need to replace a rotary encoder switch

De Rigueur · Post by **De Rigueur** » Fri May 14, 2004 4:41 pm

I broke the rotary encoder switch an my Boss GT-5 guitar processor. Anyone know where I can get a replacement? I wouldn't mind getting a more durable switch than the oriiginal, but I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to what's available. It appears the switch just has 3 leads.

VaussBait · Post by **VaussBait** » Fri May 14, 2004 11:53 pm

Might want to try http://www.digikey.com/

-Vauss OUT

De Rigueur · Post by **De Rigueur** » Sat May 15, 2004 12:31 pm

I took apart the broken switch to see how it works. It has a rotating disk w/ 24 contact lines radiating from the center like spokes on a wheel. On the stationary part, there are two parallel metal brushes which make and break connection with the contacts on the disk as it rotates. This action sends pulses down two of the leads which gives an indication of the direction of rotation of the disk, depending on which pulse occurs before the other.

So if you ever wanted to know how a mouse wheel works, that's how.

SuperSheep · Post by **SuperSheep** » Sat May 15, 2004 2:07 pm

Correction...An old mouse wheel

Mine is all optical. YAY ME!!!!

De Rigueur · Post by **De Rigueur** » Sat May 15, 2004 3:39 pm

Actually, I'm toying with the idea of using a mouse scroll wheel as as a replacement.

Need to fix it soon; otherwise I'll have to lug around my combo tube amp.

De Rigueur · Post by **De Rigueur** » Sat May 22, 2004 1:26 pm

As luck would have it, Roland is set up to supply replacement parts for the gear it sells. Called 'em and got the part in 4 days for $5.50 so I'm not complaining.
In researching this problem, I found a site that had software that up/downloads patches to the effects processor. Gee, you can use your computer for something besides gaming.