The Ultimate Pedal Building Thread

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s.r.v.

07-17-2007, 03:11 PM

For links to many other great threads, check out the GB&C Central Hub. (http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1195306)

READ THIS FOR NEW BUILDERS (http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/index.htm)
then check this http://www.diystompboxes.com/pedals/FAQ.html
then ask questions

Anyways,

Pedal Kits
www.buildyourownclone.com -Kits and PCB's
www.generalguitargadgets.com -Kits and PCB's
www.tonepad.com -only sell Ready To Solder PCB's, not kits
www.geofex.com PCB layouts/projects
http://www.montagar.com/~patj/gindex.htm - Loads of schematics
http://www.olcircuits.com/index.html -buy kits to build pedals from runoffgroove

Help forums
this thread!
www.board.buildyourownclone.com
http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/ - more threads once you register
www.ssguitar.com
http://www.diystompboxes.com/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page

And Finally Parts (US primarily, some ship worldwide)
www.mouser.com
www.smallbearelec.com
www.pedalpartsplus.com
www.radioshack.com -overpriced, but whatever floats your boat
www.futurlec.com
www.goldmine-elec.com
www.bulkwire.com
http://www.effectsconnection.com/oscommerce/index.php
www.tedweber.com
www.tubesandmore.com
www.tubedepot.com
www.turretboards.com

UK and Europe:
http://www.fastcomponents.co.uk/
http://www.rshelectronics.co.uk/
http://www.dalbani.co.uk/index.php
http://www.rapidonline.com/home.aspx
http://www.banzaieffects.com

Australia
http://www.futurlec.com.au/index.jsp
http://www.altronics.com.au/index.asp
http://www.jaycar.com.au/
http://www.evatco.com.au/

Other Good sites:
www.beavisaudio.com -crazy big fuzz and screamer builds, noisy crickets
www.runoffgroove.com -lots of schematics and pcb layouts
HOW TO PAINT A PEDAL (http://beavisaudio.com/techpages/boxinaday.html)
on this note, i highly recommend KRYLON over rustoleum
www.fuzzcentral.ssguitar.com
http://www.geocities.com/tpe123/fol...z/snippets.html
www.home-wrecker.com
www.experimentalistsanonymous.com
www.indyguitarist.com
www.filters.muziq.be
www.affectronix.tk

Starting:
What you will need:
Soldering Iron: you probably will want a small pencil tip if you are working with PCB's, as the parts are pretty small, but really anything will work, just not as well.

Wattage: 15,20,25 what ever you want. Mine was $8 and works fine (15w and solders well)
If you plan on doing this long term, cheap soldering irons might crap out, so you might want to invest in a soldering station.
Advantages: built-in sponge, adjustable temperature-key to building pedals so you don't melt components

Solder: 60/40 rosin core works well

Desoldering braid: Copper desoldering braid works wonders. This stuff just soaks up excess solder or all solder when heated.

Clamps: Very useful for holding parts you are working on, like vise grips. Just cover them with tape or cloth so they don't damage the hardware

Drill: you will want one for when you have to drill enclosures to fit your specs, get various drill bits as output and input jacks, LEDs, Pots, and DC jacks all need different sizes.

Wirecutters, pliers, paint etc

Wire: 22,24,26 guage is standard. Make sure its stranded, as that is what works best, and insulated. Best to buy this in bulk because running out is the worst feeling, knowing you can't finish till you order more.

Parts you want to understand: (Someone else care to define?)
Resistors- Resistors, simply put, resist signal. The most common uses in pedals are for lowering voltages to active components, keeping signal from going places, and lowering volume. They can be carbon film, carbon composition, or metal film. The carbon film ones usually have tolerances of around 5% (this means that the actual value is within 5% of the real value), and aren't too noisy. They're oftentimes a tan color. Carbon composition are the types used in vintage amps and pedals. They're a darker brown color, and are usually a hair bigger. They tend to 'drift' over time, meaning that their value will change after a while. They can be noisier, but have an effect which can sweeten the tone when used in amps. Metal film resistors are blue, and the same shape and size as carbon film. They have much less noise than either carbon type, and better tolerances- around 1%, usually.
Capacitors- Capacitors are components which pass treble frequencies more easily than bass. They also can block DC signals, making them useful when you want guitar signal to get somewhere without letting DC get there. They come in two general types- electrolytic and non-polarized types. There are many non-polarized capacitors, but I'll leave them off for now. Electrolytics can have much higher capacitance ratings than other types, and are polarized. This means that you've got to put them the right way round or they won't work. Non-polarized have smaller values, and (obviously) aren't polarized.
Diodes- Diodes are interesting little buggers. They only let signal through one way, making them useful as polarity protection devices (they can shunt signal to ground if it's the wrong polarity). They also clip very similarly to tubes, making them useful in solid-state amps and overdrive/distortion pedals.
LED's (light emitting diodes)- LEDs are diodes that produce light. They can be used to indicate if a pedal is on or off, and can also be used in place of diodes in a circuit sometimes. Generally, you can replace the ordinary clipping diodes with red LEDs for a different tone.
IC's (intergrated circuits)- ICs are chips which contain circuits in them. They can be used for all different things, like delays, amplification, and timer circuits.
OP amps- Op-amps are integrated circuits which amplify signal. They're used in many pedals for this reason.
Transistors- Transistors are three-legged components which also amplify signal. They come in many different flavors, like bipolar junction, JFETs, and MOSFETs. Bipolar silicon transistors also come in two types- germanium and silicon. Germanium transistors were used in older pedals, due to the fact that they were all that was made at the time. They have a nice warm tone to them, and are most always PNP (I'll get to that later). Silicon transistors can be a bit harsher-sounding, but are more reliable and easy to make. In situations where the transistor itself doesn't provide distortion, they're more often used. They can still be used, though, in fuzz pedals and overdrive pedals. Now, why are bipolar transistors called bipolar? They've got three leads- the emitter, collector, and base. With an NPN transistor, the emitter needs negative polarity, the collector positive, and the base negative. N...P...N! With a PNP, the polarities of all of them are reversed.
Potentionmenters- Potentiometers, or pots, are behind nearly every knob you've got on pedals, guitars, and amps. They've got a track of resistive material, attached to a solder terminal on either end, and a wiper which shorts out to the middle terminal. The wiper can be moved by the shaft which is attached to a knob. They can be used for volume controls, tone controls, and gain controls, to name the more common uses.
3pdt, SPDT, DPDT switches- Switches are classified by the number of poles and the number of throws. A pole is like one single switch. With a double-pole switch, you've essentially got two switches being switched at once. Throws are the contacts being switched between. Thusly, a 3PDT switch is one with three separate switches being switched between two different things.
PCB's (printed circuit boards)- An epoxy or fiberglass board which is covered in copper. The copper can then be etched away by acid, forming a series of traces which will be connected by components to form a circuit. Used in just about every mass-produced pedal ever.
Perfboard- Very useful for prototyping, perf is. It's a board with a grid of holes, each one with its own solder pad. None of the holes are connected together. You can stick component leads in the holes and solder them on to the board, then connect them to other components using bits of bare wire and blobs of solder.
^thanks COKEISBETTER

Beginner Projects:
A/B box (simple!)
Boosters (dallas rangemaster, booster from DIYstompboxes
Ruby Amp
really any kits from GGG or BYOC can be considered beginner projects if you take your time and read directions, start with simple boosters, orange squeeze compressors
beginner project: fuzz face clone http://smallbox.zeonhost.com/projects/fface/

As you get better start doing simple schematics projects, then move to harder stuff, amps, univibes etc.

Other ideas:
-start a folder and save schematics, layouts, mods to it. You will thank yourself later
-practice soldering a little before you dive right into building pedals

Anyways, if anyone would like to post tutorials, questions, define/explian stuff do it here.

Also, anyone care to start a list of people who aspiring pedal builders should look to for help? I know there are a few people who really know there stuff on here.

Well, thats all i can think of, i can add pictures of what different parts look like.

Ask away, someone on here is bound to know!

The_0thersid3

07-17-2007, 03:15 PM

Gerainum trannies, in the UK - where do i get them from??!

s.r.v.

07-17-2007, 03:43 PM

http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/departments.asp?dept=1134
they ship to the uk

Ebay store: http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Germanium-Transistor

The_0thersid3

07-17-2007, 03:55 PM

cheers.

hopefully this thread will pickup speed soon cause it looks like you worked hard on it!

TwoString

07-17-2007, 03:57 PM

Great idea s.r.v. Add www.bulkwire.com to the parts supplier list. Any gauge in any color in spools of 100 feet or more. Really cheap too.

I think you'll want to add some of the builder's sites as well. Dan's site always has some amazing conceptual work on it...check out www.beavisaudio.com. Hopefully Kerry might check in here as well...the kid knows his stuff :D I've learned as much as possible from the guy.

L_Z_Nut

07-17-2007, 05:43 PM

Just a little correction... tonepad doesn't sell kits, they just sell RTS (ready to solder) PCB's.

A regular soldering iron is good but once I got my 50w soldering station I realized how much better they are... I would recommend that over a regular iron any day. I would also suggest not using ratshack solder... the solder was eating away at my new pencil tip like crazy, so I switched to smallbears 1lb spool of 60/40 kester solder and my tip hasn't changed at all since.

s.r.v.

07-17-2007, 05:47 PM

thanks TwoString and L_Z_Nut ill add that in

L_Z_Nut

07-17-2007, 05:53 PM

Ooopps.. sorry but I forgot one thing. It's a 50w adjustable temp soldering station with a surface for the sponge... my bad.

You can actually get them pretty cheap (under $50) on ebay if you look around.

