BigShot SW2 Development

When we introduced the Slingshot concept, a new approach to amp and pedal switching came to be. Using the tried and true switching systems that guitar amps have employed for years, Slingshot combines the simplicity of regular ¼” guitar cable interconnect with on-off functionality of a basic MIDI system – albeit without the pre-required electronic degree.

From a controller like the Tonebone Loopbone, all of a sudden you can engage several effects pedals and change channels on your amp with a single foot stomp. With the Headbone in tow, you could remotely switch heads with any footswitch. With Cabbone, you could switch amp channels and speaker cabinets with one tap.

The SW2 Switchbone represents a natural evolution by providing a compact remote control with two footswitches that now lets you control either Tonebones or amps from a single device. And by adding the latch function, now multiple devices can ‘snap’ into action with a single foot stomp.

Obviously, to do all of these tricks, the SW2 is not just a simple low-cost mechanical foot switch. Beneath the surface, complex electronics are employed to make the SW2's seemingly simple functions look easy. This is why the SW2 can be as a stand alone device and needs to be powered with a 9V supply to perform its tasks. But for those that want the power of a custom made switcher, the BigShot SW2 provides incredible value.

Following the block diagram, you can see that each remote output is equipped with two switches: The 'OPEN' and 'CLOSED' switch lets you toggle between a ‘normally closed’ or ‘normally open’ status to match the way your amp has been designed. For instance, if you are using the SW2 to switch the channel on your amp, you would likely set the OPEN-CLOSED so that when the LED on the SW2 is off, your amp would have channel-1 active.

The PATCH and PULSE switch lets you select the type of control signal going to your amp. Older amps generally use a latch type control circuit whereby the footswitch dictates the amps status. On the other hand, newer amps with electronic switching tend to use a momentary pulse to send a switching function to the amp. Your SW2 Slingshot does both.

Should your amp employ a ¼” TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) jack or some other kind of multi-pin connection for the foot switch, you may have to build a break-out adaptor cable to allow the SW2 to work with your system. For the most part, all you will need is a simple Y-jack that is available from any music store. To be safe, we suggest you discuss your specific needs with a qualified tech to ensure you get the right adaptor.

At the center of the SW2 control panel is the 'LINK' switch. This handy device lets you assign one of the two footswitches as the master and the other as the slave. This enables the SW2 to toggle two different devices simultaneously by depressing a single switch. There is no difference - either switch can be selected as master. The SW2 is set up this way to let you select the switch that best suits your pedalboard.

Hookup is of course super easy! Just connect standard ¼” guitar cables between the SW2 and whatever devices you would like to remotely control. Distances of 100 feet (30 meters) or more are not a problem. You are now ready to control the world!