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Tech Help - Projects Page / How do I build 2 FS-5U footswitches in a 125B enclosure with LEDs?
« on: June 02, 2020, 10:42:58 PM »
Hi all.
I'd like to build 2 separate Boss FS-5U footswitch circuits with externally powered LEDs and separate TS jacks into a single 125B enclosure.
I’d be using this in the 2 FS-5Us>GA-FC>Katana 100 Head configuration shown on p. 8 of the Katana owners manual:

The difference is, I’d like the 2 separate FS-5U circuits in the picture to be in 1 enclosure and for them to each have their own (externally powered) LEDs and TS jacks.
As far as I can tell, the FS-5U footswitch is just a normally closed momentary switch attached to a TS jack, so I built one of those and it worked.
Then I put 2 of them into the same 125B enclosure, and it worked too.
But then I tried to add externally powered LEDs. I thought that - because I want the LEDs to switch latching style (back and forth) while the switches themselves are momentary - it would require relays.
So I tried using Softie 2 boards wired to the normally closed momentary switches like this:


Trouble is, it works as intended with no power, but when power is applied:
- the top switch triggers both LEDs
- the bottom switch triggers no LEDs
Guessing this probably has something to do with shared power or the Softie working by grounding to the enclosure ... but can anyone offer fixes or alternatives to get the outcome I'm after?
Thaanks!
I'd like to build 2 separate Boss FS-5U footswitch circuits with externally powered LEDs and separate TS jacks into a single 125B enclosure.
I’d be using this in the 2 FS-5Us>GA-FC>Katana 100 Head configuration shown on p. 8 of the Katana owners manual:

The difference is, I’d like the 2 separate FS-5U circuits in the picture to be in 1 enclosure and for them to each have their own (externally powered) LEDs and TS jacks.
As far as I can tell, the FS-5U footswitch is just a normally closed momentary switch attached to a TS jack, so I built one of those and it worked.
Then I put 2 of them into the same 125B enclosure, and it worked too.
But then I tried to add externally powered LEDs. I thought that - because I want the LEDs to switch latching style (back and forth) while the switches themselves are momentary - it would require relays.
So I tried using Softie 2 boards wired to the normally closed momentary switches like this:


Trouble is, it works as intended with no power, but when power is applied:
- the top switch triggers both LEDs
- the bottom switch triggers no LEDs
Guessing this probably has something to do with shared power or the Softie working by grounding to the enclosure ... but can anyone offer fixes or alternatives to get the outcome I'm after?
Thaanks!