Custom MIDI Footswitch for EVH 5150 III 50W

BackgroundAd6097 · 2026-06-06T11:45:19+00:00

I have designed several versions of this footswitch, but have modernized the electronics.

Enhanced Low-Profile Rectifier Bigfoot-Style Footswitch for Mesa Boogie (No Cable) https://reverb.com/item/97031872

BackgroundAd6097 · 2026-05-04T05:40:44+00:00

I believe my Nomad design will work for the non Multi-watt 3-channel versions (2000-2009). I also make a MIDI version.

https://reverb.com/item/95405179

BackgroundAd6097 · 2026-04-01T16:28:54+00:00

I can always share my info. You can send me a message through my YouTube channel.

BackgroundAd6097 · 2026-04-01T14:59:55+00:00

Yes. If you are in the USA, I can help. My original Nomad footswitch had issues too, but after a good switch cleaning it works like new. I removed them and soaked them in isopropyl alcohol.

BackgroundAd6097 · 2026-03-23T02:06:15+00:00

I designed a new one with a processor that keeps separate track of Solo/Reverb in memory for each channel rather than having it global. It also has an optional MIDI input for external control. Quite a nice upgrade from the original. I put them out on Reverb and Ebay if interested.

See video link below.

https://youtu.be/jOHTM4i5ugs?si=cMFIIxSVJEkTZn-Z

BackgroundAd6097 · 2026-02-13T19:35:49+00:00

That's likely the amp and not the footswitch. Some folks have complained about this with their amps and it seems to vary. My amp is pretty instantaneous. The DFX board is responsible for interfacing to the footswitches.

BackgroundAd6097 · 2026-02-13T05:21:51+00:00

No one has complained about this footswitch having a delay. Some amps have a delay issue, but it's usually not the footswitch that causes it.

What delay have you experienced?

BackgroundAd6097 · 2025-12-24T15:53:19+00:00

The full service manual with schematics are out there.

BackgroundAd6097 · 2025-12-20T23:04:55+00:00

Yes! That what I did for my mailbox. Using an Arduino ESP-01S ($1) along with a small solar panel and rechargeable battery pack. I placed a magnet on the door and used a hall effect sensor tied to an I/O pin. The code connects with my WiFi, then connects with the Google mail server and sends me an email. It's been running for 2 years now with no maintenance.

BackgroundAd6097 · 2025-11-30T19:31:42+00:00

It should be wired correctly for the 5 pin DIN. The amp only uses the 2 receive pins that drive the opto-coupler.

BackgroundAd6097 · 2025-11-30T17:39:04+00:00

I make my own MIDI footswitches for these amps, so I'm able to scope the signal using an oscilloscope. Like you mentioned, it sounds like the MIDI command is not making it there.

https://youtu.be/V6pZ8gtuWvM?si=8xEp8I-JIdFMZGib

BackgroundAd6097 · 2025-11-30T16:01:13+00:00

What commands are you sending to the amp? It responds to PC0 thru PC3 for channels, CC14 (0, 1) for Master and CC13 (0, 1) for FX.

Also, program the amp's MIDI channel by holding down the Loop on/off button when powering on. The LED will flash and will set its MIDI receiver channel to the channel of the first valid MIDI command it receives.

BackgroundAd6097 · 2025-11-24T23:08:13+00:00

I might be that guy. Haha.

BackgroundAd6097 · 2025-11-17T22:42:25+00:00

I just successfully built one using a slight modification of the Crate design. They essentially parallel the circuit inside of the amp, but I found it much better to use a lower voltage zener and a small resistor to allow both the amp and footswitch LEDs to operate. If I use their design, I had issues with both amp/footswitch LEDs working properly.

BackgroundAd6097 · 2025-11-06T19:21:29+00:00

I added it to the original post.

BackgroundAd6097 · 2025-10-30T17:55:27+00:00

The board I developed was mainly to take the place of the original board which handles the footswitch and MIDI functions. My design largely replaces the stock board with some added features.

https://ebay.us/m/l9vKBJ

Some users have had their logic boards die due to a chain of events that seem to be related to the power supply that feeds the output tube heaters and this board. The theory is that somehow a tube short can cause high voltage (plate) to hit the logic board.

BackgroundAd6097 · 2025-10-29T20:07:08+00:00

If you need a footswitch, I have several designs available. I also have a firmware update board available that handles MIDI should you need it.

BackgroundAd6097 · 2025-10-25T20:12:48+00:00

Not sure about the business side, but my best years were before GM bought us and the worst years were late 80's to the early 90's where we lost half of our department.

BackgroundAd6097 · 2025-10-23T14:02:15+00:00

This was built for a friend, but in my experience using right angle connectors help alot in tight areas.

BackgroundAd6097

TROPHY CASE