The_0thersid3

07-18-2007, 04:44 AM

hump de bump.....

so has any one here made any pedals that theyd like to share with us?

what about people planning on building any?
i want to build a roger mayer classic fuzz and a dxunlop wah.
i want to use geranium transistors, orange drop caps and probably metal film resistors to get the best sound i possibley can.

do different types of solder have any effect on tone or the amount of buzzing?

mcw00t

07-18-2007, 04:48 AM

I'm about to start work on a 10-band EQ if that counts?

The_0thersid3

07-18-2007, 04:49 AM

yeah that counts sounds really cool, do u have pics or clips of it or any links of the schematic?.

mcw00t

07-18-2007, 04:52 AM

no, it's printed at home atm. It's a reasonably simple pedal, just basic filters etc (like just about every EQ). After this, i may start work on a tube overdrive (using 12AX7's) or a tubscreamer

the_random_hero

07-18-2007, 04:58 AM

no, it's printed at home atm. It's a reasonably simple pedal, just basic filters etc (like just about every EQ). After this, i may start work on a tube overdrive (using 12AX7's) or a tubscreamer

I'm actually modelling a Tubescreamer with 12AX7's as we speak onto Multisim.

mcw00t

07-18-2007, 05:00 AM

I'm actually modelling a Tubescreamer with 12AX7's as we speak onto Multisim.
awesome, sound clips when you're done? Also, did you design it yourself, or are you working from a schematic from the intenet?

the_random_hero

07-18-2007, 05:18 AM

awesome, sound clips when you're done? Also, did you design it yourself, or are you working from a schematic from the intenet?

Schematic off the internet. It is running in starved plate, so don't expect too much from it. I'm still not too sure that the tube does a hell of a lot to the circuit - from what I can see most of the OD-ing is done by a JRC4558.

Wyld Stallyn

07-18-2007, 06:02 AM

Running starved plate isn't too bad. If done properly there's very little difference in tone between that and a 200V+ tube preamp. I've never seen a tube-tubescreamer before - is it just like a Butler tube driver? TBH, when I was a kid I always assumed a tubescreamer was some high gain monster pedal, but that was before I tried one.
Anyway, good idea for a thread - should really be stickied, as most of the newbies that come here don't bother searching for other threads.
Sticking on topic, I'm planning on building a rack mount guitar synth, a lot like the Eventide series of effects. I'm going for a mix of digital effects and analog, so I can go with whatever is easiest or sounds best for a particular thing. ATM, I'm including the standard modulation multi-fx like chorus, delay, flanger etc, looping and reverse playback, pitchshifting (both digital and analog) and ADSR control (both analog and digital) to make it more like an original analog synth. Also, it's going to output in quadrophonic sound- like surround sound but with only 4 speakers (don't need a sub or a centre), because the rest of my rig already does. I need to figure out a way to control all of them at once: The rest of my rig is MIDI compatible (the amps and the effects can take midi program change messages from my guitar), but I don't use it for everything as I prefer to step on individual stompswitches, even if it does require a little tap-dancing!

BTW, different types of solder shouldn't make a difference - as long as the joints are clean and well done, there's nothing more you can do. Having dirty joints is more of a reliability issue, but badly done joints (where the solder sticks up in a point, instead of like a flat dome) can attract or give off interference. It's not normally enough to worry about, but it's an easy thing you can get right first time.

Zero457

07-18-2007, 07:43 AM

I've built overdrives, EQ and mixer/blend pedals.

I love these two sites for my parts: (one was already listed)
http://pedalpartsplus.com/
http://www.effectsconnection.com/

On the comments about the 50W soldering station, thats great if you can adjust it (as you can) but for the guy who is trying to save a buck - don't buy a soldering iron that runs at 50watts full time. You'll be melting stuff such as IC's and wires pretty badly.

I recommend you use IC sockets, anyway. Mount the socket and when you're all done soldering, pop the IC into it. That way no heat gets to the IC, and there's no chance of ruining it before you crank it up.

http://www.effectsconnection.com/oscommerce/images/8pinicsocket%201.jpg

Those can be had for 30 cents each here: http://www.effectsconnection.com/oscommerce/product_info.php?cPath=36&products_id=245

The little half circle cutout, or dot if it has one, it always adjacent to the #1 pin on the IC. (the north end of it)

the_random_hero

07-18-2007, 07:58 AM

I'm about to purchase a Goot 46w stick - temperature controlled to 320 degrees (just where I like it), ceramic heating element, quick heat/cool down, etc. Replacement tips are only a few dollars. The best thing - it's only twice the cost of a normal shitty soldering iron.
If you guys need some more specific advice and don't feel like posting a new thread, I'm guessing it's going to be alright PM-ing anybody in the GB&C Pedal Builders and Mod Squadron. There's only a few of at the moment, but I'm sure a few more will pop out of the woodwork soon enough. I'm happy to accept adds onto MSN (check my profile) for more in-depth help.

s.r.v.

07-18-2007, 10:41 AM

ok so heres a list of people who can be useful:
me (sometimes)
the_random_hero
zeroyon
zwound
Wyld Stallyn
TwoString
call1800ksmyazz
tubab0y
ECistheBest
cokeisbetter
forsaknazrael
MrCarrot

anyone to add? take off? ill make a better list in the first post later

The_0thersid3

07-18-2007, 11:22 AM

That_pink_queen

......

whenever she can be botherd to come on UG....

MrCarrot

07-18-2007, 11:29 AM

This site is great, and they ship worldwide - great for locating hard-to-find stuff, especially in the UK. They have an extensive stock and aren't that bad on shipping:

http://www.banzaieffects.com

s.r.v.

07-18-2007, 11:58 AM

woo! 2 pages! anyway, anyone have pics of completed builds/mods to share?

MrCarrot

07-18-2007, 12:23 PM

woo! 2 pages! anyway, anyone have pics of completed builds/mods to share?Erm.....Here's a picture of a pair of electrolytic 47uF 63V radial capacitors I found lying around:

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w223/MrCarrot_bucket/P7180032.jpg

:D Enjoy :D

s.r.v.

07-18-2007, 02:06 PM

ooo nice caps

mcw00t

07-18-2007, 05:41 PM

i'm insulted i'm not on the good advice list :(

s.r.v.

07-18-2007, 05:44 PM

i'm insulted i'm not on the good advice list :(
well would you consider yourself knowlegable?

mcw00t

07-18-2007, 05:51 PM

well would you consider yourself knowlegable?
i would, yes, i mean, probable, if not certain A at electronics AS whilst finding the A2 course easy isn't too bad, plus i know quite a bit about other electronics outside of those courses.

the_random_hero

07-18-2007, 06:28 PM

That_pink_queen

......

whenever she can be botherd to come on UG....

Lol, he. From talking to him, I'm fairly sure he won't be coming back too often to GB&C.

ECistheBest

07-18-2007, 10:00 PM

yay im on the list lol. PM me if u need help building pedals, modding pedals, and on-board guitar effects. :D

^and yes, it's a "HE".

i'm supposed to be getting my Rangemaster Parts soon. im gonna add some mods to it too. so it's gonna be TIGHT!!! ;D

o yea. i went to college orientations today. im gonna be majoring in Electrical Engineering, and u know what that is. :p: i want to work for either Fender, Seymour Duncan, Fulltone, or w/e. maybe even WEBER!!! but thats in Indiana. so i'll go for california first lol.

EDIT: and put something unique next to people in "Pedal Building and Mod Squadron" so ppl would know who to PM first :D

and can u add http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/index.htm as one of the helpful sites that all n00bs should read first before they ask any questions??? cuz... it helps.

kurtlives91

07-18-2007, 10:24 PM

EC what mods are you adding to your Rangemaster?

ECistheBest

07-18-2007, 10:24 PM

the range mods. three ranges:
treble
mid
full

kurtlives91

07-18-2007, 10:25 PM

Is that it?

Are you usign a rotary switch?

ECistheBest

07-18-2007, 10:32 PM

nope. a SPDT on/off/on toggle switch. i can't draw a scheme but im sure u can kinda figure it out. its on the BYOC tribooster too.

the input cap just has to be:
treble: .005uF
mid: .020uF
full: .037uF
or something alike on that line. and remember, caps on parallel adds the two caps thats being connected parallel.

kurtlives91

07-18-2007, 10:39 PM

I just have two caps. They are wired to either side of a SPDT switch, then one wire in the middle that goes to the input.

The caps will be 0.005uf and 0.015uf, for mid and high.

call1800ksmyazz

07-18-2007, 10:40 PM

To be honest, I have to say remove That _Pink_Queen, and add L Z Nut.

For the parts places, add:
www.tedweber.com
www.tubesandmore.com
www.tubesdepot.com
www.turretboards.com

By the way, Goldmine doesnt have any germanium transistors (that I have found), or any really useful pots. However, great for buying bulk for very cheap!

Some good sites to add:
fuzzcentral.ssguitar.com
www.geocities.com/tpe123/folkurban/fuzz/snippets.html
www.home-wrecker.com
www.experimentalistsanonymous.com
www.indyguitarist.com
filters.muziq.be
www.affectronix.com (:p:)

I have tons more info, but theres some stuff to start ya out with. I may write up some info if I get some time for you all.

s.r.v.

07-18-2007, 10:43 PM

thanks ill add those
and any idea where i can get a fulltone ocd schematic or layout? i haven't come across one yet

ECistheBest

07-18-2007, 10:53 PM

lol u gotta work for fulltone. or at least own an OCD and write it out. cuz ppl don't want to share schematics too much.

s.r.v.

