Finally finished building this one. It's a really nice sounding chorus. I used my "fake MN3005" (actually an MN3008) from smallbear for this one. The Width/Feedback pots and Range toggle give it a whole lot of variety. Shouldn't be too long for this one to get released. It will be a very challenging build for some (actually everyone)!
Can't wait!
Me neither!!
I'm really looking forward to building this one!
I just received a mn3008 for this project.... fingers crossed that it's not a dud.
Hope the VFE "Blues King" is on the future list of pcb releases. I've been holding off on building the stripboard layout for a while.
Audio Demo or it never happened
Here is the completed pedal. Very nice chorus indeed. A bit unusual in some ways, too.
Teaser
Bummer! It sold out before I had a chance to order. :'(
Will have to find another use for my mn3008 chip.
Quote from: greenskull on August 01, 2017, 09:54:30 PM
Bummer! It sold out before I had a chance to order. :'(
Will have to find another use for my mn3008 chip.
It already sold out?
Jeez Louise
Was there an announcement?
Quote from: peAk on August 02, 2017, 02:45:16 AM
It already sold out?
Jeez Louise
Was there an announcement?
Well he did say there were only 30 boards in this batch, so its not terribly surprising. Frustrating, certainly, but not surprising.
Quote from: somnif on August 02, 2017, 05:40:55 AM
Quote from: peAk on August 02, 2017, 02:45:16 AM
It already sold out?
Jeez Louise
Was there an announcement?
Well he did say there were only 30 boards in this batch, so its not terribly surprising. Frustrating, certainly, but not surprising.
So is this it or will there be another run?
There will be another run...under announcements, Bryan mentioned he just needs to get more of the micro controllers in stock. Looking forward to it! I missed out this time around as well.
Whoops, there are apparently more coming today! Cool!
Luckily, I checked back to this thread today and just placed an order.
:)
Quote from: greenskull on August 02, 2017, 10:06:08 PM
Luckily, I checked back to this thread today and just placed an order.
:)
Facebook and Twitter always gets an announcement at the same time when I release anything so that's another way to find out.
https://www.facebook.com/madbeanpedals/
https://twitter.com/madbeanpedals
Quote from: madbean on August 02, 2017, 10:38:02 PM
Quote from: greenskull on August 02, 2017, 10:06:08 PM
Luckily, I checked back to this thread today and just placed an order.
:)
Facebook and Twitter always gets an announcement at the same time when I release anything so that's another way to find out.
https://www.facebook.com/madbeanpedals/
https://twitter.com/madbeanpedals
For us that are Anti-Facebook and Twitter, any chance you announce it in the main forum here? Pretty Please!
All good
I got one ordered 8)
Quote from: madbean on August 02, 2017, 10:38:02 PM
Facebook and Twitter always gets an announcement at the same time when I release anything so that's another way to find out.
https://www.facebook.com/madbeanpedals/
https://twitter.com/madbeanpedals
Thank you, I will start checking your facebook page.
Quote from: peAk on August 02, 2017, 11:23:19 PM
For us that are Anti-Facebook and Twitter, any chance you announce it in the main forum here? Pretty Please!
For goodness sake, I announce new releases in Global Announcements every time!
http://www.madbeanpedals.com/forum/index.php?topic=25807.0
http://www.madbeanpedals.com/forum/index.php?topic=26048.0
http://www.madbeanpedals.com/forum/index.php?topic=26059.0
http://www.madbeanpedals.com/forum/index.php?topic=25470.0
Actually one other I should be able to do once I get the new store going is an opt-in email alert. So, that would be another source.
Quote from: madbean on August 03, 2017, 01:48:06 AM
Actually one other I should be able to do once I get the new store going is an opt-in email alert. So, that would be another source.
That would be awesome. 8)
How important is the 14k3 resistor values to be exact? If I don't have to order such an odd value it would be really swell. Would 15k work?
Quote from: Droogie on August 07, 2017, 02:46:16 PM
How important is the 14k3 resistor values to be exact? If I don't have to order such an odd value it would be really swell. Would 15k work?
Yes, 15k or 14k would be fine.
Sweet! Thanks for the quick reply!
There's some differences between the build docs and the board. Few resistor values around the TLE2074 chip. Should we go with the build docs or the board markings? An example is the 2 resistors to the left of pin 14 are marked 15k and 75k on the board but 10k and 51k on the docs. I'll see if I stumble on any more.
Always the build doc. I should have pointed that out.
That's what I'd have guessed but was time to shut it down last night and thought I'd check just in case.
I got mine with first batch and it was waiting for me in mailbox when we got back from vacation. Seems the only place I would trust to buy a mn3008 is from SmallBear, anyone else have a credible source? I have a few chorus pedals I've built and bought. I absolutely love the TonePad Helidito II with cap mod. I finished guitar pcb small clone version and was pleased but not as much as the Helidito.
