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.

Step 1 Parts/tools list

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

Comments

[luskae]

the inside of a composite cable has two sets of "wires" (actually a lot of wires to carry one signal) which part of the wire is the ground?

[BlackHatCracker]

He is using the orange for the ground. My question is, are you using a high isolation switch to keep the bleed over down if multiple sources are powered at one time?

[luskae]

is it possible to get a better picture of the output jacks? and a link to the product?

[Rockwell108]

You spent 5 bucks on this one but I found one of these units at Big Lots for 4 dollars. It has one input and three outputs. Just a tip for the less creative out there...

[stephenniall]

very nice rated

[jeremiah_migas]

freakn' sweet... nicely done sir!!!

[martymunch]

I agree with Bartboy! I am so gonna ramp this one up, maybe five or six connections with a spinning selector knob. I had to go out and buy one of these once... I could have built it all along. NICE!

[Cartermarquis]

Surplus Gizmos is a great store. I've been going there for a little over a year now, and love walking through the aisles looking at the shiny things. I recommend anyone in the Portland/Hillsboro area check them out. They have tons of stuff that they don't put on the website! Great 'ible. Simple solution to a problem that a lot of people deal with.

[Bartboy]

Has anyone said" AWSOME!!!!!!!" This should be featured, and If i had feature powers ( >:( ) I would SO feature this!

[Phil B]

Thanks for the lead on Surplus Gizmos. I live near Boise, Idaho; but we are planning for retirement in Vancouver, Washington. My brother lives in Forest Grove, Oregon not far from Hillsboro. I will have to get myself to the store sometime when I am in the Portland/Vancouver area. Is there any need to shield the "hot" wire from the other lead? Would it make any difference in performance? Just wondering.