07-18-2007, 10:59 PM

ah i have one for the fulldrive 2 and how to make it from a byoc board, but no ocds? if you work for fulltone i'm sure you will supply us, right? :p:

ECistheBest

07-18-2007, 11:01 PM

lol actually... im gonna major Electrical Engineering in college. i'm trying to get employed by either Fender, Seymour Duncan, Fulltone, or Weber Speakers. sounds cool? you bet. that's in at least four years tho lol. :p:

and i might... but i might just get an OCD tho. and open it up, and then take pics, write up schematics if i don't get employed. if i do, i'd definitely keep the secret :p:

s.r.v.

07-18-2007, 11:05 PM

good luck, i hope you get a job with fulltone.

On a different note, which crybaby mods did you do/recommend?

ECistheBest

07-18-2007, 11:11 PM

do you have an original crybaby? if so, what i've done:
mod point: original value>>>new value

Q resistor: 33k>>>56k
Mid boost: 1.5k(?)>>>2.2k
sweep cap: .01uF<>.01uF *same
true bypass: spdt>>>dpdt switch *take out the input buffer*
inductor: stock>>>fasel red reissue
input resistor: 69k>>>47k *maybe lower if u need more volume*

i think that's about what i've done. now here's what i want to do:
new wah pot: stock hot potz >>> fulltone ICAR taper
maybe new inductor: fasel red reissue >>> halo replica or some other.

L_Z_Nut

07-18-2007, 11:15 PM

To be honest, I have to say remove That _Pink_Queen, and add L Z Nut.

+1

LOL... was I even on the list? I don't know shjt fellers :p:

I have to say, I wouldn't want to be on the list anyways... most of the stuff I tell people can be read/learned on their own if they would just research. Other then that whatever I say is almost always opinion. Besides I wouldn't want to give someone wrong info when they think I'm completely trustworthy and that EVERYTHING I tell them is right.

I don't think we should even have a list... seems silly to me. If someone is wrong you tell them with provided proof.

ECistheBest

07-18-2007, 11:24 PM

mcw00t is only starting his eq isn't he?

and whos greenbox... i know everybody in that list except for him...

and put like a bold < next to ppl in pedal build and mod squadron. so more ppl would join! :p:

call1800ksmyazz

07-18-2007, 11:26 PM

Change the www.affectronix.com link to www.affectronix.tk . Sorry bout that.

And the OCD is a Rat with MOSfets as clippers. :cheers:

EDIT: Greenbox is one of the guys thats been around here for a bit longer so most new guy dont know him. I would say to add Seljer, but he has been gone forever (since like my 4uzz build lol).

ECistheBest

07-18-2007, 11:27 PM

what does the Rat use as clippers? diodes?

call1800ksmyazz

07-18-2007, 11:29 PM

^-Yes. Make a Rat, but use BS170 mosfets as the clippers.

ECistheBest

07-18-2007, 11:31 PM

wait... my question was what clippers do rats use... but thanks. i'll add that in my list :D

and everyone. "Meet the Build Master!!!" lol. :D

The_0thersid3

07-19-2007, 05:38 AM

^and yes, it's a "HE".

helps.

lol i know it was a joke :p:

so does any one know what effects matt bellamy(muse) has in his guitar?
and how would you go about putting things into a guitar (strat style)?

what effects would work well in a guitar?

mcw00t

07-19-2007, 05:42 AM

i may only be starting my EQ, but i had made a guitar tuner for my AS electronics project, it was insanely hard to do without PIC chips lol, i didn't quite finish it though :( but what i had worked

Wyld Stallyn

07-19-2007, 06:37 AM

There are several pages about Matt Bellamy's guitars on the Mansons site, they're the company that do his custom work. There are probably fan sites on the net too. I think it's stuff like a phaser, fuzz factory, there was one with a midi ribbon as well.
To put effects in the guitar it's just a matter of routing out a cavity large enough to hold the circuit board and battery. Some small things like preamps/EQs can fit inside the pre-existing cavity on strats or LPs for example.

s.r.v.

07-19-2007, 08:24 AM

so what does the switch in the middle of the fulltone toggle between?

call1800ksmyazz

07-19-2007, 08:37 AM

High and Low Pass filters.

http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/richardo/distortion/index.html

Scroll down on that link and you can see what a high/low pass filter is (if you dont know).

Kerry

TwoString

07-19-2007, 09:06 AM

lol u gotta work for fulltone. or at least own an OCD and write it out. cuz ppl don't want to share schematics too much.

Too true...I've got schems for a few "tasty" treats that are not posted on the web. Due to agreements I've made with the people I received the schems from, I cannot post them online. I can simply say that Kerry is right about the OCD.

SRV, I would also watch out about reposting Kahel's work from BYOC. I'm pretty sure that's the Fulldrive 2 schem you're talking about. He's a great community personality, but I would ask him before posting any of his work.

call1800ksmyazz

07-19-2007, 09:09 AM

The Fulldrive schematic is easy to find if you search Fool Drive 2 (or something like that). TwoString... What schems do you have, maybe we can trade. I have a whole folder full. haha

TwoString

07-19-2007, 09:12 AM

It's more than likely everything I have you've already got :D The only one I have that was a bit hard to get a hold of is the Xotic BB Preamp. Everything else was pretty easy after searching and asking the right people.

But...

If you're willing to trade everything you have for the nothing that I have, I'm up for that :devil:

call1800ksmyazz

07-19-2007, 09:15 AM

haha I have the BB Preamp. Have the Klon? :p: Thats the only one I need.

TwoString

07-19-2007, 09:47 AM

haha I have the BB Preamp. Have the Klon? :p: Thats the only one I need.

Nope, no Klon...yet. I've done quite a bit of research but I haven't really learned much other than the typical TS/Klon comparision notes. The Klon schem would be a hell of a score.

By the way, do you have a board layout or a build method for the BB preamp? I'm still a noob at all of this really, and adding that second op-amp and the baxandal seems pretty difficult to layout. I've made several attempts at it only to get lost in one of the 9V or 4.5V traces and cross things up. It all starts nice and compact and then just goes to hell.

And what is your opinion of placing two dual opamps in parallel in a standar TS style circuit? I've heard of others doing this, but I have yet to try and stack chips.

Wyld Stallyn

07-19-2007, 09:47 AM

http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/columns/general_music/bootleggers_the_brewers_and_the_baristas.html
Remind you of anyone?

call1800ksmyazz

07-19-2007, 09:51 AM

The Klon is an original design. I am sure of that. And no, I dont have a layout for the BB.

TwoString

07-19-2007, 09:55 AM

The Klon is an original design. I am sure of that. And no, I dont have a layout for the BB.

Then I have nothing :(

Wyld...are you comparing us to the likes of common bootleggers? :D

PXi

07-19-2007, 12:34 PM

Just a quick question about the electronics of building a basic distortion pedal:

For an extremely basic start (I'd add more stuff obviously) but would 2 op amp amplifiers work (non-attenuating amplifiers) or is that too bssic and missing stuff out?

ECistheBest

07-19-2007, 04:42 PM

what i'd do, for a basic distortion like effect to start on, i'd make a fuzz. fuzz face clone would be easier than a distortion pedal, and also, fuzzes are better :D

http://smallbox.zeonhost.com/projects/fface/
^check it out.

s.r.v.

07-19-2007, 05:10 PM

High and Low Pass filters.

http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/richardo/distortion/index.html

Scroll down on that link and you can see what a high/low pass filter is (if you dont know).

Kerry
ok so i get what it does but what values would you recommend? i'm not big on the whole calculating thing....
and its a dpdt switch on-on?

the_strikes

07-19-2007, 05:40 PM

Hello everybody, I got an idea in my head the other day, but I'm not that smart when it comes to electronics so could someone tell me if an amp head with 8 tubes is possible?

Zero457

07-19-2007, 06:18 PM

Yes, thats totally possible. Easy to build? Absolutely not. Tube amps are a bit more complicated than solid state. (a big part of the reason solid state is cheaper)

s.r.v.

07-19-2007, 10:13 PM

so what does everyone plan on building?
My list:
-finish screamer
-EA tremolo
-A/b box
-simple booster to start on schematics and not using PCB's

the_random_hero

07-19-2007, 10:23 PM

I'm a bit undecided between the Tube Reamer with the different clipping diodes or the Tube Driver. I think I might go with the Tube Driver, just because it will look cool :p:

Hello everybody, I got an idea in my head the other day, but I'm not that smart when it comes to electronics so could someone tell me if an amp head with 8 tubes is possible?

Wait, you want to start a site selling effects and, by the looks of it, you've got absolutely no idea whatsoever about pedals? :rolleyes:

TwoString

07-19-2007, 11:08 PM

^1. Finish the tube screamers I started building - sell said tube screamers.
2. Take money from tube screamers and build the Mini Massa Overdrive I've been planning
-Based on the TS-808
-TL072 chip
-Asymettrical clipping with 2 1N4001s in series with a 1N914 (trying to keep things simple as I don't understand most of the differences in clipping diodes yet)
-ControlsChannel 1 Level
Channel 2 Level
Channel 1 Gain
Channel 2 Gain
Treble
Middle
Bass
Impedence
Boost-FootswitchesOn/Bypass
Channel 1/2
Boost-Various other component value changes for sweetness
3. Take what I learn from the Mini Massa and apply that to the Massa Drive, which has a thread of it's own. I'm still trying to understand how to tackle something that complicated. I know it would be better to make it as simple as possible, but I really want to see where the wall is.

