Note: This is an old post that was retroactively added to the new wordpress site
5.1 switch schematic
This is a switch that I designed (with the help of a co-worker) that allows me to input 5.1 analog audio from two different sources (two computers) and send to the same set of speakers. Both sources cannot be used simultaneously, due to noise/feedback from one source to the other. It is a simple dumb switch. I originally was going to sell a complete switch, but didn’t find a big enough market, so it got put on the back burner. I list here all the components necessary to build your own switch from scratch.
- 1x 6PDT Switch- C&K brand - $2.26 @ digikey.com
- 9x 3.5mm Panel Mount Stereo Jack - Kobiconn brand - 33¢ @ mouser.com
- 2ft stereo/audio cable - if you don’t panel mount the 3.5mm jacks (scrap)
- 1x PCB - ExpressPCB.com or mini board w/ holes - $1.99 @ radioshack.com
- 1x chassis of some sort to hold it all in. $2-$5 @ radioshack.com
Since digital audio is all the rage these days, this is circuit doesn’t have much use anymore. But I know there are still some people out there who don’t have digital outputs on their sound cards. I have since upgraded my speakers to a digital home theater system, so I don’t even use the switch I built. I may be willing build and sell a small run of them for the small cost of parts + a couple of bucks shipping if anyone is interested in buying instead of building one for themselves. Contact me if you would like to purchase a pre-built switch.
I will be selling 5 units that are being built by the end of October, 2008. If you would like to purchase one, please contact me via the contact page. I can only accept cashiers check or money orders though. Price looks to be about $10+ shipping, which shouldn’t be more than a few dollars. The units being built will not be on a PCB, but wired directly to the switch and put into a standard project box from radio shack. It will be as small as possible while still holding the 9 stereo jacks required.
The design on this page is copyrighted by me. You are free to use it for personal use. If you would like to mass produce and sell these, please contact me before doing so. If you do implement my idea, let me know, I’d like to see it.
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