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http://web.archive.org/web/20151002085920/http://home.comcast.net/~gprause/BuildDocs/Xtc_V1.2_Build_Doc%20V2.pdf

I always forget about the internet wayback machine.

Wow! That was an impressive response. Thanks for your help!

I purchased a Ecstacy/Euphoria PCB from VIPFX effects many years ago. The PCB has been sitting around but I'd like to build it now if I can. Problem is I can't seem to find the build document with the component values. I guess I could try to go off the schematic, but I'm a novice builder and don't have time to put any guesswork into it.  Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Rick

I know this PCB has been discontinued for a while so apologies in advance if this is in the wrong forum. I stumbled upon a transistor combination that I really like for my Deadpool. It's 2N3094 in Q2 and a NOS 2N3565 in Q1. For whatever reason it's a very pleasing combination, however the gain is just a wee bit over the top. The Deadpool has no Gain control, just a straight up volume level. I can't tame the way I want using the other controls either. Are there any resistors I can experiment with to dial it in?

Thanks in advance,
Rick   

Hi everyone,
I built an Afterlife that turned into a cursed project! I just didn't start the project in the right state of mind and things snowballed from there. Anyway, I finally got the board together correctly and it did power up initially. Then I realized the output jack didn't have enough room to fit the plug, so I fidgeted with it a bit and now it's not powering up at all!  Anyone have a suggestion as to where I should start checking? Did I short something?

Thanks in advance,
Rick 

The grit in the recording is from the phone.  I was very surprised it sounded that good using just a cell phone!

FWIW,  I'm already building an Afterlife...

I just ordered the parts from the pre-selected cart in the build doc. 90% of the parts are there and clearly labeled by mouser.  From there just take your time and go one part at a time!

Just wanted report that I'm totally in love with this pedal. Thank you Madbean!

There's not a lot of demos on this pedal so I put together a little diddy, recorded on my crappy Sony Xperia phone. The repeats sit in the pocket perfectly, very inspiring pedal for ambient style music. Playing a EBMM Silhouette Special into a 20W Brunetti Maranello amp. Straight into the Totall Recall and into the clean channel.

[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/richard-yannotta/sounds-from-sunday-morning[/soundcloud]   

I just built a Deadpool and used some 2n3904s I found at rat shack.  Didn't test them just swapped them around till it sounded okay.  Looking forward to trying some other trannies. Not to hijack the thread,  but does anyone know what Germainium doides I cause use in this circuit? I've got some silicone in there now...

Thanks for the Compliments!  I got it sounding pretty great too by following the bias directions (except for that last bit with gain2) and then fine tuning by ear.   Will see if I can post a quick video clip of it sometime soon. It's a dirty sound but in such good way!

Okay, was able to spend some time biasing the pedal tonight. The instructions get you in the ballpark but that last part with the Gain 2 trimmer is tricky. I know the instructions are wrong but was still having difficulty until I just used my ear and ended up bringing that trimmer down quite a bit. Then I fine-tuned and found a sweet spot. I'm sure as I get acquainted with it I'll tweak some more.  Anyway here's a few pics a snapped. The knobs I picked these up at Radio Shack in a pinch and will prob change. Also I drilled the hole for the LCD too big so I'll be ordering as socket for that LED. My only regret with the enclosure is that I didn't bring that LED up just a bit higher...otherwise totally happy with my first project!  Anyhow here's a few snapshots I took tonight. 

Just wanted to give you guys an update... My Total Recall is up and running! 

It took me a few extra weeks to work on the enclosure but it's in the regular 1590B  and everything. 

I tried a quick run through today to bias,  another challenging aspect of this pedal.  I think I got it sounding okay,  but I'm gonna try again tomorrow.  Kinda hard since I've never even heard one of these pedals in real life before.

Anyway this post is worthless without pics so I hope to post a few and maybe a even a video clip if I get it sounding great in the next few days. 

Best regards
Rick

I started playing around with the enclosure to see if I could get it to fit. It's very challenging to say the least. My question is this...Would I be able to get away with mounting the LM7915 Voltage Controller ion the other side of the board?  If I could do that I just might figure out a way to pull it off. 

Best regards,
Rick

Hi Everyone,
I'ts been about a month since I've worked on my build. I've been busy and also had to wait for the enclosure to be painted from PPP. Anyway I made a classic newbie mistake and ordered a regular 1590BB enclosure as opposed to the correct "Tall" one, so I may attempt to make it fit (balls of steel I guess  ).  Anyway, I have the board populated, and the pots installed. Anyway here is my latest round of questions:

1) Do I just have to wire the power supply and switch to start testing with an audio probe (rock it before you box it)?

2) Are there specific instructions for testing this pedal or is it a generic procedure (I know there are plenty of videos and tutorials floating around).

3) Do I need to insulate the back of the PCB from the  board mounted pots. Mine are rather close already and If I attempt to squeeze this in regular 1590BB, I can tell these mini pots will hit the solder joints on the back of the PCB.

So thats it for know, hopefully I haven't asked anything too dumb or obvious in the build notes. As for the enclosure, I have a handy neighbor with a drill press, a dremel and a lot of ingenuity who may be able to help me. I've read I will have to consider toggle placement and use a low profile power jack. But these are considerations that can wait until after I have the circuit tested. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Best regards,
Rick

Thanks for all the suggestions! You guys are super-helpful. I have both a solder-sucker (from Stew Mac) and a braid. So far I found the sucker works better for larger projects, like guitar wiring, but the one you posted a link to above is about 2x the price what I paid. Maybe that is the key? So far I haven't mastered de-soldering PCB traces but I think maybe utilizing flux with the braid may hold the key (or possibly a good sucker like posted above?). If all else fails I break out the razor blades and dremel  .   

One question I have...Can I use those long sockets they sell at radio shack and just break them apart as needed to socket the IC's or do I have to order those special from smallbear?

Best regards,
Rick

My first build was done without sockets and very little soldering experience (I did my own guitar stuff, quite different than soldering pcb's) and it worked. If it doesn't fire up the IC's you soldered in would be one of the first places I would look at in case you over heated one.  All the voltages should be in the build doc. My biggest concern is if the chip is damaged, its getting the damn thing out.  I have burnt up several boards with my awful desoldering technique. LOL. You are probably a much better solder man than me.  Also if you don't have any earthquake tape (clay like stuff you use for stabilizing hanging pictures) get some. Its very handy when you forget to put a smaller part (socket/diode/etc) after you have your caps in. It will hold them in place.

Yes, getting the damn things out is a female dog (in heat) for sure! I literally just had to cut out a failed switch in joyo pedal with a dremel  . I think my soldering skills have finally improved but I have screwed so many little projects in the past to finally figure out how to do it right. But having a great pcb like madbean provided with an iron that heats at the right temp sure helps a lot. That being said I also have knack for dealing with small parts and pieces. I think I just have nimble fingers....

So far I am very happy with the build and how clean the soldering is coming. Will order some sockets in the meantime, since there not much for me to do until the NE570 arrives and that could be weeks.

Best regards,
Rick