All of this and I still don't really understand what's going on in the circuit to make this pedal work. I know where to change values to get a given result, but I don't know the theory behind why it works. I'm wishing I could download Kerry or Greenbox's brain :D

EDIT - I am trying to sell these pedals, but the goal is understanding the SD-1 circuit. I just want to know why it is and how it does what it does, so I'm going about it the self-educated (and forum educated) route. So I build, tweak, sell, then start the whole process over. I've always liked the idea of one box that does everything, so that concept is being applied to the TS circuit.

the_random_hero

07-19-2007, 11:10 PM

Have you thought about using the NE5532 instead of the TL072? I liked it more than the JRC4558 in a direct comparison between some Tubescreamers. They have the same pinout, so it's a direct swap.

TwoString

07-19-2007, 11:12 PM

Have you thought about using the NE5532 instead of the TL072? I liked it more than the JRC4558 in a direct comparison between some Tubescreamers. They have the same pinout, so it's a direct swap.

I would rather just have a bunch of chips around to compare myself. That's the problem with where I stand right now...I've read a lot, but I haven't heard a lot, if you catch my drift. I've tried digging through the TI website to see if they have any dual op amps available for sample, but to tell you the truth I just got annoyed with the process of searching and gave up.

kurtlives91

07-19-2007, 11:14 PM

Lightitup

07-19-2007, 11:29 PM

the_random_hero

07-19-2007, 11:34 PM

I would rather just have a bunch of chips around to compare myself. That's the problem with where I stand right now...I've read a lot, but I haven't heard a lot, if you catch my drift. I've tried digging through the TI website to see if they have any dual op amps available for sample, but to tell you the truth I just got annoyed with the process of searching and gave up.

I've actually got a nice link you will enjoy hiding somewhere - it's a back to back comparison of different IC's in a Tubescreamer. I can't find it at the moment, I know Kerry's got it bookmarked so I'll get it off him when he's on next.

ECistheBest

07-20-2007, 12:00 AM

I am planning on building my very first pedal after I get some more cash, being pretty broke at the moment.

I want a fuzz pedal, because I hear they are pretty easy for beginners, and I was going to buy one. I want the most Jimi Hendrix-y sounding fuzz, without it being an octave fuzz (though I am considering the octavia if it isn't too hard...), and also Jack White sounding. I will be running it through my Blues Junior.

My question, which is the best value fuzz? Fuzz face or Tonebender? If tonebender do I go vox schematics or what?

fuzz is waht i want to do after my RangeMaster. the parts is on its way, possibly get them tomorrow afternoon.

I think i'd be making a Fuzz Face clone, but i might have hard time finding right transistors for them other than smallbear.

along with the Fuzz Face clone, i'll order the BYOC phaser kit and make that one.

TwoString

07-20-2007, 12:32 AM

I've actually got a nice link you will enjoy hiding somewhere - it's a back to back comparison of different IC's in a Tubescreamer. I can't find it at the moment, I know Kerry's got it bookmarked so I'll get it off him when he's on next.

I'd appreciate that...thanks!!

EC...I've been wanting to build the BYOC phaser as well with all of the mods. I'm telling you guys, I'm a freak for knobs and switches.

EDIT - and digital interfaces... :devil:

ECistheBest

07-20-2007, 12:36 AM

I'd appreciate that...thanks!!

EC...I've been wanting to build the BYOC phaser as well with all of the mods. I'm telling you guys, I'm a freak for knobs and switches.

EDIT - and digital interfaces... :devil:

haha sweet. i'm a freak for simple boutique pedals. i hate tweaking knobs... its way too complicated to me. i just set it full on, or full off. :D my TS9 is always at gain 0 level 10 tone 10, my amp is always all on 12 except reverb, and my guitar volume i lower it till i get the clean tone. i'll be making a rangemaster, w/ one knob, and the phaser... w/ TWO KNOBS!!!! :mad:

call1800ksmyazz

07-20-2007, 09:19 AM

mark_wuk

07-20-2007, 09:36 AM

I would rather just have a bunch of chips around to compare myself. That's the problem with where I stand right now...I've read a lot, but I haven't heard a lot, if you catch my drift. I've tried digging through the TI website to see if they have any dual op amps available for sample, but to tell you the truth I just got annoyed with the process of searching and gave up.

Have a look at http://www.banzaieffects.com/Tube-Screamer-Chip-Tuning-Set-pr-16132.html I bought that to "tune" my tube screamer - there are some interesting chips in there.

TwoString

07-20-2007, 10:45 AM

Have a look at http://www.banzaieffects.com/Tube-Screamer-Chip-Tuning-Set-pr-16132.html I bought that to "tune" my tube screamer - there are some interesting chips in there.

Sounds like a nice list. I'll order all of them from Mouser when I place my next order. Thanks!

Anyone else have some chip recommendations?

Ikey

07-20-2007, 11:36 AM

im making my first pedel. Its CB1 booster off generalguitargadgets.
I cant get the it to work though. the light comes on the audio runs through but when i press the switch i just lose the signal.

mark_wuk

07-20-2007, 11:40 AM

Did you build it on a GGG PCB?

It's a really simple pedal, so you can't have got too far wrong if you used the PCB - can you take some clear pics of the layout and the soldering?

Ikey

07-20-2007, 11:43 AM

yes i did use the pcb. ive checked over and cant really see what wrong, i probebly just got something the wrong way round.
ill see if i can find a camera

mark_wuk

07-20-2007, 11:48 AM

From memory, there is only one component on the board you can get the wrong way around, and that's the transistor - but if you followed the layout diagram, it'd be pretty hard to get that wrong.

If you have a multimeter, check the voltages as described here

http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/pdf/ggg_cb1_instruct.pdf

Basically, put the red probe on the point it describes, and the black one on ground.

Ikey

07-20-2007, 01:08 PM

i cant find a camera but ive checked all the connections and wiring and its all ok.
Im going to see if i can borrow my mates voltmeter.
If the voltages i get are different does it mean that ive wired it wrong, or the parts dont work?

L_Z_Nut

07-20-2007, 04:17 PM

Checklist:

make sure all wires are going where they should be.

check all value of the components as well as placement in the circuit and orientation in the case of polarized components, IC's and transistors.

check all pots to make sure they're working and that the wires are where they should be.

if you have a DMM check for continuity all around the board.

if you didn't socket the transistor it might be fried.

check for solder bridges.

check voltage of power supply.

That's all I can think of right now. Should be enough to find the problem.

call1800ksmyazz

07-20-2007, 04:39 PM

^-To add to that:

Make sure the power supply is oriented correctly (+ to +V, - to ground).

L_Z_Nut

07-20-2007, 04:42 PM

^ LOL... I knew I forgot something.

Thanks Kerry. :cheers:

s.r.v.

07-20-2007, 08:42 PM

hey does anyone know where the cheapest 3pdt's are? there all like $10, which is crazy

call1800ksmyazz

07-20-2007, 08:48 PM

www.pedalspartsplus.com

$4 for 3PDTs!

ECistheBest

07-20-2007, 09:17 PM

yay my parts for my rangemaster came in. but this enclosure is TIGHT!!! i'm gonna have good time fitting all the stuff in there. along with that, my new Weber Speakers were also shipped today!!!

call1800ksmyazz

07-20-2007, 09:41 PM

How big? My 2.5" x 4.5" enclosure fits my new rangemaster easily. Well thats cause its all on a small PCB, but it fits great.

kurtlives91

07-20-2007, 09:54 PM

yay my parts for my rangemaster came in. but this enclosure is TIGHT!!! i'm gonna have good time fitting all the stuff in there. along with that, my new Weber Speakers were also shipped today!!!
I had an MXR sized box with an amzing paint job I did with sick decals. And of course all the stuff didnt fit.

Anyways I got a nicer box today. I have primed it already.

I also test my Rangemaster without a box and it works!!!

s.r.v.

07-20-2007, 10:44 PM

yes! 3.75!!! http://www.effectsconnection.com/oscommerce/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=28

ECistheBest

07-20-2007, 10:51 PM

the box i got had a knob hole that's too small so i went to drill it bigger. it's tight in space... so i gotta do this carefully...
pics:
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j106/ECistheBest/IMG_0214.jpg
this ****'s damn tight.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j106/ECistheBest/IMG_0215.jpg
darker but clearer.

kurtlives91

07-20-2007, 10:57 PM

Whats the SPDT for?

ECistheBest

07-20-2007, 11:00 PM

its DPDT center-off toggle. it's gonna switch between treble boost, mid boost, and full range boost. :D

cokeisbetter

07-20-2007, 11:02 PM

So... I've been away and didn't find this thread till today.

>_>
<_<

I'm on a who to listen to list! :p:

call1800ksmyazz

07-20-2007, 11:05 PM

EC- Plenty of room in there! Board can go on top of the pot or behind the footswitch. Battery can go on the opposite place.

By the way, is that a predrilled one from PPP?

ECistheBest

07-20-2007, 11:07 PM

EC- Plenty of room in there! Board can go on top of the pot or behind the footswitch. Battery can go on the opposite place.

By the way, is that a predrilled one from PPP?

im not using a board. lol i cant get a hold of one. and no, the switch is sticking out REALLY far. im not sure about the pot either. Battery has to go under the footswitch.

to the second question, yes. it is.

call1800ksmyazz

07-20-2007, 11:15 PM

what board are you using then? Perf? Vero?

Im not saying the board should get sandwiched between the bottom and the switch.

