Stomp spst switches

[Don Tillman]

   Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 15:01:22 -0600
   From: "Bill Layer" <b.layer at vikingelectronics.com>

   A flip flop (or bi-stable multivibrator as it has been called)
   would be a benefit, because it allows the switch to be replaced by
   a momentary type (as opposed to the push on/off type normally
   used). Momentary switches are inherently more reliable than on/off
   types due to the lower number of moving parts (only one) and basic
   design issues. It's doubly nice, as the momentary switch can be
   relatively low current, while the flip-flp may drive an output
   relay (or transistor) capable of huge currents.

If you're going to the trouble of building a flip flop circuit, it
would be a good time to think about making the lowly stomp switch a
little more useful.

One of the projects I'm working on right now has a slightly
intelligent mute footswitch.  If you tap the switch quickly it
alternates between on and off.  But if you hold the switch down it
acts like a momentary switch.  (The algorithm is that if you hold the
switch down from more than 200 mSec or so it will go to the off state
when you let go, otherwise it will alternate.)

I have yet to discern if this feature will be good or annoying in a
practical situation -- I just wanted to throw the idea out there.

  -- Don