RCA / Composit AV Switch

sick of having to unplug one video device from your TV just so you can plug in another? Here's how to make a cheap Composite video audio switch for your vcr, dvd, xbox, etc... I built mine for under 5 bucks, here's where i got it all the parts http://www.surplusgizmos.com/ best store ever!!! I live right up the road from them.

this is a pretty simple project that my friend Shawn and I built for fun. Its a good way to practice your soldering skills.

Disclaimer. this is a home built project and as such should be attempted at your own risk. i seriously doubt you can cause much damage to your TV or anything if you do it wrong, but just be wary and make sure not to bridge any wires, and to solder everything well.

first you will need all your bits and pieces
3 yellow composite video jacks
3 red composite audio jacks
3 white composite audio jacks
a switch like the one in the diagram below here's a link to the part i used for sale
http://www.surplusgizmos.com/Switchcraft-Rocker-Switch_p_88-835.html
a project box
a lot of wire
various screws

next you'll need tools,
drill
drill bits
exacto knife
hot glue gun
soldering iron
solder
flux

now you have to cut out the holes for all the parts, this can be tricky if u use the bracket like i did, because you'll have to line up all the holes perfectly. but if your using just individual jacks, than you just have to space them so they will all fit inside. use the drill to cut the holes and use the knife to clean up any burrs.

the hole for the switch is a little more tricky. I marked out a rectangle, and drilled the corners and as much of the inside of the rectangle as possible than cleaned everything up with the knife. I made the hole smaller than the rocker on the switch, and removed to put it in and replaced it once it was in place.

Solder a separate lead to every hot post and one to every ground on the jacks. take all the grounds from each set of input jacks and solder the ends together into two separate bundles (see picture)

take all the leads and solder them to their respective spots on the switch (see diagram)

Basically I made a quick diagram and added some notes. if theirs any confusion just write a comment.


IMPORTANT!!!! you must use flux when you solder. it helps the solder bind to the metal. your solders will break if you don't

now its time to put everything in the project box and secure everything. If your not using brackets like I did, than simply hot glue all the jacks in place. and finally put the cover on the box

there are a couple ways of testing, you can use a meter to test all the connections, or you can test it on your TV (preferably don't test it on your best TV in case something goes wrong, i doubt anything will tho) have two inputs plugged in and turned on simultaneously. Now flip the switch to make sure it flips between the two inputs.

If the last step worked, your done! if not go back and check your wiring.

please comment on my instructable! any questions, feedback, and/or constructive criticism is welcome. =)