Quote from: lego4040 on August 09, 2017, 01:11:26 AM
I got mine with first batch and it was waiting for me in mailbox when we got back from vacation. Seems the only place I would trust to buy a mn3008 is from SmallBear, anyone else have a credible source? I have a few chorus pedals I've built and bought. I absolutely love the TonePad Helidito II with cap mod. I finished guitar pcb small clone version and was pleased but not as much as the Helidito.
Honestly, I wouldn't risk getting one anywhere else than Smallbear (if in the states, that is). Yeah 20$ for a chips stings a bit, but they're ~10$ a piece on Ebay where you run a 90% risk of them being fake or dead. May as well spend the few extra bucks upfront rather than having to buy dozens trying to get lucky.
One way to look at it - you pay $20, hate the Choral Reef (doubtful) you can easily get your money back selling it. I've paid upwards of $50 for certain BBDs and just recycled them through other projects for years.
Plus I figure I'm paying Steve back for sticking his neck out to stock these.
I wouldn't buy outside of SmallBear unless it came from a reputable source, ebay🤣 Since my vacation screwup I'm strapped for cash. I should have most parts in the bin though
Quote from: Droogie on August 07, 2017, 02:46:16 PM
How important is the 14k3 resistor values to be exact? If I don't have to order such an odd value it would be really swell. Would 15k work?
If we use the old EHX wisdom, super precise resistor values on schematics usually meant "these guys are important, check their value to make sure they're in spec", rather than needing that specific exact value.
In this case, looking at the schematic, I would say just buy 20~ 5% tolerance 15k resistors and meter them to find 4 that are all fairly close to one another on the small side of the range. They wouldnt need to be 14.3k exactly (since they're all in line with the pot after all), but they should all be about the same value.
(And yes I'm mostly writing this to talk myself out of buying 200 14.3k resistors from Mouser since that is their minimum order...)
I'm putting my orders in for the various parts this gem will need but Is there a alternative to the TLE2074? While searching this, I found a similar question on this here on this forum. Some one was looking for a alternate to the LF347, both quad op amps and the TLE2074 was suggested. LF347=75cents &TLE2074=6bucks
Quote from: lego4040 on August 14, 2017, 12:13:47 AM
I'm putting my orders in for the various parts this gem will need but Is there a alternative to the TLE2074? While searching this, I found a similar question on this here on this forum. Some one was looking for a alternate to the LF347, both quad op amps and the TLE2074 was suggested. LF347=75cents &TLE2074=6bucks
The tle2074 is basically a super high end tl074. Triple the slew rate, twice the bandwidth, all the bells and whistles. In theory the 074 should drop in. Try it, if unhappy you can then get the tle2074 from arrow with free shipping later.
I figured the reasoning was the all around quality, VFE's arent throwing in crappy noisey parts. Thanks
Yeah, I don't see any reason for a TL074 not to work. I'm sure the TLE2074 was chosen in keeping with the idea of highest headroom / fidelity as possible. An alternative would be a different rail to rail like the TLC2264 which should be about half the price.
I started ordering parts, some from SmallBear/Tayda and tonight is Mouser. I don't understand the rail to rail lingo but I do see the pin out is the same. Maybe I'll get a TL074/TLE2074 and the TLC2264 to compare. I watched the video from switching board link. These vfe's are some serious thought out effects. I'm still sorting out quirks on my Tourbillon and thinking I'm screwed if I have to trouble shoot this
Many op-amps are designed for bi-polar supply (+/- DC) but are limited in how much a voltage output can "swing to the rails" during operation. A rail to rail op-amp is designed to run off a single supply (here 9v) and the output can get very close to the positive rail while maintaining a high dynamic range.
Thanks for the explanation, so if you needed more voltage for bigger headroom your not getting it from this rail to rail chip. I like headroom, TLE2074 it will be
Quote from: lego4040 on August 14, 2017, 03:08:43 PM
I'm still sorting out quirks on my Tourbillon and thinking I'm screwed if I have to trouble shoot this
The VFE projects are the easiest pedals I've built. One thing I've noticed is there's not many, "I'm having a problem," posts and the ones (mine and one other) were self induced mistakes. I finished my Choral Reef yesterday and after fixing the power wires which were switched wrong the pedal fired right up. So that's 3 for 3 on these knock on wood.
is everyone building this with those small pots or are some of you doing offboard wiring to regular size pots?
Quote from: peAk on August 15, 2017, 12:01:48 PM
is everyone building this with those small pots or are some of you doing offboard wiring to regular size pots?
I'm building to spec: 2x 9mm pots, 3x 16mm pots, 1 switch. The 9mm's are the plastic shafted variety used in the production model.
Not a lot of room in the 1590B to move things around I'd wager. The layout is about as size efficient as it can be.
I bought everything as per spec except enclosure so far. Measure 10xs then drill once🙄
Quote from: somnif on August 15, 2017, 12:32:51 PM
Quote from: peAk on August 15, 2017, 12:01:48 PM
is everyone building this with those small pots or are some of you doing offboard wiring to regular size pots?
