Need a power outlet like a guitar stompbox to turn light on and off

[RadiationNation]

We have a light that we want to turn on and off during the show from the stage by finding or making something like a guitar stompbox that I can easily switch while standing up playing my instrument.

 

My drummer and I are both pretty comfortable with soldering, wiring, etc.

 

Any advice?

[Terry M]

I've used something like this - it's not ideal, but it will get you by. You certainly need to confirm that the conductor is rated to comply with the fixture you intend to use.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Cable-9-Foot-Christmas-Extension/dp/B00004SQHU

[Mutha Goose]

Do you want it latching or non-latching (i.e. light only one while you're pressing the button or press once to turn on, once to turn off)?

 

I used to use one of these:

http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2020599/22850/Excalibur-Scroll-Saw-Foot-Switch.aspx?refcode=05INFROO.

I used to keep a couple of strobe lights on the drums, that I would turn on occationally when the drummer did double bass drum fills. This is non-latching. I would step on it for as long as I wanted the strobes one.

[RadiationNation]

 

Do you want it latching or non-latching (i.e. light only one while you're pressing the button or press once to turn on, once to turn off)? I used to use one of these: http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2020599/22850/Excalibur-Scroll-Saw-Foot-Switch.aspx?refcode=05INFROO . I used to keep a couple of strobe lights on the drums, that I would turn on occationally when the drummer did double bass drum fills. This is non-latching. I would step on it for as long as I wanted the strobes one.

 

 

Latching, most likely, though non-latching might work too.

 

Is there any way we could wire something like this ourselves, assuming we had the correct parts?

[jwlussow]

Ever thought of upgrading to DMX? You can use a DMX or midi pedal to do what you want. You just need a DMX dimmer pack to plug the light into. It will be expandable for the future, too.

[Mutha Goose]

Sure there is. But at $25 for a fully UL approved, pre-made switch, why would you?

 

Doing a quick search online, here's a latching version:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220507827398&rvr_id=156996273591&crlp=1_263602_304642&UA=WXI7&GUID=eccf202812a0a0e204249544fffc03e8&itemid=220507827398&ff4=263602_304642

[nighthawk15]

Sure there is. But at $25 for a fully UL approved, pre-made switch, why would you? Doing a quick search online, here's a latching version: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220507827398&rvr_id=156996273591&crlp=1_263602_304642&UA=WXI7&GUID=eccf202812a0a0e204249544fffc03e8&itemid=220507827398&ff4=263602_304642

 

Because its more fun to build your own {censored}.

[Mutha Goose]

well, I can't argue with that, now can I?

[kmart]

I've used something like this - it's not ideal, but it will get you by. You certainly need to confirm that the conductor is rated to comply with the fixture you intend to use. http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Cable-9-Foot-Christmas-Extension/dp/B00004SQHU

 

 

I rigged up a ghetto light system with 2 of these and a half dozen work shoplights like this:

 

Hate using them though because I'm worried about the load they put on the wiring for the footswitches themselves.

 

I've talked with our frontman who understands electrical far better than I with constructing some actual heavy-duty on-off stompboxes that can handle the load for something like that, to get us by until we decide to invest in real lights.

[BillESC]

I used to build systems for bands that used these switches. Not cheap but you can stomp on them day in and day out and they'll keep working.

 

[tlbonehead]

Latching, most likely, though non-latching might work too. Is there any way we could wire something like this ourselves, assuming we had the correct parts?

probably don't need 8 switches but there is this. http://www.activemusician.com/item--MC.SC-80

[BillESC]

Tread lightly on that MBT switch unit.

[tlbonehead]

Tread lightly on that MBT switch unit.

Yeah, they look like pretty cheap switches.

[Westsailor]

I've been looking for a dual stompbox on/off type footswitch for a couple LED F/X lights.

 

Can't seem to find just what I need either so I've been thinking it might be time to DIY with a couple of these

 

Heavy Duty 3A Footswitch Stomp Foot Switch On/Off Latching

 

But as has been said, whether off the shelf or DIY make sure you have ample current rating for the lights you are controlling.