Need Help with Passive ABY

[gdavisdesign]

I'm building the ABY switch, but have some questions about which side to solder on, as it looks like I put components on both sides. My understanding is that I match the resistor/cap/jack/etc in through the side that has the label written and solder on the side without the label. Example: I put the 5817 diode in (covering the label) and solder on the other side. Is that correct? If so, do the 3PDT footswitches point up from the other side? Since the label A/B and Y are printed on the other side, do I push the 3PDT through and solder on the side that has the diode on it?

Also, what is the 8-pin pinheader used for in this pedal? The PCB doesn't show which side this needs to go on or have a label for it. I'm assuming it goes by the battery opening, but not sure if the side it solders on matters. Any help on this would be great. Thank you.

 

[mkstewartesq]

Bumping because I'm about to build and have the same questions. Here's what I think applying logic (not my strong suit) but would appreciate confirmation.

• Based on the drill template and the orientation of the AB and Y switches when the pedal is viewed form the exterior, the side with the component outlines (top pic) faces upward into the pedal toward the face of the enclosure. The bottom pic is what you would see if you open the enclsoure from the back.
• The pin headers would go on the inward facing side (top pic) because @Robert mentioned in another thread that they are there to keep the battery from slipping under the board. Same for the footswitches, as they go through the top of the enclosure.
• I would assume the DIP switch goes on the side facing the back of the enclosure (bottom pic) so you could access therm when the board is boxed up.

@Robert or anyone else who has built this?

M

EDIT to add - do we use one or two Cliff rings? Is one on either the input or the "A" output good enough, or do we need one on each? Never used these before in a build.

 

[Robert]

^ This is correct.

You only need one, either one of the Cliff rings or the Keystone ground spring.

I used two Cliff rings, just because I liked how it fit better.

 

[mkstewartesq]

^ This is correct.

You only need one, either one of the Cliff rings or the Keystone ground spring.

I used two Cliff rings, just because I liked how it fit better.

Thank you, @Robert!

 

[gdavisdesign]

Bumping because I'm about to build and have the same questions. Here's what I think applying logic (not my strong suit) but would appreciate confirmation.

• Based on the drill template and the orientation of the AB and Y switches when the pedal is viewed form the exterior, the side with the component outlines (top pic) faces upward into the pedal toward the face of the enclosure. The bottom pic is what you would see if you open the enclsoure from the back.
• The pin headers would go on the inward facing side (top pic) because @Robert mentioned in another thread that they are there to keep the battery from slipping under the board. Same for the footswitches, as they go through the top of the enclosure.
• I would assume the DIP switch goes on the side facing the back of the enclosure (bottom pic) so you could access therm when the board is boxed up.

@Robert or anyone else who has built this?

M

EDIT to add - do we use one or two Cliff rings? Is one on either the input or the "A" output good enough, or do we need one on each? Never used these before in a build.

Thank you for the info - I think this clears it up for me. It seems like the printing of the "A/B" and "Y" for the foot switches are on the wrong side of the PCB. I should solder the foot switches on the labeled side "A/B" "Y", correct? All the other components are labeled on the side with the outline and is placed, not where you solder.

 

[Robert]

Like this.

Thread 'Passive ABY'

Apr 12, 2025

Not a whole lot to say about this. It’s a passive ABY box that allows you to run your signal to two different amps either individually or in conjunction. That being said, while it’s pretty simple in function and intent, it’s an indispensable tool if you have more than one amplifier, so I appreciate it being made available.

The build - low parts count, although not necessarily parts you might already have in your stash unless you regularly work with board-mounted power and I/O jacks. I’ve never had a need for Cliff washers so I ordered a few of those from Robert when I bought the...

• mkstewartesq
• Replies: 7
• Forum: Build Reports

• 
• 

 

[gdavisdesign]

Like this.

Thread 'Passive ABY'

Apr 12, 2025

Not a whole lot to say about this. It’s a passive ABY box that allows you to run your signal to two different amps either individually or in conjunction. That being said, while it’s pretty simple in function and intent, it’s an indispensable tool if you have more than one amplifier, so I appreciate it being made available.

The build - low parts count, although not necessarily parts you might already have in your stash unless you regularly work with board-mounted power and I/O jacks. I’ve never had a need for Cliff washers so I ordered a few of those from Robert when I bought the...

• mkstewartesq
• Replies: 7
• Forum: Build Reports

• 
• 

Thank you!