Ableton Forum

zeal wrote:momentary is the way to go, latching switches act as if you are holding down the key. the caps lock key is already sort of auto latching - tap it momentarily once for caps, tap again for uncaps.

you could achieve the same result by using a latching switch on the shift key. the advantage of that is if you use any numeric characters, they'll be shifted too where as the cap lock will only effect letters.

zeal wrote:momentary is the way to go, latching switches act as if you are holding down the key. the caps lock key is already sort of auto latching - tap it momentarily once for caps, tap again for uncaps.

you could achieve the same result by using a latching switch on the shift key. the advantage of that is if you use any numeric characters, they'll be shifted too where as the cap lock will only effect letters.

midi.channel1.Control20 = Keyboard.B

PaulF wrote:Anyone know where I can buy 16 of those switches shipped in the US?

The rapid electronics link, wants more or less £16 for the switches, but £37 for the shipping to Texas. And I have found them online but at $5 USD each, while rapid electronics sells them for $1.50 USD, just a huge amount of shipping.

Thats the only thing keeping me down. Those switches are not available where I live, so I have to buy online.

PaulF wrote: Also, I need this footcontroller to send midi messages, does autohotkey support that? Because with live, I can use the keymap function, but also want to use it with NI guitar rig, which only supports midi.


Thanks,
Paul Fehr

PaulF wrote:Anyone know where I can buy 16 of those switches shipped in the US?

AlexMC wrote:
Those are double-pole, double-throw switches... meaning that each switch has two positions (ON/OFF) and can control 2 circuits simultaneously. For our purpose we only need one circuit switched, so we only use one 'side' of the switch, but for the sake of understanding think of the switch as being split down the middle, with both halves working symmetrically. WHatever happens on one side also happens on the other (whilst there is no interaction betweem each 'side').

If I recall correctly, if you look at the base of the switch, one side is marked '1 2 3' and the other marked M (for momentary). When the switch is OFF (i.e. undepressed), 2 and 3 are shorted (as are the equivalent lugs on the 'other side' of the switch). When you press the switch (ON), 1 and 2 are shorted (as are, again, the equivalent lugs on the other side). I.e. '2' is the common lug, so connect one conductor to this lug (i.e. the middle 'leg'). Hook the second conductor to lug 1. When the switch is depressed, one will be shorted to the other and you'll get a keyboard output. I would just use the side with the numbers and ignore the other side of the switch!

Hope this helps!

ohrobot wrote:

AlexMC wrote:
Those are double-pole, double-throw switches... meaning that each switch has two positions (ON/OFF) and can control 2 circuits simultaneously. For our purpose we only need one circuit switched, so we only use one 'side' of the switch, but for the sake of understanding think of the switch as being split down the middle, with both halves working symmetrically. WHatever happens on one side also happens on the other (whilst there is no interaction betweem each 'side').

If I recall correctly, if you look at the base of the switch, one side is marked '1 2 3' and the other marked M (for momentary). When the switch is OFF (i.e. undepressed), 2 and 3 are shorted (as are the equivalent lugs on the 'other side' of the switch). When you press the switch (ON), 1 and 2 are shorted (as are, again, the equivalent lugs on the other side). I.e. '2' is the common lug, so connect one conductor to this lug (i.e. the middle 'leg'). Hook the second conductor to lug 1. When the switch is depressed, one will be shorted to the other and you'll get a keyboard output. I would just use the side with the numbers and ignore the other side of the switch!

Hope this helps!

sorry for asking again but i am really stuck here.

okay, i ignore the "M" side. i have two wires coming from the keyboard controller (when i shorten them by simply crossing the wires i get a keyboard hit, so far so good).
now i connect one wire to the "1" lug and the other one to the "2" lug of the momentary switch (http://www.rapidonline.com/Electronic-C ... ches/79208). ... but nothing happens!

actually by trying with my multimeter all possible shortenings i couldn't find any where pushing the button shortens the circuit. what's my mistake?

i would be really happy for any hint!

AlexMC wrote: Hmm... sounds like you have done everything correctly; I can't imagine why it's not working.

Did you check whether shorting 2-3 works (switch both depressed and undepressed)? If you're not getting a signal across 2-3 then you have a problem with your meter or switch. Those buttons have to be pressed until you get a positive 'click' (kinda hard with your fingers, especially when trying to use a meter simultaneously!

ohrobot wrote:

AlexMC wrote: Hmm... sounds like you have done everything correctly; I can't imagine why it's not working.

Did you check whether shorting 2-3 works (switch both depressed and undepressed)? If you're not getting a signal across 2-3 then you have a problem with your meter or switch. Those buttons have to be pressed until you get a positive 'click' (kinda hard with your fingers, especially when trying to use a meter simultaneously!

thank you very much for your respond.
yes, when i shorten 2 and 3 i get a static signal (so neither the switch nor the meter is completely broken ).. but pushing the button doesn't interrupt the signal. so there must be something about the switch. however I tried others as well and even fully soldiered one to be able to push with "power". but pushing itself never changes something. hmm ..

should i feel a physical click by "successfully" pushing the button (because i don't)?

AlexMC wrote: Yes - if you don't hear and feel the 'click' then you haven't pushed the switch hard enough. Bear in mind these are footswitches, therefore require considerable pressure when you are using your fingertip!