Multi-pedal control for Jamman and AirTurn

Requirements

The DigiTech JamMan Solo

#1: The JamMan Solo can be used as-is, but is more versatile when a 3-switch controller is connected, such as the FS3X. If you think a genuine FS3X is a bit expensive for a box with 3 switches, or a bit hard to source internationally, it’s quite easy to create a substitute. The connection is a 1/4″ TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve), with Ground on the sleeve, switch 1 on the tip, switch 2 on the ring. Switch 3 is equivalent to simultaneously pressing the other two switches. You can either use a double-pole switch, or use two diodes as described by [Branch on Maybe]

FS3X wiring

#2: AirTurn Bluetooth controllers emulate a keyboard (with only 4 keys) for various computers, tablets and mobile phones, allowing foot-control of your apps. They can be bought with 2 or 4 pedals, or you can “bring your own. The AirTurn has two 1/8” TRS sockets, and each socket supports two switches. The “left” and “right” functions are split across the two sockets, meaning forward and back functionality requires both connectors. My AirTurn shipped with a pair of 1/4″ to 1/8″ TRS adaptor leads, which have the Ring unconnected. It’s a weird arrangement but allows switches with Tip-and-Sleeve (TS) plugs to be used without constantly triggering the “missing” signal.

Flexible solutions

Behringer FS112VT mod

• Removed the attached lead from an FS112, preferring a socket, so I can use a short or long patch lead according to need.
• Installed two (2) TRS sockets: one in the existing cable exit hole, and drilling a new hole for the other. The two sockets are cross-wired: the tip on one is connected to the ring on the other, and vice versa. Cross-wiring supports Scenario #4 below.

Cheap single pedal mod

I have 3 UXL-branded pedals. These are cheap, plastic units, but do link together like Boss pedals. These have a switch to select normally-open or normally-closed switch operation. I changed one unit by:

• Unsolder and remove the switch
• Ream out the switch slot to a round hole, to accommodate another socket
• Solder a wire from the unused link pin on the existing socket, to the unused Normally-Open pin on the footswitch (the circuit board has option for an LED to operate using this pin)
• Wire a TRS socket with Sleeve = Ground, Ring = N-O on switch, and Tip = Tip of existing socket.

This setup means any of the 3 arrangements can be used:

• The existing socket can be used as normal for T-S connection (single switch)
• The new socket as TRS, simultaneously connecting all 3 wires – for scenario #1 below
• A 2nd pedal connects to the original socket, and the new TRS links switches to Tip and Ring respectively

Results

Scenario #1: JamMan

Scenario #2: AirTurn Left/Right
Here we use the two AirTurn-supplied adaptor cables (with Ring unconnected), and TRS patch leads. This result could also be achieved with two single PFS switches, and the same cables.

Scenario #3a: Air-turn 3-way control
Here we simply use two TRS patch leads, with 1/8″ ends for the AirTurn.

Scenario #3b: AirTurn 3-way Control
Uses two TRS patch leads to the AirTurn, and a TS patch lead for the 3rd pedal

Scenario #4: AirTurn 4-way control
Same cables