Brand new to the SparkFun world, and my brain is buzzing with ideas. I’m hoping to get started with a simple device that will allow me to trigger an MP3 and LED with a single switch. Looks like the QWIIC MP3 Trigger will work great, but I’m wondering what I should pair it with to control the LED. I’m planning on using a toggle switch. Any advice appreciated!
Hi WantabeMaker,
This should be pretty easily accomplished with a Double-pole, double-throw switch (DPDT) to control your trigger pin as well as the LED. That way you can keep both circuits somewhat separate while still using the same power supply for both your LED and the Qwiic MP3 Trigger. If you are not familiar with how a DPDT switch works, I would recommend taking a look at our [Switch Basics tutorial.
Unfortunately, we no longer carry a DPDT switch like the one shown in that tutorial and the only DPDT switch we carry is a [surface-mount part so that is probably not ideal for your project here. Luckily, these switches are fairly common so searching for either “Double-pole/Double-throw Switches” or just “DPDT Switch” will turn up some options for you.
Finally, unless the LED you intend to use has a built-in resistor like [these, make sure to add a current-limiting resistor in series with your LED and the power supply or else the LED will burn out. If you are just getting started working with LEDs, [this tutorial is a great place to start.
I hope this helps you get started with this project. If you have any follow-up questions about the Qwiic MP3 Trigger or other SparkFun products you want to use in this project, let us know and we would be happy to help as much as we can.](Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) - SparkFun Learn)](LED - Blue with Resistor 5mm (25 pack) - COM-14562 - SparkFun Electronics)](Surface Mount DPDT Switch - COM-00597 - SparkFun Electronics)](https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/switch-basics#poles-and-throws-open-and-closed)
So much to learn! Is there a way to use this switch: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11310 ? Thank you!
A short answer is no, not really. That switch is a Single-Pole, Single-Throw switch meaning it is either open or closed. In order to use that switch, you would need to make your circuit quite a bit more complex to make sure you are not shorting out your power supply when you close the switch since the trigger pins are active LOW meaning you need to tie them to ground to make them play a track.
The best option would be something like [this retired DPDT Switch. That will let you use a single switch to control both the trigger pin as well as the LED while still maintaining “separate” circuits for both parts.](https://www.sparkfun.com/products/retired/11139)