Relay-switched Dumbleator bypass?

[itsgiusto]

I'd like to be able to bypass my Dumbleator clone using a footswitch. I would like the bypass mechanism to completely bypass the Dumbleator entirely, not just bypass the effects in the loop. I figure that this sounds like a good job for a relay circuit.

I don't think there is enough room on the Dumbleator chassis to add another 6v transformer for me to power my 3v relays. Could I power them in some other way?

Maybe I could take power from the filament/heater power supply, but it sounds like that is controversial, and some people think a setup like that is prone to failure. As far as I understand, I would need to keep the rectified voltage not referenced to the main ground, and if there's a short or something, it would end up blowing up the heater circuit in some way. Does anyone have recommendations for what I could do?

[rootz]

Seems like you want to bypass the Dumbleator in the Dumbleator itself, right? Is there any specific reason why you want it there and not in your amp(s)?

On the other hand, it shouldn’t be very difficult to find a very small 12v toroid en rectify and regulate the voltage. All in a package that fits a std sized Dumbleator.

[itsgiusto]

Seems like you want to bypass the Dumbleator in the Dumbleator itself, right? Is there any specific reason why you want it there and not in your amp(s)?

On the other hand, it shouldn’t be very difficult to find a very small 12v toroid en rectify and regulate the voltage. All in a package that fits a std sized Dumbleator.

Thanks!

The reason is that I want to be able to use this bypass switch when I have the Dumbleator plugged into other amps as well. There are multiple amps I use it with.

Do you have a recommendation of a 12v toroid? Is that a type of transformer? I don't know much about toroids, I don't think I've used them before. How much might one cost?

Also, are you recommending that I put it somewhere inside the Dumbleator chassis as opposed to mounted on the outside? Would that create magnetic interference? I usually mount transformers on the outside, but I don't know much about the considerations of where it's okay to mount. If I were to put it inside the chassis, where could be a good place for it? I've attached a picture of the inside of my Dumbleator clone.

[gktamps]

Can you please clarify; how are you plugging the Dumbleator into multiple amps at one time?

[itsgiusto]

Can you please clarify; how are you plugging the Dumbleator into multiple amps at one time?

I'm not plugging it into multiple amps at one time. But like, if I'm using it with amp A, I'd like it to be footswitch-bypassable. And then, if I plug it into amp B, I'd also like it to be footswitch-bypassable. So it seems like it'd be better to install the bypass mechanism in the Dumbleator once as opposed to having to install it in every amp I want to use it with.

[gktamps]

Are you concerned about the effects of the unbuffered cables when you switch out the Dumbleator?
I'd be tempted to build a standalone powered relay box to plug straight into the amp or be connected with really short cables.
You don't need a toroid - there are plenty of small transformers suitable to power a signal relay, and if you do decide to build it into your buffer you can just orient the transformer properly to avoid interaction with the power transformer in the buffer, or hum pickup in the circuit. If you do want a toroid, there are lots of low VA PCB mount transformers available.

[itsgiusto]

Are you concerned about the effects of the unbuffered cables when you switch out the Dumbleator?
I'd be tempted to build a standalone powered relay box to plug straight into the amp or be connected with really short cables.
You don't need a toroid - there are plenty of small transformers suitable to power a signal relay, and if you do decide to build it into your buffer you can just orient the transformer properly to avoid interaction with the power transformer in the buffer, or hum pickup in the circuit. If you do want a toroid, there are lots of low VA PCB mount transformers available.

That's a good question. I wasn't generally concerned with the effect of running the unbuffered cables to and from the Dumbleator. I guess I consider that it's no worse than a true bypass guitar pedal, and I use a bunch of those.

I figure I might use some cables that are maximum 1 to 2 feet long running to and from the unit. Is that too long?

I also like the idea of having a powered relay box though, so I could do that, maybe. I think I prefer putting the relay into the Dumbleator, though.