Switches in Series Combination?

Question

Use a 2 pole rotary switch to give you the combinations, and use diodes for the selection of any 2 switches or any one.. or all in series. basically, just tie them all in series.. and use diodes to select the pairs. The diode will prevent back feed to other combinations. The circuit will have to be DC.

This was a reply that I received in regards to my original question below. The problem is I;m not quite sure how to set it up. Can anyone show it on a schematic? Thank you for your time

Original Question Can anyone recommend a rotary switch, transistors, Ic's, or any component that may work for the following situation? I have three momentary switches in series (two mercury and one reed). What I would like to do is to be able to have the ability to allow any one switch work alone, any combination to allow 2 to work in series, and all three to work in series as they are now? II have limited space and would like to use the lowest profile component possible. I have minimal experience with the different type of components, but have time and a willingness to learn.

John Fields · Accepted Answer

---I don't understand what you're trying to do.Could you explain your application and give a little moreinformation about what you mean when you say the switches "work"?-- JF

ehsjr · Answer

Here's how I would do it, provided my diagram below accurately captures what you want:

---Sw1---Sw2---Sw3---Load--- Gnd "All Three"
---Sw1---Sw2---------Load--- Gnd "Any Two" + ---Sw1---------Sw3---Load--- Gnd "Any Two" + ---------Sw2---Sw3---Load--- Gnd "Any Two"
---Sw1---------------Load--- Gnd "Any One" + ---------Sw2---------Load--- Gnd "Any One" + ---------------Sw3---Load--- Gnd "Any One"

Assuming the seven possibilities above are what you want, you could wire it this way, with a toggle switch in parallel with each momentary switch:

/ / / +--o o--+ +--o o--+ +--o o--+ | Tsw1 | | Tsw2 | | Tsw3 | | | | | | | + ---+---Sw1--+---+---Sw2--+---+---Sw3--+---Load--- Gnd

That way, any momentary switch can be removed from affecting circuit function and replaced by a connection to the next.

3 minature toggle switches will take up a lot less space than 2 rotary switches.

By the way, the diagrams are shown using DC, but it will work fine with AC or DC.

Ed

DaveK · Answer

Wow!  Thank you so much!You made it very easy for me to understand, so much that I don't evenhave to ask any further question. This will work just great.Thanks Again,Dave K

ehsjr · Answer

You're welcome.Ed

Switches in Series Combination?

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