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Post by prstratelecasterpaul on Jan 17, 2020 6:03:08 GMT -5
Hello all!
I've used this site as a main reference point for years, for several projects.
I am thankful to all you clever folks out there who have taken your valuable time to help people such as I who would have been lost, despite enormous amounts of effort and study, without you.
I recently ordered a Freeway Blade switch for use in an HSH Strat with dual Pearly Gates and a Fat 50 for the middle. I haven't been able to locate any diagrams for such a guitar.
Any assistance on this would be enormously appreciated.
Thank you!
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Post by sumgai on Jan 17, 2020 15:33:43 GMT -5
pstp, Hi, and  to The NutzHouse!  We'd be more than happy to help you out (again!  ), but first we need a link to the details of that particular switch. The 'Freeway' moniker has been expanding, and they have more than one version, so.... HTH sumgai |
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Post by prstratelecasterpaul on Jan 18, 2020 10:51:56 GMT -5
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Post by prstratelecasterpaul on Jan 18, 2020 11:01:11 GMT -5
Above is a link to the identical switch I'm using. I am uncertain of the potential combinations available with an HSH configuration, and of course the humbuckers are 4 conductor.
The other thing I haven't come across yet is a discussion of the freeway switches being used along with other switches, such as push/pulls and series/split/parallel switches, rotaries, etc.
I know I just basically threw up the least specific concept ever, but that's because I'm wanting to explore the most efficient way to add some useful tonal combinations on top of the freeway switch.
Advice and ideas of any kind would garner eternal gratitude, the value of which has yet to be determined.
😉
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Post by Deleted on Jan 18, 2020 12:45:08 GMT -5
You can't view these order details. To view this information, you must be logged into the guest or eBay account used to purchase this item. See instructions to view guest order details. thats your ORDER number! FreeWay Toggle: SchematicsFreeWay Blade : SchematicsNB i would LOVE LOVE LOVE to get my hands on a Broken one to take apart to see how it all TICKS also any human bodies to take apart to see how they move (DEAD OF ALIVE!!!) might have try and making some Blade switches like that.. would mean new Rotary part on the Arm Smaller ball i think and new tighter PCB board. |
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Post by sumgai on Jan 18, 2020 14:02:18 GMT -5
pstp,
Sadly, that link goes to your personal eBay account, and it expects me (anyone that isn't you) to sign in to your account in order to see your shopping cart. I'm presuming you have one of these in your cart, that is.
Fortunately, ange has found the details I was asking for. Let me take a look at that, later on this afternoon.... when the other half is out of my hair! 
sumgai
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Post by prstratelecasterpaul on Jan 18, 2020 14:29:17 GMT -5
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Post by prstratelecasterpaul on Jan 18, 2020 14:32:15 GMT -5
Indeed, it is a blade switch with 10 settings.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 18, 2020 14:43:47 GMT -5
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Post by sumgai on Jan 19, 2020 0:25:53 GMT -5
pstp, Links like these are nothing more than Marketing sites - they don't contain the technical details that we need in order to establish their bonafides... or otherwise.
As I said, ange has linked (twice) the factory's PDF files with the germane details. Thanks, ange. 
Now (in the later evening), I've perused them, and I have to say, I'm highly saddened. Even given their cryptic notation (names for each terminal, which I eventually doped out), they are so limited in function as to be unworthy of their price tag. In other words, if you want exactly the pickup combinations they offer, then you can be their guest.
What I'm saying is that by eschewing the standard expectations of a switch, and instead making it highly proprietary, they have greatly limited their market. Yes, people like JohnH and @angeisbunny (among other Nutz) will be able to adapt certain terminals and come with combos that the factory did not envision, but that's no substitute for letting the average modder tap the power of a switch without having to play Electrical Engineer first. In fact, will either of those worthy gentlemen be able to give you the combos you are asking for? Not without some sweat, I'm certain of that.
Eyb (of Germany), the maker of the MegaSwitch, is an example here. They have a variety of proprietary combination switches which make things easier for a large number of modders, but they also have some equivalents to the SuperSwitch, which in the opinion of some folks, are superior to the standard SuperSwitch. (Translate that as: Eyb understands that users/modders won't pay for what they can't use. This explains why they are growing in market share.)
Like you, I also like the idea of stealth appearances for a guitar, but there comes a time when compromises must be made. Either you want certain combos, and you are willing to install switches to get them; or you take what the nice man is offering, after giving him a not-inconsiderable-sized chunk of your guitar budget.
HTH
If only ChrisK were alive to see this sad state of affairs. I'm sure he'd come up with something like "tarnished FelderGarb is". 
sumgai
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Post by newey on Jan 20, 2020 21:42:14 GMT -5
Sorry, guys, but I felt it necessary to move this thread from Design Modules to the general wiring questions area, as Design Modules is not a general question sub-board.
prstr-
We haven't defined, as yet, what you are looking to have this guitar be. Your inquiry can best be summed up along the lines of:"I have this certain pile of parts. What can I do with them?"
Which is fine, but vague queries tend to elicit scattershot responses . . .
