madbeanpedals::forum

Projects => Build Reports => Topic started by: Chi_Boy on November 10, 2013, 09:41:35 PM

Title: VIPfx - T-Wrex II
Post by: Chi_Boy on November 10, 2013, 09:41:35 PM
So I finally managed to get this thing done.  For a change I've actually been playing guitar more than working on pedals and just haven't had time.  But now it's done, and it's cool.

I saw some posts by Juansolo and Marauder who both had the idea to run the T-Wrex at 18 volts.  Of course I had to try it.  More importantly though, they changed the boost to a SHO type boost and ran it after the distortion instead of before.  Now the boost is just that, a nice clean volume boost of the signal that's already there.  The boost is so much better this way.

So thanks to both Juansolo and Marauder for the great idea.

(http://home.comcast.net/~gprause/pictures/GAP_1.JPG)

(http://home.comcast.net/~gprause/pictures/GAP_2.JPG)
Title: Re: VIPfx - T-Wrex II
Post by: pickdropper on November 10, 2013, 09:56:17 PM
That's a really nice build.  Nice, clean board layout, too.
Title: Re: VIPfx - T-Wrex II
Post by: jubal81 on November 10, 2013, 10:01:34 PM
Top notch! Clean & classy. The more I see those 'kidney beans' the more I realize I need to finally stock up on 'em.
Title: Re: VIPfx - T-Wrex II
Post by: Chi_Boy on November 10, 2013, 10:07:31 PM
Quote from: jubal81 on November 10, 2013, 10:01:34 PM
Top notch! Clean & classy. The more I see those 'kidney beans' the more I realize I need to finally stock up on 'em.

Good luck finding them.  They've gone off to electronics heaven.  I found some on eBay, but they are a mix of ECQ-B and ECQ-V.

The nice thing is that since they are bigger than box caps, the box caps fit with room to spare.
Title: Re: VIPfx - T-Wrex II
Post by: juansolo on November 10, 2013, 10:53:03 PM
The mods are well worth it. Superb work!  8)

If you're in the UK CPC/Farnell stock most of the Panasonics. Odd values you still have to get on eBay though.
Title: Re: VIPfx - T-Wrex II
Post by: pickdropper on November 10, 2013, 11:04:54 PM
Quote from: juansolo on November 10, 2013, 10:53:03 PM
The mods are well worth it. Superb work!  8)

If you're in the UK CPC/Farnell stock most of the Panasonics. Odd values you still have to get on eBay though.

You can get 10n and up at Mouser.  They are ECQ-V.

There was talk of a group buy a while back, but not enough people were interested.  I'm not offering to do one now, but I'd be interested if somebody else wanted to jump on it.
Title: Re: VIPfx - T-Wrex II
Post by: rullywowr on November 10, 2013, 11:08:03 PM
Nice layout and build. Looks awesome.
Title: Re: VIPfx - T-Wrex II
Post by: Thomas_H on November 11, 2013, 10:09:52 AM
I see you reworked the board.

Thats an overall good looking and functional design (This includes the enclosure).

Title: Re: VIPfx - T-Wrex II
Post by: soldersqueeze on November 11, 2013, 07:15:44 PM
Looks so good I'm tempted to build one to replace my V1 build! These things sound awesome, great work.
Title: Re: VIPfx - T-Wrex II
Post by: rullywowr on November 12, 2013, 02:20:40 AM
Just curious how you did the white on black labeling?  Silkscreen?  Pedal parts plus?
Title: Re: VIPfx - T-Wrex II
Post by: Chi_Boy on November 12, 2013, 02:42:30 AM
Quote from: rullywowr on November 12, 2013, 02:20:40 AM
Just curious how you did the white on black labeling?  Silkscreen?  Pedal parts plus?

Pulsar Pro.  I'm starting to get the hang of it now.  Was tough at first; product has a learning curve of sorts.

This one is black wrinkle powder with clear lacquer on top.   The lacquer gives a yellow tint to the white text though.  I've been having PPP powder coat everything lately, but I'm considering going back to enamels so I can have a clear that is actually clear.
Title: Re: VIPfx - T-Wrex II
Post by: rullywowr on November 12, 2013, 11:10:37 PM
Thanks for the info about the silkscreen.  I'm continually impressed with the added features you put in there such as switchable 18v/9v operation inside...that is very slick.

How does it sound on 18v versus 9v?  More headroom?  Gain?