3 pole switch

2-Zons wrote 02/26/2019 at 20:03 0 points

I'm working on my 8 bit TTL computer (https://hackaday.io/project/162659-8-bit-breadboard-cpu) and have just received a sack of 3 pole switches I ordered.  I'm using them to run the control signals for testing all modules working together.  I was finding that using too many dip switches was drawing too much current and that a 3 pole toggle switch would be much better.  These are the switches I ordered: https://www.taydaelectronics.com/electromechanical/switches-key-pad/push-button/push-button-switch-latching-on-off-dpdt-0-5a-50vdc-8x8mm.html

They may not be what I was looking for.  What I wanted was a 3 pole on/on.  I thought these were that.  Strange thing is the outside two pins are shorted together and the switch selects between them.  Since the outside pins are shorted I don't know how you could even use this as an on/off switch.  Is there something I'm missing?  Does anyone know how one might use a switch like this?