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Post by sumgai on Jan 21, 2020 13:37:18 GMT -5
pstp,
newey is correct, you really haven't stated a desired scheme. To be honest, asking "What can I do with three pickups and a switch?" is only gonna get you suggestions, some of them possibly useful, some probably not so much. The problem is, what you've described is exactly what every other member has, one to four pickups and one or more switches.
What makes your question stand out is the switch - that was new to me, so I had to investigate. From my critical post above, you know my feelings on this switch, so it's now up to you - either accept what the Freeway offers, or go down another path to get to your desired state of nirvana. We can't give you any further guidance on that particular dilemma, until and unless you decide that what the Freeway offers is not what you want.
For three pickups and one or more switches, The NutzHouse has about a bazillion potential schemes scattered about the place that should be considered good starting points, and other websites are also rife with potential schemes. Let me suggest that you take a peek at some of them, but that's only a suggestion. What you might also do is listen to your favorite guitarists, and see if they have rigs that you'd like to emulate. It's only at that point of your decision on an actual path that we can help you get there. At that point we can dream up a scheme using your switch, or if we have to, we can tell you that it won't work. You've seen us in action, you know that we're all about give-and-take, and compromise where necessarily dictated by physical constraints. This method seems to have worked pretty well for the last (nearly) 15 years, eh? Let's give it a shot, one more time. 
HTH
sumgai
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Post by frets on Feb 1, 2020 17:28:14 GMT -5
Hey Guitarnutz,
When this topic was being discussed; I.e., the Freeway and EYB switches, I became very interested as “doing more” with a 5 way could be a path to a new phase in guitar wiring. Some of us were posting about 6 ways,et.al. Having been an EYB fan for some time. I noticed on their website a tiny brief line in the description of the EYB-M, that there existed a “special order” dual wafer, dual rotor “stacked” switch. Call it the “EYB-Megaswitch Ultra” Ha!
So I bought it. It came today. Set me back $40, but I’ll use it for a build to sell.
I have pictures for you but I thought I’d give you a description of the labels next to the traces from the pads on both of the wafers.
On the left vertical coming down the left side:
1
2
3
4
5
On the bottom, left to right:
A12345,B12345,C1
Now vertical coming down the right side.
0,
5,
4,
3,
2,
1
The Double wafer repeats the pattern.
Here are the pictures of it.
/mJKYgPL
/rk89VPR
/bPWhTgR
/xD1nkNF
/7S2vJ4V
/3zmqGSm
/SvmC8B9
/VNBsRWV
/Kb8ZXn2
/Qbq09jn
Oh, BTW, it is a 5 way. So that’s it. The tech at EYB said he would provide any technical support with it; but, I wanted the switch experts on the forum to take a gander at it first.
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Post by frets on Feb 1, 2020 17:37:56 GMT -5
Erratum: Vertical coming down the left side culminates at 2, not 1. Weeeeee!!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2020 4:23:48 GMT -5
Looks like 8P5T
ABCD being the poles on each wafer
Two wafers 2x4 .. 8P
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Post by frets on Feb 2, 2020 9:30:01 GMT -5
Exactly, that’s all it is. Thanks Bunny.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2020 9:59:52 GMT -5
 Trying to remake the cog in a T/S-Type switch i think to get it any higher than 6 will be dam hard 18 degrees for 5ways 15 degrees for 6ways then would be 12.857142857 degrees plus the circuit board is a LOT tighter so AIM is 4 Poles 5 and 6 way |
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Post by frets on Feb 2, 2020 10:42:31 GMT -5
Ingenious Bunny. It will be an amazing switch. Are you going to print out the little bunny too? I like him....,ready to jump.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2020 11:09:44 GMT -5
i will try and export it .. been some time since i have .. and TRY and get the 3D printer working (in a cold country its more a pain in the butt)
then i gotta make it printable friendly
think last time i did it, i made one side flat to work off
print it out and then see if it works
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Post by reTrEaD on Feb 2, 2020 13:31:44 GMT -5
I have pictures for you but I thought I’d give you a description of the labels next to the traces from the pads on both of the wafers. I find it convenient to think of this in terms of the counter-clockwise pattern on the first image you provided. Starting from upper-left, then across the bottom edge, then finally up the right edge from bottom to top:  Throws 1~5 then pole A | Throws 1~5 then pole B | Throws 1~5 then pole C | Throws 1~5 then pole D If this is the first time you've ever used a Megaswitch, you're in for a very pleasant surprise. The detent mechanism is far superior compared to anything from Oak or CRL. If these were automobiles...   |
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Post by frets on Feb 2, 2020 13:44:54 GMT -5
Yep, First Time, LOL !
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Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2020 19:14:38 GMT -5
 Now i just got to figure out how to get out of the "Second Life" again and then put it to size |
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Post by frets on Feb 3, 2020 22:25:17 GMT -5
Outstanding Bunny. It will be a huge advancement.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2020 6:18:27 GMT -5
3D imagejust got to get the right size, should be all level with each other but the over all size from one software to another also its a DAE format, think 3D Prints (Gel ones) need STL
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Post by frets on Feb 5, 2020 0:52:25 GMT -5
Bunny,
In Collada?