I'm building to spec: 2x 9mm pots, 3x 16mm pots, 1 switch. The 9mm's are the plastic shafted variety used in the production model.
Not a lot of room in the 1590B to move things around I'd wager. The layout is about as size efficient as it can be.
oh yeah, I was just thinking about going a little larger on the enclosure.
If your building in a 125b the 16mm pots would pose no problem I think. I'm not at home now to eyeball what one would look like on a 1590b but they are designed to put a battery in so there might be some wiggle room. One thing I like about the 9mm pots is I only have to get 3 knobs for the pedal.
Hey, quick technical question: what's the shortest delay time on the Choral reef? The doc says there are differant clocking options (3 caps), but I'd like to have an idea of the shortest time, if anyone has any idea :)
Quote from: Boba7 on August 19, 2017, 01:42:32 PM
Hey, quick technical question: what's the shortest delay time on the Choral reef? The doc says there are differant clocking options (3 caps), but I'd like to have an idea of the shortest time, if anyone has any idea :)
I want to say the settings are 10ms, 33ms, and 50ms, but I can't find where I read that. Sooooo its possible my brain imagined it. I'll keep looking.
Quote from: somnif on August 19, 2017, 01:56:03 PM
I want to say the settings are 10ms, 33ms, and 50ms, but I can't find where I read that. Sooooo its possible my brain imagined it. I'll keep looking.
Thanks! So yeah not exactly a flanger sound but the 10ms setting should be interesting!
Parts have started to come in from sources but I'm still waiting in Tayda. Here is the meat and potatoes.
Mouser just notified me that the low esr valued 47uf caps are in and the same for the mlcc0.01ufs. They were also out of 10m resistors, all are in stock now and mine are on way to me
I have all my parts but the BBD. Small bear shipped it on the 11th, and its been listed as "On its way to you" on the USPS tracking page since the 12th. I'm starting to get a little worried. Hell, even my Tayda order, placed the day after small bear, has already arrived.
Stay safe little chip, hopefully you aren't in a lost mail room somewhere...
USPS has the worst Tracking system, not sure where your located but SmallBear is in Brooklyn, NY. Im right here next to Brooklyn so I had no issue but Im waithing for tayda since early last week
Built it up last week and just waiting on a nice powder coated enclosure to arrive tomorrow! Only problem was a bad MN3008 ordered off eBay (should have known better), but Smallbear came through with a good one at triple the price.
I'm really worried about drilling for the jacks.... hope I don't botch it up!! This ended up being a relatively expensive build for me due to the chips and having to order from multiple sources. Not exactly a $15 fuzz build, haha!
Looking forward to the VFE Tractor Beam next.
Quote from: greenskull on August 23, 2017, 08:40:26 PM
I'm really worried about drilling for the jacks.... hope I don't botch it up!! This ended up being a relatively expensive build for me due to the chips and having to order from multiple sources. Not exactly a $15 fuzz build, haha!
Looking forward to the VFE Tractor Beam next.
The drill template is spot on. If you get it square on the box you shouldn't have any problems. if you're unsure then measure everything (which is a good idea anyway). From my experience with 3 of them the drill template is great.
I'll start this circuit tomorrow, I should've finished the moodring but of coarse I have no b10k. My Tayda shipment comes tomorrow and I have 10 coming
My MN3008 from Smallbear finally arrived (along with several pots and switches)! 27 days to get from NY to AZ, with more than 3 weeks without a USPS tracking update. Ugh.
Funny enough, it arrived the day after I got an Email from Smallbear saying they hadn't been able to receive emails from Gmail addresses for the past 3 weeks.
But I can finally get back to building this thing. Woo.
What have you been using for the 65k resistor? Also, if anybody in the US needs some 14.3k resistors, I accidentally ordered 200, so just PM me and I'll send you 4.
Quote from: tcpoint on September 10, 2017, 11:00:38 PM
What have you been using for the 65k resistor? Also, if anybody in the US needs some 14.3k resistors, I accidentally ordered 200, so just PM me and I'll send you 4.
I used 66.5k 1/8W (They also had 64.9k, but they were out of stock at 1/8W). It means the voltage divider on pin 6 of the 358 will dip a few mV, but that shouldn't be much of an issue. (If my math is right it will drop from about 2.2V to about 2.18V).
The 14.3s are a little different in their use. Its not their value that really matters (since they are in series/parallel with the mix pot), so long as all 4 are close to one another. Using a tight tolerance resistor solves that issue, but a similar effect can be accomplished with a batch of resistors and a DMM. (I almost did the same thing you did and bought the batch since it was like 3$, but I saw they only had 1 batch left in stock and didn't want to take it)
I ended up putting a 18k and a 47k resistor in series. Didn't feel like waiting for another order and I those on hand.