[simgrant]

Dear DIYers,

    I happened on to this thread and thought I would ask for a few tips. I am planning to experiment with a cheap and simple stepped attenuator. I intend to build a dual mono pair of shunt attenuators using a pair of inexpensive 12 pole rotary switches. I understand that make before break switches are normally used but those that are locally available are break before make types. Also I plan on using ordinary metal film resistors. I was hoping for some advice on this project and opinions as to whther it is feasible as an experiment.

Kind Regards, Simon Grant.

[SamL]

Break before make types are no good for volume control unless you don't mind loud pop when you turn the volume knob.

[PSP]

Hi Simon,
Although the following stuff was written with the Bottlehead Foreplay in mind, it is very good stuff and might give you some useful ideas.  VoltSecond, the author, is very highly regarded in the Bottlehead community.

Some thoughts on popping noises from attenuators:
http://www.siteswithstyle.com/VoltSecond/Popping_attenuator_fix/Sweet_Whispers_Popping_Noise_Fix.html

Some very useful ideas on attenuators:
http://www.siteswithstyle.com/VoltSecond/12_posistion_shunt/12_Position_Pure_Shunt.html

good luck,
Peter

[simgrant]

Thanks for the links, this should give me enough to keep busy.
Happy new year to all, Simon Grant.

[SamL]

Have a look at Alps stepped attenuators. Good price and is make before break type.
http://store.yahoo.com/triodeel/4pol24posals.html
Was told it is quite big.

Have fun,
Sam

[jules]

Sam,

sent you the spreadsheets by email ... hope you've received them. I had a little trouble with "returned" emails.

Jules