And yea, I got that same enclosure (but painted in a cool color). Fits my rangemaster perfect. haha

ECistheBest

07-20-2007, 11:16 PM

i'm gonna have the wire/component leads and stuff just hanging. i'm gonna make it stable enough not to move any parts... i wonder how far 6 years of soldering can take me...

cokeisbetter

07-20-2007, 11:18 PM

Pff, I'm custom-drilling my 125B. :D It'll be sorta Z.Vex-y, with jacks on the long sides, switch smack in the middle, and the knob and LED at oblique locations around there. :p:

call1800ksmyazz

07-20-2007, 11:25 PM

Pff, I'm custom-drilling my 125B. :D It'll be sorta Z.Vex-y, with jacks on the long sides, switch smack in the middle, and the knob and LED at oblique locations around there. :p:

lol make sure to email him pictures and ask him what information he needs from you to have his lawyer send you a letter. :haha . He told me he was going to have his lawyer send me a letter lol. Im still waiting :p:

cokeisbetter

07-20-2007, 11:39 PM

:wtf: I'm using the same freakin' knob configuration, it's not like I'm building a Super-Duper! Gah!

EDIT: I actually meant short sides for the jacks, but yeah.

And what'd you do that necessitated a letter from his lawyer? :haha

the_random_hero

07-21-2007, 05:45 AM

MrCarrot

07-21-2007, 05:55 AM

Anybody got a schematic for a mid-boost preamp that I can use on my guitar? I'm thinking like a pot and not rotary switch operation, possibly push-pull - when pulled it's activated, but when pushed it's just an idle, passive circuit.

Or something like that :p: I just want a mid booster really, any would do :)

call1800ksmyazz

07-21-2007, 07:56 AM

Eric Clapton Mid Boost (Although I am pretty sure its not fitting in your guitar haha): http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a303/call1800ksmyazz/EricClaptonMidBoost-1.jpg

call1800ksmyazz

07-21-2007, 08:28 AM

Pff, I'm custom-drilling my 125B. :D It'll be sorta Z.Vex-y, with jacks on the long sides, switch smack in the middle, and the knob and LED at oblique locations around there. :p:

By the way:

http://aronnelson.com/gallery/albums/album118/FUZZ1.sized.jpg

(Not mine or Zvex's)

MrCarrot

07-21-2007, 10:47 AM

Eric Clapton Mid Boost (Although I am pretty sure its not fitting in your guitar haha): http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a303/call1800ksmyazz/EricClaptonMidBoost-1.jpgOof...25db is a bit much, but damn straight, ain't no way that's fitting in my guitar! Maybe I'll just settle for the bridge humbucker. I suppose it's also possible to use the Rangemaster design but with a different input cap, but even then it'd be too big...

Ah well, cheers anyway :p:

TwoString

07-21-2007, 10:51 AM

HA...I can imagine Mr. Vex's testimony in court.

"Well, everyone knows I'm wierd...just look at my stuff!! I should be the only one allowed to put knobs and footswitches in odd locations. And that Pollock guy, where does he get off painting with random colors!! Everyone knows that's my thing too!!!"

call1800ksmyazz

07-21-2007, 11:10 AM

Oof...25db is a bit much, but damn straight, ain't no way that's fitting in my guitar! Maybe I'll just settle for the bridge humbucker. I suppose it's also possible to use the Rangemaster design but with a different input cap, but even then it'd be too big...

Ah well, cheers anyway :p:

The Rangemaster is tiny! :p: why does everyone think its so big lol. Look inside my guitar... I have a whole Super Hard On in there :haha (yes that was a pun on the Zvex name and another extremely large object. Zsex? hahahaha

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a303/call1800ksmyazz/Controls001.jpg

Kerry

MrCarrot

07-21-2007, 11:16 AM

I know the Rangemaster is small, I was able to make my modded version very small but then made it larger as I had a lot of room to put it in (build is in the sig if you wanted to look :))

Plus I have a Strat, not too extensive by way of body cavities...

Lol @ strange pedal names :p:

s.r.v.

07-22-2007, 11:29 PM

well i ordered an EA tremolo kit tonight, so it should be coming soon!

ECistheBest

07-22-2007, 11:32 PM

i finished my RangeMaster. if that could be a little bump for this thread.

kurtlives91

07-22-2007, 11:40 PM

I finished mine as well.

s.r.v.

07-22-2007, 11:43 PM

wow everyone is building range masters

ECistheBest

07-22-2007, 11:49 PM

maybe cuz it's cool? i want the BYOC Ultimate Fuzz and the Phaser kits next. :D

does anybody have the schematic for the BYOC tubescreamer modifications???

s.r.v.

07-22-2007, 11:55 PM

which ones? check around their boards, lots of people post mods there.

ECistheBest

07-22-2007, 11:58 PM

this one: 2 x 1uf Mallory film caps to replace electrolytics in signal path.
this one: 2 x .15uf tatalums for improved tone knob frequency.
this one: 620k resistor for higher input impedence
this one: 20k resistor for less distortion when you turn the drive knob all the
way down without diminishing maximum distortion.

and by having more than 9v going in, does it increase the output?

call1800ksmyazz

07-23-2007, 07:44 AM

and by having more than 9v going in, does it increase the output?

Depends what the IC chip your using is rated for. Some may fry if you give them too much voltage. Just check the datasheets. I mean, my main 9v adaptor puts out around 14v and it works fine with my pedals.

ECistheBest

07-23-2007, 09:39 PM

how are the four mods up there be done?

call1800ksmyazz

07-24-2007, 10:48 PM

I dont feel like making a new thread since theres a bunch of Rangemaster build threads already, but heres my latest Rangemaster build. See, it fits perfectly in that small enclosure...

Pics:
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a303/call1800ksmyazz/Rangemaster/Complete001.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a303/call1800ksmyazz/Rangemaster/Complete002.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a303/call1800ksmyazz/Rangemaster/Complete003.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a303/call1800ksmyazz/Rangemaster/Complete004.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a303/call1800ksmyazz/Rangemaster/Complete005.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a303/call1800ksmyazz/Rangemaster/Complete006.jpg

Videos:
1. Rangemaster: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbfFo1swwWM
2. Rangemaster with Overdrive pedal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoWJB6emM4I

Kerry

s.r.v.

07-24-2007, 11:11 PM

sounds great! i might have to make me one of them...

the_random_hero

07-25-2007, 03:56 AM

That battery holder is a freaking awesome idea!

call1800ksmyazz

07-25-2007, 09:58 AM

^-Yea, I had an extra laying around so I blobbed some epoxy down put the holder in, and smoothed out the epoxy over its a bit to hold it tight. Works great.

cokeisbetter

07-25-2007, 10:41 AM

Aww... where'd you get the OC44?

MrCarrot

07-25-2007, 10:47 AM

Argh, I've got massive GAS for a 5E3 Ceriatone head... I wouldn't be able to get it 'til my birthday, but I can still add it to my list of amps-in-contention-for-my-amp-to-get-for-my-birthday....

But I need an OD. What do you lot think I should build:

Generalguitargadget's Blue Magic OD (listen to the soundclips)
A Good Old TS-808 clone with a couple of mods.

I do of course love SRV's tone, but i'm loving those Blue Magic clips...However i'm leaning towards the Tubescreamer atm.

call1800ksmyazz

07-25-2007, 10:49 AM

I had one in my stach haha

^-Do the Blue Magic. I dont like TSs and the Blue Magic sounds really nice.

mark_wuk

07-25-2007, 11:33 AM

I'd go with the blue magic too - I just finished mine in a proper enclosure and it sounds pretty damn good - having said that I built the tubescreamer first, and that's not a bad pedal either - they both really benefit from the linear power booster in front of them.

MrCarrot

07-25-2007, 11:38 AM

mark_wuk

07-25-2007, 11:52 AM

How would you say the Blue Magic and Tubescreamer compare? Is the BM as good as the soundclips? Did you use all the Silver Mica caps where it recommended them? Did you do it on stripboard, and if you did can you send me the layout you did? I'm just pondering the complexity of the two pedals compared.

I love the effect of both of the pedals, but I find the range and versatility of the Blue Magic is a fair bit better - not ahuge amount in it, but I did go through about 8 or 9 opamps before I settled on the one I am using now for the tube screamer.

I used Silvered Mica caps where recommended, and I used the GGG board - I've taken to making my own PCB's now, it's easier than strip board and quicker than buying them.

My initial view of the BM was that it wasn't all that special, but with a bit of patience, and a bit of tweaking it sounds great.

MrCarrot

07-25-2007, 11:56 AM

I love the effect of both of the pedals, but I find the range and versatility of the Blue Magic is a fair bit better - not ahuge amount in it, but I did go through about 8 or 9 opamps before I settled on the one I am using now for the tube screamer.

I used Silvered Mica caps where recommended, and I used the GGG board - I've taken to making my own PCB's now, it's easier than strip board and quicker than buying them.

My initial view of the BM was that it wasn't all that special, but with a bit of patience, and a bit of tweaking it sounds great.Yeah, there's nothing in it for me to decide.

I may just go with the Tubescreamer to make my life easier. I know a 'set' I can get of assorted opamps to tweak the tone, and I know pretty much exactly what a Tubescreamer sounds like with the amp I hope to be getting (Ceriatone 5E3 Tweed Deluxe).

mark_wuk

07-25-2007, 11:59 AM

Build both ;)

That's what I usually end up doing, hence I've got 2 pedals waiting for parts and 3 more PCBs ready for drilling.

Are you talking about the tubescreamer tuning kit from Banzai? that's what I used in my tubescreamer - there are some fairly interesting chips in there, but also a few that sound very samey.

call1800ksmyazz

07-25-2007, 12:00 PM

the Ceriatone 5E3 is the Tweed Deluxe. I dont think he sells a reverb amp... Does he?

the_random_hero

07-25-2007, 07:30 PM

^^^I've just been reading up on Mark Hammers 'The Crank', which is meant to be an amazing sounding OD. If you can't find a schem, I can PM you the copy I have.

s.r.v.

