DIP switches and Digitech mod

[Strategy]

I am getting a cheap Digitech 1550 Programmable Distortion from ebay. Very cheap. These fun distortions have preset memory and a lot of tweakability. They came up in a recent thread about digital storage of presets in a fuzz in the digital effect sub forum.

Much of the tweakability of this box unfortunately is contained inside the unit, with trimmers and a DIP switch set that control EQ/tone and short digital delay characteristics.

I'd like to bring these to the front panel- has anyone done this?

And my main question: HOW exactly do DIP switches work? Are they simply a row of tightly spaced single pole switches, or are they more like a rotary switch- many poles many throws? Sorry if this is a noobish question, but there are few if any DIY projects that use these switches so its' totally unknown territory for me.

thanks
Strategy

[esnabez]

Yes, they are just a row of SPST switches.

As far as bringing them to the front panel: it should be pretty straightforward, but depending on where they are in the signal chain, bringing them offboard might open you up to extraneous noise problems. In other words, you may need to use shielded wire.

[Strategy]

Thanks for this advice- I'll give this a try!
- Strategy