoor, or both but I would like to simplfy this for the kids. Is there any reason I couldn't get some 12v illuminated rocker switches from the rv store and use this to have the speakers on or off? It's not a fancy high powered system just a cheapo car stereo and speakers.
Posted 2011-03-26 10:46 AM (#132164 - in reply to #132163) Subject: RE: 12V Rocker Switches for Speakers
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Posts: 379 Location: Missouri
No problem at all, that's how our trailer came from the factory. We have four switches, one for each channel. Two pair run the outside, two pair run the bedroom. I'd find some that aren't illuminated just to keep it simpler.
Posted 2011-03-26 10:58 AM (#132165 - in reply to #132164) Subject: RE: 12V Rocker Switches for Speakers
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Posts: 489
Originally written by hornet on 2011-03-26 10:46 AM
No problem at all, that's how our trailer came from the factory. We have four switches, one for each channel. Two pair run the outside, two pair run the bedroom. I'd find some that aren't illuminated just to keep it simpler.
The reason I was thinking illuminated is so the kids could tell with a quick look if the outside speakers are on since my biggest concern is being at a horse show and the kids inside the trailer with music on not realizing they are braodcasting to the entire fairgrounds.
Posted 2011-03-26 7:26 PM (#132175 - in reply to #132163) Subject: RE: 12V Rocker Switches for Speakers
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Posts: 379 Location: Missouri
The vast majority of illuminated switches you'll find at auto stores share one side of the switch with the lamp. Since you're using this for speakers instead of 12v, the illumination won't work and will probably damage the radio. Actually you'll need a double pole single throw switch (DPST), one side to switch the speaker the other side to switch the lamp. It can be done, but it complicates things to achieve what you're wanting. I did a quick search on digi-key and couldn't find a single illuminated switch that had the lamp separated from the switched contacts. So I'd recommend a separate lamp that could be tied to one side of the switch and the speaker to the other side.
Posted 2011-03-27 4:23 PM (#132217 - in reply to #132163) Subject: RE: 12V Rocker Switches for Speakers
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Posts: 714 Location: Minnesota
Our previous trailer that had a switch for which speakers were being used. It was a 3-position switch. (A) was inside, (B) was outside, and (A&B) was both. It was in there new when we got it, but I saw them in Radio Shack. Current trailer you need to use the "Fade" also. I think I'm going to try put one in yet before summer.
Posted 2011-03-27 6:01 PM (#132222 - in reply to #132217) Subject: RE: 12V Rocker Switches for Speakers
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Posts: 489
Originally written by genebob on 2011-03-27 4:23 PM
Our previous trailer that had a switch for which speakers were being used. It was a 3-position switch. (A) was inside, (B) was outside, and (A&B) was both. It was in there new when we got it, but I saw them in Radio Shack. Current trailer you need to use the "Fade" also. I think I'm going to try put one in yet before summer.
If you get one would you post a parts number, I haven't had much luck finding one which is why I was going to try the toggle switches. The ones I have seen at Radio Shack were more of a box that would be difficult to mount in the wall next to the stereo.
Posted 2011-03-27 6:04 PM (#132223 - in reply to #132175) Subject: RE: 12V Rocker Switches for Speakers
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Posts: 489
Originally written by hornet on 2011-03-26 7:26 PM
The vast majority of illuminated switches you'll find at auto stores share one side of the switch with the lamp. Since you're using this for speakers instead of 12v, the illumination won't work and will probably damage the radio. Actually you'll need a double pole single throw switch (DPST), one side to switch the speaker the other side to switch the lamp. It can be done, but it complicates things to achieve what you're wanting. I did a quick search on digi-key and couldn't find a single illuminated switch that had the lamp separated from the switched contacts. So I'd recommend a separate lamp that could be tied to one side of the switch and the speaker to the other side.
If I don't worry about the light then can I use a DPST for each set of speakers? I would prefer not to have a toggle for each speaker but rather one for each set. Is a toggle switch a toggle switch or are there specs I need to consider?
Posted 2011-03-27 8:26 PM (#132228 - in reply to #132163) Subject: RE: 12V Rocker Switches for Speakers
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Posts: 379 Location: Missouri
Yes if you dropped the "light" idea then one DPST switch would operate both L & R channels for one set of speakers. Each channel on one pole of the switch tying the negative side of the speakers together. You could use a rotary switch that has 4 poles and 3 positions to do the A, B, A&B idea but with out doing a drawing I could only succeed in complete confusion trying to type it out.
Posted 2011-03-28 6:36 AM (#132231 - in reply to #132228) Subject: RE: 12V Rocker Switches for Speakers
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Posts: 489
Originally written by hornet on 2011-03-27 8:26 PM
Yes if you dropped the "light" idea then one DPST switch would operate both L & R channels for one set of speakers. Each channel on one pole of the switch tying the negative side of the speakers together. You could use a rotary switch that has 4 poles and 3 positions to do the A, B, A&B idea but with out doing a drawing I could only succeed in complete confusion trying to type it out.
Thanks Hornet...I do like the idea of the rotary switch with 3 positions, in fact seeing some pictures of a similar switch in a few trailers I was looking at is what gave me the idea to do this. I spent lots of time this winter searching google for a switch of this type but no luck, the only thing I find when I search for speaker selector is the push button type that are better suited for the home.
I am sure I can find a nice panel for two toggle switches that will allow for a nice install.
I'll give it a try typing here, be sure to download the datasheet to follow along. Connect the speakers positives to A B C D. A = Left front, B = Right front, C = Left rear, and D = Right rear. We'll call A&B inside, C&D outside. So position one will be inside only, Connect radio front channel L to 1 & 3, R to 4 & 6. position two will be outside only, connect radio rear channel L to 8 & 9, R channel to 11 & 12. Now when the switch is in position three inside and outside speakers will be on. Clear as mud?
12V Rocker Switches for Speakers