07-25-2007, 08:11 PM

kerry if you want to build a reverb amp (i'm assuming like a fender) www.tedweber.com has them

call1800ksmyazz

07-25-2007, 08:17 PM

kerry if you want to build a reverb amp (i'm assuming like a fender) www.tedweber.com has them

Where did I say I wanted to build a reverb amp :confused:

MrCarrot said he wanted to get the Ceriatone 5E3 Deluxe Reverb. I said that its actually the Deluxe Tweed and that Ceriatone doesnt sell any reverb amps.

s.r.v.

07-25-2007, 08:20 PM

ha my bad i was just skimming through this page and thought you wanted one

MrCarrot

07-26-2007, 04:54 AM

Where did I say I wanted to build a reverb amp :confused:

MrCarrot said he wanted to get the Ceriatone 5E3 Deluxe Reverb. I said that its actually the Deluxe Tweed and that Ceriatone doesnt sell any reverb amps.
God knows why I wrote that, I was even reading up on the Tweed Deluxe for about an hour, I just wrote Deluxe reverb.. :confused: I'm an eejit sometimes! :bash:

And yeah, i'm talking about that Banzai kit - what chip did you end up using? I was interested in the TI RC4558, as I believe Keeley uses them in his mods. I think im'a just build the Tubescreamer. It'll have to wait though, my dad's taking ages about drilling this box and getting me some solder...I've got two thirds of the holes drilled but I can only really put the LED and in/out jacks in atm.

mark_wuk

07-26-2007, 05:08 AM

Yeah - I went with the TI chip - I think it's labelled up as a RC4558P - I'm certainly pretty happy with it - I'm thinking of doing some mods on it though - there are a couple of pretty simple ones.

MrCarrot

07-26-2007, 05:20 AM

D'you have any links for TS808 mods? GGG doesn't seem to want to load for me.

mark_wuk

07-26-2007, 05:31 AM

No I haven't - not here at least - I was just looking at the mod where you change the jumper for a diode, I was going to make it switchable - GGG seems to be down at the moment, which is a pain - after seeing your rangemaster build, I was going to build one of those. I've only got access to a laser printer in so I was hoping to print the PCB layout today...

the_random_hero

07-26-2007, 05:44 AM

Tomorrow I'm getting parts for the octave-up and for my power supply. The tube sockets arrived tonight, I'm just trying to work out how to transplant the black base onto the ceramic socket.

MrCarrot

07-26-2007, 05:46 AM

It's damn annoying that GGG's down, and Ceriatone is down too! Gutting, I wanted to ogle that TWEED DELUXE (got it right this time :p: ) some more :(

Okay, I found this promotional talk on the Keeley Mod TS-808:

"For TS808 lovers this as Robert says "is the one to get!" You get all the mods with TRUE-BYPASS. We take out the stock switch and convert the Pedal to True-Bypass, perform all the mods for bass and gain, etc, and add the 1982 JRC chip.

The bass repsonse is improved to the point of perfection. It is nice and tight and not muddy at all. Keeley upgrades that cap from a 0.047 to a 0.1uF and at the same time Keeley increases the gain possible when the drive control is turned up. That resistor is dropped from a 4.7k to a 2.4k. He also makes the pedal so it cleans up more. Keeley takes the 51k and lowers it to 20k. This is his More/Less mod. You get both more drive and less drive as well as all the sweet stock spots in the middle of the control. Keeley also upgrades the 1uF electrolytic caps to high tolerance, great sounding, more consistant 1uF metal film caps. This type of thing is done in all HI-FI stereo and audio gear.
Fantastic tone all the way.
He uprgades the tone control circuit and take the .22uF Tantalum to a 0.18uF for better control and response from the tone control. This allows you to get a more full sound on the lower end of the tone control."

Condensed:
1) Change C3 from 0.047uF to 0.1uF
2) Change R6 from 4.7k to 2.4k
3) Change R7 from 51k to 20k
4) Change C2 and C8 from 1uF Bipolar Electrolytic to 1uF film
5) Change C5 and C9 from 0.22uF Tantalum to 0.18uF Tantalum
6) True Bypass 3PDT w/LED

When I make my Tubescreamer I will do all of the above mods, and then also use the TI RC4558P chip. I'm also wanting to do it on PCB instead of stripboard this time, any idea what it will cost to get the materials to do this?

s.r.v.

07-26-2007, 08:53 AM

check out the Screamer Lab at www.beavisaudio.com he did like every mod thats useful, but its on a byoc board. still, good stuff on diodes and such

MrCarrot

07-26-2007, 09:11 AM

^ Cheers, interesting read...

Makes you wonder though, how depraved are the people who make these uberpedals? How many switches were on that thing!?

I think the Keeley mods will do me fine. I mean, the pedal retails for about £170 new and I'll be building it for £40 tops...I'm gonna buy me some PCB - making gear so I can make this stuff more easily. I've got many friends at school who would jump at the prospect of a '4w3s0m3 d1st0rt10n p3d4l!!' (yes they are all like that :( ) which I could make for £30 and sell for twice that.

s.r.v.

07-26-2007, 09:14 AM

^ Cheers, interesting read...

Makes you wonder though, how depraved are the people who make these uberpedals? How many switches were on that thing!?
:( i'm in the process of making something very similar

MrCarrot

07-26-2007, 09:17 AM

What're you making? I mean, it'd be a damn interesting project, but whoever designs them has too much time on their hands :)

TwoString

07-26-2007, 09:30 AM

HA!! I'm in the process of building an uberdrive as well. 3 footswitchable channels and a boost function...it's pretty extreme. SRV, I'm curious to hear about your uber build as well.

EDIT - and I don't really consider it as having too much time, but it's just something that interests me. Hopefully for my next project I'm going to take that over the top theme and apply it to a fully loaded phaser. The phaser will probably have multiple footswitchable channels and maybe even two independent phaser circuits. I might even try to build a manual option into it as well and make the waveform controlable via expression pedal. Who knows? Why not test the wall?

MrCarrot

07-26-2007, 09:36 AM

^ Didn't say you had too much time on your hands - yours isn't that 'bad'

This sorta thing was what I meant: http://www.beavisaudio.com/Projects/ScreamerLab/images/FrontPanelBare.jpg

cokeisbetter

07-26-2007, 09:41 AM

^ :eek:

Don't worry, LPB, you're still loved!

s.r.v.

07-26-2007, 09:45 AM

well its currently in the "not working" stage. but i have all my 14 toggles ready to go for when it does work

mark_wuk

07-26-2007, 09:54 AM

When I make my Tubescreamer I will do all of the above mods, and then also use the TI RC4558P chip. I'm also wanting to do it on PCB instead of stripboard this time, any idea what it will cost to get the materials to do this?

I'm using this for making the PCBs

[URL]http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?TabID=1&ModuleNo=27682&doy=26m7[/URL}

Quite good value, comes with 5 copper clad boards and you can get about 15 or so PCB's out of one board if they aren't too big, and you are quite creative with fitting them all together!

Then you just need an iron and a laser printer if you want to do it the way I do it, which works very well - you just print the image onto the glossy side of the photo paper using a laser printer, then place the printed side down on copper board, and iron it for about 5 minutes.

They put it into soapy water for 20 minutes - the paper should then come off pretty easily leaving the laser printed image on the board.

Next you put the board into the supplied tray, pour in the etchant and run the liquid back and fore and after 10 minutes or so you should have a perfectly etched board. I am quite amazed at how well it comes out really. The toner then needs cleaning off the tracks, I usually use a fibreglass pencil, used for cleaning contacts, but wire wool would probably work as well.

Drilling the holes needs something like a dremel really, as I haven't got a drill that will hold a small enough drill bit!

MrCarrot

07-26-2007, 10:00 AM

I haven't got a laser printer, only an inkjet - is there any other way to do it?

mark_wuk

07-26-2007, 10:11 AM

I haven't got a laser printer, only an inkjet - is there any other way to do it?

Have your parents got access to one in work or something? it's the best way I've seen - the other ways need ultra violet light and stuff if you plan to use the printed layouts, but I've never done that way, so I don't really know what it needs.

The other way is to draw it on with an marker, apparently that is enough to stop the etchant as well - that seems to work, or you get press on stuff, buy I haven't tried that either.

MrCarrot

07-26-2007, 10:18 AM

My Dad might have access to one, but I doubt he'd be able to use it to do that.

I guess I can just suffice with the marker they provide in that kit. I'll copy the ITS8 schematic from GGG onto it.

So that's my next project sorted already! :cool:

TwoString

07-26-2007, 10:24 AM

Well, I'm not a big fan of toggle switches. I'd rather have a variable control so I can dial in specifically what I want. I don't know of a way to do that with capacitors though. Pretty much anything within the circuit that's a resistor I try to replace with a pot at some point. I was thinking about throwing a toggle array in to the prototype so I could test diode configurations without having to desolder and resolder over and over again, but we'll see. I might make the toggle array self contained and just have it plug into the board somewhere.

About having too much time...the only thing that took a lot of time was researching the circuit to see where I could insert or redesign new components.

cokeisbetter

07-26-2007, 11:41 AM

^ About the caps- I've seen some people blend between input caps with a pot wired as a voltage divider, but I haven't gotten a chance to try it.

call1800ksmyazz

07-26-2007, 11:42 AM

^-You mean jus having a simple type of tone control at the input of the pedal.

cokeisbetter

07-26-2007, 11:52 AM

^ Yeah. It could also be used for other caps, but it's mostly the input cap being altered.