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2020 5:18:18 GMT -5
Think that's what they call it Also I gotta resize it. I just looked at it on a online viewer, 2x1mm where it should be 2.15x1.35cm .. one point out |
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Post by stevewf on Jun 2, 2021 20:49:18 GMT -5
Got me two of the Freeway 10-way switches, took 'em apart and figured out the pinouts. [Update: there's a summary of the Blade switches internal workings here Free-Way Blade switches: Truth Tables and Photos. Look there for the latest updates/corrections to these tables]
Freeway 5B5-01Position#1 : OP-BH , GD-BT Position#2 : OP-BH-MH , GD-BT Position#3 : OP-MH Position#4 : OP-MH-NH , GD-NG Position#5 : OP-NH , GD-NG Position#6 : OP-BH , B-BG , A-NG Position#7 : OP-BH-MH-NH , GD-BT-NG Position#8 : OP-NH , GD-BT , BH-NG Position#9 : OP-BH-NH , GD-BT-NG Position#10 : OP-NH , MH-NG , GD-BT [The above edited to match Yogi B's typo correction of Position #5, later in this thread]Freeway 5B5-02Position#1 : OP-BH Position#2 : OP-BH-2+ Position#3 : OP-BH-NH-3+ , G3-BT-NT Position#4 : OP-NH-4+ Position#5 : OP-NH Position#6 : OP-BH , GD-BT Position#7 : OP-BH-MH , GD-BT Position#8 : OP-MH Position#9 : OP-MH-NH , GD-NT Position#10 : OP-NH , GD-NT [The above also edited to match Yogi B's corrections of Positions #3, 6 and 7, later in this thread]How to read, by example of the 5B5-02, Position#7 : OP-BH-MH , GD-BT : The trio of terminals labeled "OP", "BH" and "MH" will be electrically connected to each other; Also connected to each other (separate from the trio) will be the pair of terminals labeled "GD" and "BT". In yet other words: OutPut will come from the Bridge Hot and the Middle Hot, and the Bridge Tap lead will go to GrounD. [Likewise, the example above is edited to match the corrected pinouts]For making sense of the two-letter terminal naming, they could be interpreted like this: BH = Bridge Hot BT = Bridge Tap (or more likely, Bridge Split) BG = Bridge Ground MH = Middle Hot NH = Neck Hot NT = Neck Tap (Split) NG = Neck Ground A = an additional terminal for grounding in the 6th position B = an additional terminal for grounding in the 6th position 2+ = an additional terminal for output in the 2nd position 3+ = an additional terminal for output in the 3rd position 4+ = an additional terminal for output in the 4th position Orientation and positioning (naming standards): When the switches are installed in a right-handed strat per the manufacturer's suggested diagrams, the side with the printed circuit board is upward, facing toward the strings. Positions #1 and #6 have the 5-way slid all the way toward the bridge (away from the neck), and for #5 and #10, all the way toward the neck. Positions #1-5 have the switch handle clicked downward (i.e. away from the strings), and for Positions #6-10, you put the handle upward toward the strings. |
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Post by stevewf on Oct 12, 2021 22:24:04 GMT -5
I know these tables are hard to read, but I wanted to at least make the info available to the intrepid. Looking at diagrams on the mfr's website can give insight on how to use these pinouts. Meanwhile, here's the [Update: there's a summary of the Blade switches internal workings here Free-Way Blade switches: Truth Tables and Photos. Look there for the latest updates/corrections to these tables]Freeway 3B3-01Position#1 : OP-BH Position#2 : OP-BH-NH , GD-NG Position#3 : OP-NH , GD-NG Position#4 : OP-BH-A , GD-NH Position#5 : OP-A-B , NH-BH Position#6 : OP-NH-B , BH-NG [Edited to remove "A" from Position#6, as spotted by yogib]I've found that the while the Free-way switches hit a sweet spot by doubling the number of switch positions, they're [not as flexible as] the multi-pole megaswitch counterparts. The Free-ways give you those obvious tones you've been missing (eg Strat Bridge and Neck), but if you want to go off the beaten track (eg. Bridge inner coil HOop with Neck inner coil, but Bridge outer coil in phase with Neck inner coil, etc.) then it can be hard to use the Free-way. After becoming familiar with Free-way's website diagrams, patterns become apparent. Like when I see "GD-NH" above, I know it means the neck pickup is gonna be in reverse phase, and I know to expect to see a companion "OP-NG". The less obvious pinouts involve the A, B, 2+, etc terminals. These, I think, are gateways to alternative wirings, so there is some flexibility built into the Free-way switches. |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 15, 2021 6:32:18 GMT -5
Could we have photos of the internal then and the PCB
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Post by Deleted on Oct 15, 2021 6:34:45 GMT -5
Think my Switch would be a Jag with a Lion sitting on top doesnt is business down the back window  2P7T and 2P6T was working till i solder it in place so i guess its more on one side than another the line holes are too big so not keeping in the correct place 4P7T is even more crazy |
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to The NutzHouse! 
), but first we need a link to the details of that particular switch. The 'Freeway' moniker has been expanding, and they have more than one version, so....
