3 in 1 toggle switch?

Google for "triple-throw toggle switch" - try it with and without the quotes.

Good Luck! Rich

That sounds like the ticket. Off to Radio Shack. Thx! :)

What you're looking for is a three-pole or "3PST" switch. (ST = single throw, since you don't need multiple switch positions --- if you were switching between two drives, e.g., you'd want a 3PDT (double throw) switch).

However, I'm dubious that the multi-Gbps SATA data will make it through a run-of-the-mill switch intact, and I don't know whether it's safe to disconnect the SATA drive's power without disconnecting the data lines. (Actually I suspect it might be safe but don't blame me if you try it and fry something.)

The data isn't going thru the switch - only the juice. And as far as leaving the data lines intact - I've done the same thing for a long time on my IDE drive with no issues. No juice = no problems.

That should be a "triple-pole" or "three circuit" switch.

Triple-throw toggle switches are generally made from unobtainium, so may be hard to locate.

If you want a switch at each drive to turn it OFF/ON you need a 3 pole single throw (3PST) switch. You can get such from Digikey and Mouser (Look up Alcoswitch). You don't need to disconnect ground; so if you just have +5 and +12V you only need a 2PST switch. There will be dozens like that available, but one that costs $2 to $3 should be about right. Radio Shack will have the 2PST, but probably not the 3PST.

If you want 1 switch to enable 1 of 2 drives, you need a 3P2T or 2P2T. Again, radio Shack will have the 2P.

Any of these will look like a regular toggle switch with extra pins on the back.

Tam

The normal way to accomplish this is to use removable disk drive bays; look for "mobile rack" for a commonly available brand of these. Power switching and sequencing and even hotswap capability are available, anywhere computer case components are sold.