Codog

07-26-2007, 03:14 PM

Is there a program where you can put in a circuit to see how it sounds? Kind of like a simulation thing?

call1800ksmyazz

07-26-2007, 03:17 PM

Theres programs that show sound/frequency waves and voltages, but none that shows the actual sound...

cokeisbetter

07-26-2007, 03:22 PM

Kerry, I just had a wierd idea. Would this work?
EDIT: I just had a funky idea. What if you had a fuzz pedal where only one side was clipped at all? It would go through a simple input buffer, then through a pair of non-clipping diodes. The positive side would get fed into the fuzz circuit, but the negative would be fed into a line going straight to an output buffer. You'd be able to control the volume after the buffer, and the amount of fuzz within the clipped side. Would that sound good at all?

Codog

07-26-2007, 03:26 PM

^^ Right now I'm getting multisim, anything else i should check out?

call1800ksmyazz

07-26-2007, 03:55 PM

coke- I think basically what you just explained was just a simple blend circuit built in with a fuzz. You have an op-amp buffer type thing in parallel with another circuit, then a control on the end of them to blend between full on fuzz and full on buffer/blended out. Sort of like the Voodoo Labs Sparkle Drive with the Clean Blend control.

cokeisbetter

07-26-2007, 04:57 PM

^ Yeah, but with ridiculously asymmetrical clipping. There would be a pair of diodes, one going to the clean line, one going to the fuzz. The negative half of the wave would go one way, positive half the other way.

I wouldn't get any wierd phase problems, would I?

s.r.v.

07-26-2007, 10:18 PM

Is generalguitargadgets ever going to come back? i just ordered an EA tremolo from them, but now I'm worried since their site disappeared that it may never come

mark_wuk

07-27-2007, 01:11 AM

At the moment, there is a holding page for the site - my guess is it all crashed. hopefully it'll come back soon, I've got a load of parts on order to build a few more of the pedals from there, but I didn't save the schematics!

ECistheBest

07-27-2007, 01:13 AM

my wah pot and my orders of the preamp is coming :D ordered pots and tone caps from Guitarfetish, and ordered wah pot and transistors from PedalPartsPlus!!! shipping was $1.60 from PPP so its nice :D

MrCarrot

07-27-2007, 04:58 AM

Argh, why did GGG have to die..

mark - you said you wanted to get the PCB for the Rangemaster off of GGG, did you manage to yet? If not you could always use one of these off fuzzcentral: http://fuzzcentral.ssguitar.com/rangemaster.php

They also do one for their modded version.

I need TS-808 PCBs :(

mark_wuk

07-27-2007, 05:09 AM

^cheers for that - my parts are going to be a while anyway, a GGG seems to be getting itself sorted - a holding page is better than nothing at all!

TwoString

07-27-2007, 07:18 AM

I need TS-808 PCBs :(

I've got 6 coming in the mail...should be here today or tomorrow. :D

MrCarrot

07-27-2007, 07:20 AM

I've got 6 coming in the mail...should be here today or tomorrow. :DCurses! Send me one! :p:

call1800ksmyazz

07-27-2007, 07:44 AM

I've got 6 coming in the mail...should be here today or tomorrow. :D

why...

TwoString

07-27-2007, 08:36 AM

why...

To build stuff...

I'm building several different TS based overdrives. I've got 5 that I'm finishing up right now to sell off. I'm just really getting into building pedals, and I wanted to build a series to sell just to get familiar with the process. The next batch should include the Massa and Mini-Massa builds as well as a few Fooldrive clones.

the_random_hero

07-27-2007, 08:48 AM

Today was a productive day. I bought about $100 worth of soldering gear (Goot irons FTW!), became a registered business with my supplier so I get things 10% off, ordered 20 ultra-bright green LED's and LED bezels AND got almost everything I need for my power supply and octave-up builds.
I'm still waiting on my CIC 3PDT switches and some other junk to come in the mail. I :heart: having money!

s.r.v.

07-27-2007, 03:34 PM

my wah pot and my orders of the preamp is coming :D ordered pots and tone caps from Guitarfetish, and ordered wah pot and transistors from PedalPartsPlus!!! shipping was $1.60 from PPP so its nice :D
ah you shouldn't have cheaped out on shipping. if its usps, then it can take up to 3 weeks (thats what they told me) and my shipping was 2 weeks

s.r.v.

07-27-2007, 03:40 PM

sorry for the double post but heres an archieved version of GGG with schematics, layouts and stuff:
http://web.archive.org/web/20070510131329/www.generalguitargadgets.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=50

cokeisbetter

07-27-2007, 03:46 PM

^^ My shipping from PPP takes about three or four days- and I'm in New York. :p:

Does anyone know if it's possible to get a 25K audio wah pot?

s.r.v.

07-27-2007, 03:52 PM

what? i live near new york (not telling where!) and it took a good 14 days!

cokeisbetter

07-27-2007, 04:00 PM

Actually, I'm farther than New York (I'm in the state, not the city), but yeah. That sucks, though. Did you pay with a check or something?

s.r.v.

07-27-2007, 04:21 PM

no its just that i used usps instead of ups. never use usps!

L_Z_Nut

07-27-2007, 04:26 PM

A 25k wah pot is the hardest thing to find. IIRC they used them in the Maestro wah's, but I've never seen anyone sell them. IF you're lucky, you might be able to get one off eBay... but you'll probably have to look around for a while and try to outbid some people.

call1800ksmyazz

07-27-2007, 04:27 PM

no its just that i used usps instead of ups. never use usps!

100% wrong for sure. What you did was you put USPS Parcel Post which is like 2 week shipping. You should have chosen USPS Priority Mail which is 2 days. UPS Ground is 5 days. USPS Priority is by far the best method. And dont try to argue... I have spent thousands in parts and shipped tons of pedals! I shipped a VJ Mod Kit to Germany via USPS Priority and it got there in 3 business days! Now tell me that wasnt fast as hell :peace:

s.r.v.

07-27-2007, 04:54 PM

100% right for sure. i did use parcel post, and priority is extremely fast! sorry that i didnt clarify

mark_wuk

07-27-2007, 04:59 PM

s.r.v.

07-27-2007, 05:01 PM

ok can someone help me? i want to build this: http://tonepad.com/getFileInfo.asp?id=107
but i dont have a 2.2k resistor. what i do have is: 1.5k, 2.7k, 1k, 4.7k
would any of this work?

ECistheBest

07-27-2007, 05:02 PM

ah you shouldn't have cheaped out on shipping. if its usps, then it can take up to 3 weeks (thats what they told me) and my shipping was 2 weeks

mine came in 5 days for my first order, 4 days in my last order. not 3 weeks...

^for LEDs, it depends on what color/brightness. for Blue, i have a 100k resistor cuz i didn't want to blow more than 3 that i ordered... -__-"

cokeisbetter

07-27-2007, 05:04 PM

ok can someone help me? i want to build this: http://tonepad.com/getFileInfo.asp?id=107
but i dont have a 2.2k resistor. what i do have is: 1.5k, 2.7k, 1k, 4.7k
would any of this work?
It's just a limiting resistor, so any of those except maybe the 1K or 1.5K should work.

s.r.v.

07-27-2007, 05:06 PM

2.7k sound bueno?

ECistheBest

07-27-2007, 05:07 PM

it might work. but i wired a 8.2k, blue LED. it blew four of them. cuz i was dumb enough to either short it, or just use the 8.2k. i use 100k, and its groovy now.

s.r.v.

07-27-2007, 05:12 PM

well here we go: starting a/b box with 2.7k resistor

call1800ksmyazz

07-27-2007, 05:12 PM

100k is way high. Just use 2.7k. You probably had it wired backwards (LED anode to -9v, LED cathode to +9v when it should be the opposite).

2.7k-10k is fine.

ECistheBest

07-27-2007, 05:15 PM

no LED don't blow when it's wired backwards... i tried it. the first LED. i put it directly on my battery, it did nothing. i switched, a sudden "pOP" and then it didn't go on again...

call1800ksmyazz

07-27-2007, 05:19 PM

Lol your right, and I even knew that from playing with blowing LEDs. Donno why I said that would blow it. Anyway, wierd that you need a 100k resistor though....

ECistheBest

07-27-2007, 05:23 PM

well... i was kinda pissed that i blew 4 blue and 2 red LEDs, and waited 5 days to get 7 more orders of blue ones, so yea... i went the safe way lol. its bright enough so it works :D

call1800ksmyazz

07-27-2007, 05:28 PM

Sure its not like 10k? or 1k? Cause the color bands are very similar. What are the colors on the resistor you used?

ECistheBest

07-27-2007, 05:34 PM

nope 100k. lol. i have a multimeter, and if u really want to know, its brown black yellow. i do have a 10k here too, and that's brown black orange.

s.r.v.

07-27-2007, 09:37 PM

ECistheBest

07-27-2007, 09:41 PM

well... on stereo jack, the tip is the longest thing that makes contact with the tip of your 1/4 cable's end. there should be a rubber ring that separates, and the tip is the "tip". the shield aka sleeve is the next longest. sleeve looks like a "tip", but it makes contact with the part under the "tip" of the cable. the ring is easy. its the ring. grounds everything.

mono jacks only have the ring and the tip. tip is the long one touching the tip, and ring is the ring.

s.r.v.

07-27-2007, 09:43 PM

ok i'm going to have to find and label a picture cause im lost. thanks ECistheBest

ECistheBest

07-27-2007, 09:45 PM

yay 200 posts!!! lol. okay. umm.... i think there was a link somewhere. but im gonna have a GC run really quick. mine's 5 mins drive :D

kurtlives91

07-27-2007, 09:45 PM

Link for jack naming (http://www.smallbearelec.com/Detail.bok?no=89)

ECistheBest

07-27-2007, 09:46 PM

^there u go. :cheers:

s.r.v.

