Switch Board by Martin Andersen - Trick

This "gadget" has been a fetish toy for many magicians and has become a collector's item. Various versions have popped up over the years, but most look more like electronic novelties or puzzles than actual magic. Frankly, few manage to pull off the trick convincingly.

At IDEAA Lab, we set out to do two things: minimise electronics until they’re virtually invisible and deliver some proper magic.

The classic

The "magic switch box" or "magic switch board" is a classic effect that’s been around for ages. It’s basically a bunch of switches and light bulbs in different colours. The wiring is visible, so you can easily see which switch lights up which bulb (yawn).

The magic kicks in when you mix up the colours, yet somehow each switch still turns on the bulb of its corresponding colour, even though the wires are all mixed up (cue the gasps).

Older versions only allowed for the basic effect: mix the colours and that’s about it.

Newer iterations have come along with a few different effects, but they all tend to run the same routine. For some, that routine might drag on a bit; for others, it’s a tad short or just doesn’t fit. You can’t repeat it for the same audience either, since they’ll see the same effects in the same order. Snooze-fest!

The main drawback? Audiences often feel there's something sneaky behind the curtain, and many versions come with parts that look suspiciously hidden. So, it often ends up feeling more like a novelty or a puzzle rather than genuine magic.

Improvements

So, it’s not a new effect, but what makes the Switch Board special? Here’s the lowdown:

• Our version is the tiniest you could imagine: an electronic circuit that’s only 1.6mm thick. We’ve soldered 4 switches, 4 bulb holders, and a battery holder onto it. No room for shenanigans!
• We’ve cooked up a stunning magical finale that’ll leave your audience speechless.
• It comes with 2 easy-to-perform pre-recorded routines, plus you can whip up 3 more routines to your liking. That means you’ve got 5 routines on the same circuit, so you can pick and choose as you please. No more boring repeats for the same audience!
• It offers 7 different effects that you can cherry-pick for your routines.
• Our bulbs are LED (low power consumption and long-lasting), big enough to be seen from any angle, and come with a light diffuser. Because who wants to squint?
• The program controlling the Switch Board is open source. Fancy tinkering? Go ahead and modify it if you’re inclined!

Routines and effects

The circuit allows for 5 different routines. Two are pre-programmed: one’s basic, the other’s a tad more advanced. So, you can use it straight out of the box without breaking a sweat.

In total, you’re looking at 5 routines with your Switch Board. You can switch it up at any moment, and the reset is instant. Choose your routine right in front of the audience without raising any eyebrows—perfect for different shows for the same crowd.

To build the routines, we’ve got 7 possible effects. Each effect is distinct, allowing you to craft your routine gradually in strength and complexity.

Create routines

And don’t worry, you don’t need to be a programming whizz to create a routine!

Just a few sequences of flipping the switches on and off, and you can whip up a new routine, picking the effects and their order like a magician at a buffet. There’s a handy step-by-step video to guide you through it—super straightforward. And if you fancy a change, swap them out as often as you like.

And the magic?

We didn’t stop at just magic and effects with the Switch Board; we wanted it to have a jaw-dropping finale.

Regardless of the routines or presentations, we aimed for a powerful and unforgettable effect to finish things off. If anyone’s feeling indifferent, you’ll be sure to knock their socks off.

The spectator touches and chooses

Every choice made with the Switch Board is free and clear. When it’s time to change a colour, mix the bulbs, or pick a position... the audience is always making their own choices.

Before, during, and after, the Switch Board can be in the spectator's hands. They can examine it all they like—there’s nothing to figure out. They can flick the switches and rearrange the bulbs, but the magic only happens when you want it to.

If you’re confident with your audience, feel free to let them take the reins. If you’re a bit less sure, keep it in your hands and show off the effects, letting them check out the circuit throughout. Regardless, they’ll feel complete freedom and transparency all the way through.

Tested and improved product

Did you know the Switch Board has been tested and approved by independent beta testers from across the globe?

Nine magicians from five countries, with backgrounds ranging from engineers to teachers to professionals, took the product for a spin for a month and shared their insights. Thanks to their feedback, we’ve made it EVEN BETTER. We’ve included a "quick start guide," simplified the routines, toughened up the product, cranked up the magic power, and tossed in a carrying bag. Many of their suggestions helped us polish it to perfection. We’re chuffed with the final product, and it’s all thanks to them!

Instructions

You’ll find the instructions online on our website, comprising videos and text (in Spanish and English) that cover everything you need to know.

In addition to the product instructions, we’ve included several presentation ideas so you can choose the one that best suits your style.

After sales

If you run into any issues, we’ll sort it out quicker than you can say “abracadabra.” Our warranty covers any manufacturing defects, and we won’t charge a penny for repairs—even if the product’s out of warranty!
After watching the instructions, if you’ve got questions or suggestions, we can set up a video call where you can chat directly with the creator of the product!
Open source

The program running the Switch Board is open source. This means you’ve got access to over 3,000 lines of code to tweak to your heart's content. Fair warning: it’s not exactly straightforward, but it’s programmed in an Arduino environment with plenty of comments to make it digestible for the average programmer.

All the info you need is there to reprogram the Switch Board with your modifications.

Sure, this might not be useful for everyone, but it’s part of our philosophy. We believe in fostering development and improvement through open source for any magician keen to tinker.

What do you get

Physically, you’ll receive:

• Electronic circuit
• 10 LED bulbs: 2 red, 2 yellow, 2 green, 2 blue, and 2 white
• 4 prediction bulbs
• 18 coloured caps:
  2 red, 2 yellow, 2 green, and 2 blue (silicon)
  2 red, 2 yellow, 2 green, 2 blue, and 2 white (rubber)
• 2 rechargeable button cell batteries
• Charger for rechargeable button cell batteries
• Black velvet carry bag
• Metal transport box with foam interior
• Quick Start Guide
• Product registration card

Spare parts

Lost a cap? Need extra bulbs or replacement batteries? We recommend the acrylic case for protection that also looks snazzy!