madbeanpedals::forum

General => Open Discussion => Topic started by: Micpoc on November 10, 2013, 10:10:55 PM

Title: Sub for a 1kA pot?
Post by: Micpoc on November 10, 2013, 10:10:55 PM
I'm working on a fuzz pedal that requires a 1k audio pot for the output level control and they aren't available from Smallbear, my go-to potentiometer source. I can get a 1k linear pot, and I already have a 1k reverse log pot; which one would probably be better for the output?

Instead of that, I know that some tapers can be simulated with pot of different value and a resistor(s). What would be the best way to simulate a 1kA pot? Can the 1K linear be wired to simulate the 1k audio, or do I need to start with a larger value pot?

Thanks.
Title: Re: Sub for a 1kA pot?
Post by: midwayfair on November 11, 2013, 01:52:08 AM
Post a schematic. No way to tell without seeing it.
Title: Re: Sub for a 1kA pot?
Post by: Scruffie on November 11, 2013, 02:06:53 AM
1k output? That seems awfully low...

Yes if you want to alter a taper some leeway in value makes it easier, just due to standard values if anything.

You can just wire it backwards, a C backwards is an A.

You may find that a B or C is perfectly suitable, IME, B is usually better but sometimes awful, it depends what's loading it, as midway said, a schematic should help.
Title: Re: Sub for a 1kA pot?
Post by: Govmnt_Lacky on November 11, 2013, 02:14:11 AM
A 1KC wired backwards WILL work....... BUT.....

It will be backwards. Your maximum output will be at full CCW and minimum will be at full CW  :-\

If you are willing to live with that then GO FOR IT!!
Title: Re: Sub for a 1kA pot?
Post by: Micpoc on November 11, 2013, 02:45:09 AM
Quote from: midwayfair on November 11, 2013, 01:52:08 AM
Post a schematic. No way to tell without seeing it.

It's a modified version of the WEM Project V; don't have a schematic for it, but here's the traced original with the 1k Log volume pot:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gEuevYYEfGg/T14SnFF7OyI/AAAAAAAABFU/sH3jau7ICkQ/s1600/WEM+Project+V+Fuzz+schematic+revision4+w+calculated+voltages+-small.bmp
Title: Re: Sub for a 1kA pot?
Post by: Micpoc on November 11, 2013, 02:51:58 AM
Quote from: Scruffie on November 11, 2013, 02:06:53 AM
1k output? That seems awfully low...

I agree. I've used a 1kC for the fuzz on my silicon Fuzz Face, but I don't think I've ever gone lower than 10k on an output... and even that is low.

QuoteYes if you want to alter a taper some leeway in value makes it easier, just due to standard values if anything.

You can just wire it backwards, a C backwards is an A.

You may find that a B or C is perfectly suitable, IME, B is usually better but sometimes awful, it depends what's loading it, as midway said, a schematic should help.

I think the first thing I may try is subbing a 5kA pot, although having the backward volume with a 1kC may be appropriate!  ;D
Title: Re: Sub for a 1kA pot?
Post by: midwayfair on November 11, 2013, 03:33:35 AM
Use the 5ka or the linear 1k. I don't,t think the tracers made a mistake, but I don't understand how a transistor can drive a 1k load. I doubt it matters what raper pot you use since anything below fully open is probably going to have a big, sudden volume loss. Figure 500ohms from the transistor, that's half the pot. I just don't see the need, especially given the absurdly large output cap. You could reduce that by a factor of 10 and use a 10k output cap and still have every subharmonic known to man coming out.

What a strange circuit.
Title: Re: Sub for a 1kA pot?
Post by: Micpoc on November 11, 2013, 03:56:52 AM
Quote from: midwayfair on November 11, 2013, 03:33:35 AM
Use the 5ka or the linear 1k. I don't,t think the tracers made a mistake, but I don't understand how a transistor can drive a 1k load. I doubt it matters what raper pot you use since anything below fully open is probably going to have a big, sudden volume loss. Figure 500ohms from the transistor, that's half the pot. I just don't see the need, especially given the absurdly large output cap. You could reduce that by a factor of 10 and use a 10k output cap and still have every subharmonic known to man coming out.

I'm going to try a couple. It does seem odd to me that 1kA availability is low.

QuoteWhat a strange circuit.

It sure is. In case you haven't heard it:
Title: Re: Sub for a 1kA pot?
Post by: lincolnic on November 11, 2013, 05:52:12 AM
Just wanted to chime in and say that that's an incomplete schematic, here's the finished version from the FSB thread:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v375/sarlakk/WEM20Project20V20Fuzz20schematic20revision420w20calculated20voltages20-small_zpsd9a1d5e0.png)

For what it's worth, I recently built one of these on vero but ran into some serious problems...haven't begun troubleshooting yet but I'm not looking forward to it. It's a big build.
Title: Re: Sub for a 1kA pot?
Post by: Micpoc on November 11, 2013, 01:19:19 PM
Quote from: lincolnic on November 11, 2013, 05:52:12 AM
Just wanted to chime in and say that that's an incomplete schematic, here's the finished version from the FSB thread:

For what it's worth, I recently built one of these on vero but ran into some serious problems...haven't begun troubleshooting yet but I'm not looking forward to it. It's a big build.

Cool, thanks. I've had no success with anything except the smallest vero builds... can't imagine doing this one that way.
Title: Re: Sub for a 1kA pot?
Post by: lincolnic on November 11, 2013, 07:26:09 PM
You're doing the Ghost Effects take on it? I considered that, but the cost plus shipping to the US was more than I wanted to pay. If I can't figure out this vero build, I may change my mind and just do that anyway.
Title: Re: Sub for a 1kA pot?
Post by: Micpoc on November 11, 2013, 07:58:43 PM
Quote from: lincolnic on November 11, 2013, 07:26:09 PM
You're doing the Ghost Effects take on it? I considered that, but the cost plus shipping to the US was more than I wanted to pay. If I can't figure out this vero build, I may change my mind and just do that anyway.

Yup. I didn't think it was inordinately high, and it actually got to me faster than some shipments from here in the US (e.g. California)... for me, anyway.
Title: Re: Sub for a 1kA pot?
Post by: lincolnic on November 12, 2013, 03:54:10 AM
Oh, it wasn't insanely expensive, it was just more than I wanted to pay at the time - I chose to spend the money on parts for the vero build instead. I want to build his version eventually too.
Title: Re: Sub for a 1kA pot?
Post by: Micpoc on November 12, 2013, 04:30:40 AM
Well, I hope you get both built and do a comparison demo.  :)