07-27-2007, 09:48 PM

damn it! i worked so hard to label some pictures! anyways thanks and have fun at GC, i always do....

EDIT: sleeve=shield?

call1800ksmyazz

07-27-2007, 09:50 PM

s.r.v.

07-27-2007, 09:51 PM

then is the thing kurtlives91 posted wrong?

call1800ksmyazz

07-27-2007, 09:52 PM

No, the small bear link is right. EC was just wrong. And yes, shield=sleeve.

s.r.v.

07-27-2007, 09:55 PM

ah thanks and did u get the name Affectronix from the place Effectronix?

kurtlives91

07-27-2007, 09:55 PM

Kerry how hard is it to incorporate tubes into a pedal?

call1800ksmyazz

07-27-2007, 09:57 PM

srv- no not from that site. From my first band name Aparrafect.

kurt- depends what kind of pedal...

cokeisbetter

07-27-2007, 10:04 PM

^ Actually, I've been wondering about that. Like, say, a Fuzz-Face type, two-stage pedal. Could you (with some obvious biasing changes, a transformer for proper voltage and whatnot) use a 12AX7 preamp tube substituted for the transistors?

call1800ksmyazz

07-27-2007, 10:21 PM

Its not going to be a fuzz then. The fuzz face is just a basic 2 germ transistor gain stage circuit. Nothing extremely special about it. Putting tubes in place will probably have barely any output on their own and it would sound very weak.

cokeisbetter

07-27-2007, 10:35 PM

^ Would there be any other circuits that it'd work for?

s.r.v.

07-27-2007, 10:35 PM

call1800ksmyazz

07-27-2007, 10:36 PM

Nothing that you can just plug a tube into...

cokeisbetter

07-27-2007, 10:41 PM

I need help! my A/B box works! but there are no LED's. so it can A/B what i want, but wont light up. i followed the tonepad diagram, but used a 2.7k resistor instead of the 2.2k. Any ideas as to what happened? i can post pictures if they are necessary. thanks
Do you have the LED the right way around?

^ Hmm, OK. Guess I'll drop my plans for any sweet tube pedals for now. :cheers:

s.r.v.

07-27-2007, 10:41 PM

yeah the longer lead is positive right?

call1800ksmyazz

07-27-2007, 10:43 PM

Show pictures srv. They will help a lot.

cokeisbetter

07-27-2007, 10:46 PM

yeah the longer lead is positive right?
Yeah, that's right. :cheers: Pics are always nice, though.

s.r.v.

07-27-2007, 10:48 PM

ok i cant post them now my camera is missing! :p:
but they will be up tomorow!
Thanks cokeisbetter

ECistheBest

07-27-2007, 10:57 PM

EC, your wrong. you have the ring and sleeve mixed up.

The ring is the part thats only in stereo jacks. The sleeve is the short ground one thats grounded straight to the metal enclosure and is the actual part that the cable plug goes into.

wtf. the ring is the ring... sleeve is the thing only for stereo jacks. ring goes ground straight to the enclosure. sleeve is the one that +9V or -9V goes to depending on positive/negative ground. i know tip is right too. but ring is the ring, and sleeve is the power source +9v or -9V... thats what i said.

call1800ksmyazz

07-27-2007, 10:58 PM

^-Nope you have reversed the ring and the sleeve.

Straight from wiki:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/93/Jack_plug.png
1. Sleeve: usually ground
2. Ring: Right-hand channel for stereo signals, negative phase for balanced mono signals, power supply for power-requiring mono signal sources
3. Tip: Left-hand channel for stereo signals, positive phase for balanced mono signals, signal line for unbalanced mono signals
4. Insulating rings

Kerry

ECistheBest

07-27-2007, 11:01 PM

so does the ring go to ground with the enclosure??????

s.r.v.

07-27-2007, 11:03 PM

ok so i poked around with that thing that shows voltages (cant remeber the name) and found that on the negative side of the power jack to what i thought was the negative side of the LED had a current while what i thought was the positive side had no power. does that mean i screwed up the LED direction?

call1800ksmyazz

07-27-2007, 11:03 PM

Look at my edited post.

Straight from wiki:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...3/Jack_plug.png
1. Sleeve: usually ground
2. Ring: Right-hand channel for stereo signals, negative phase for balanced mono signals, power supply for power-requiring mono signal sources
3. Tip: Left-hand channel for stereo signals, positive phase for balanced mono signals, signal line for unbalanced mono signals
4. Insulating rings

thats straight from wiki. told ya...

s.r.v.

07-27-2007, 11:03 PM

and wikipedia dont lie

kurtlives91

07-27-2007, 11:04 PM

My Rangemaster dosent work. The LED turns on but there is no sound at all. The PCB is not grounded the the enclosure though, could this be my problem?

cokeisbetter

07-28-2007, 12:07 AM

EC- Kerry's right.

^ The PCB has no ground at all? That's kind of necessary to attach the grounds to ground.
ok so i poked around with that thing that shows voltages (cant remeber the name) and found that on the negative side of the power jack to what i thought was the negative side of the LED had a current while what i thought was the positive side had no power. does that mean i screwed up the LED direction?
Sounds like you've grounded the positive and the LED is the wrong way round. The positive ground doesn't matter, though, unless you want to put it on a DC power supply.

ECistheBest

07-28-2007, 12:08 AM

dayum... i always had the thing mixed up... my wiring works though... i guess i just had the terminology switched. ring and sleeve...

s.r.v.

07-28-2007, 12:23 AM

can someone explain to me what you would use a truebypass looper like this for: http://www.musicgearsource.com/colkv1.html
i've been thinking and all i could think of was to turn on more than 1 pedal at a time. Am i right?

cokeisbetter

07-28-2007, 12:27 AM

If you've got a non-TB pedal, most notably wahs and those with crappy buffers, you can stick it in a loop for TB. You can also use it so that you have all your stomp switches in one place, instead of being spread around.

s.r.v.

07-28-2007, 12:29 AM

nice i think i will be making one! now the question is:
http://www.musicgearsource.com/colkv1.html
or http://board.buildyourownclone.com/viewtopic.php?p=14889&highlight=#14889
i would love to add my wah and some other pedals to a loop!

cokeisbetter

07-28-2007, 12:34 AM

^ If you understand the concept, you can make one very easily with as many loops as you want. No need to use anyone else's diagrams.

s.r.v.

07-28-2007, 12:39 AM

nice! ill add it to my order list

ECistheBest

07-28-2007, 12:41 AM

i'd love to make it if i didn't have all true bypass pedals lol.

MrCarrot

07-28-2007, 06:16 AM

http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/

Ah, thank god for that...

the_random_hero

07-28-2007, 08:03 AM

Alright, well my octave's done. I thought I had screwed something up, but I was just listening for something that wasn't there :p:
I have to say it's one of the gnarliest pedals I've ever heard. Combine it with my Ruby and you've got a tone that's just plain disgusting. I :heart: it though :D

mark_wuk

07-28-2007, 08:06 AM

Alright, well my octave's done.

Which one have you built? I'm waiting for a couple of transistors for my octave pedal.

the_random_hero

07-28-2007, 08:18 AM

Which one have you built? I'm waiting for a couple of transistors for may octave pedal.

The Octobooster. It's a pretty simple design, a audio transformer and two diodes strapped onto the end of a booster.

MrCarrot

07-28-2007, 09:40 AM

I finished my build. The bypass works, but when you press the switch to turn on the effect, it all goes dead. There is no noise coming out of the amp apart from its ambient hum. The LED doesn't seem to work, but when I get another LED and put its leads across the original's they don't work either - except when I put the negative to ground.

Could my problem be that the in and out jacks aren't insulated, and when plugged in the box is in the circuit? Or could I have just fried some components when soldering? I did spend a fair bit of time on each joint of the transistor, and I didn't use a heatsink or socket... Everything is wired to the right place, there are no jumps on the stripboard and apart from a bit of scrappy soldering it all looks fine and is connected reasonably solidly.

s.r.v.

07-28-2007, 12:31 PM

can someone recommend me a very EASY fuzz build? like no pcb, just a few parts that are easy to come by

TwoString

07-28-2007, 01:04 PM

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f117/twostring/PTPFuzz.jpg

No board, few components, lots of pots=lots of options.

cokeisbetter

07-28-2007, 01:09 PM

Codog

07-28-2007, 03:02 PM

I'm looking for an electronic parts dealer in or around Toronto, Ontario. Anybody know of one?

EDIT: Also, is there a similar transistor I can use instead of a J201?

kurtlives91

07-28-2007, 03:13 PM

Electrosonic buddy. I am in Toronto as well. Great place.

Codog

07-28-2007, 03:18 PM

I'm looking on their website, and it is incredibly hard to navigate. Do they sell single parts? Cause it looks like I can only get resistors in 1000 packs or large bulk quantities.

kurtlives91

07-28-2007, 03:24 PM

O ya go to the store. The staff there is great. They sell stuff induvidually.

The site sucks I agree. Their warehouse is hugo though so they cant have all their stufff on their website.

Just get off at the 404 and Finch and you are there. It is easy to get to.

Zaahir

07-28-2007, 07:10 PM

yeah they are awesome. i work @ a comp. repair store off Eglington and when i asked the techies about parts they told me to go there.

ECistheBest

07-28-2007, 08:35 PM

I'm looking for an electronic parts dealer in or around Toronto, Ontario. Anybody know of one?

EDIT: Also, is there a similar transistor I can use instead of a J201?

^NTE458, 2N5484, MPF102, BF245A, 2SK117A, 2N5457 are similar to J201.