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Projects => Tech Help - Projects Page => Topic started by: LaceSensor on November 10, 2014, 02:47:11 PM

Title: Reasons why an LFO might "freeze"
Post by: LaceSensor on November 10, 2014, 02:47:11 PM
HI

Can someone run me down a few reasons why an LFO might not "work"?
Im talking about a Op amp based LFO. assuming the power, bias, and GND are all connected, what might cause it to not work?

For detail, I am building another Lovetone Flange and the LFO isnt spinning :(
ive tested all traces for continuity, checked parts values, changed the Op amp chip, tried different op amp types etc.

Ian
Title: Re: Reasons why an LFO might "freeze"
Post by: Govmnt_Lacky on November 10, 2014, 03:40:44 PM
Couple of suggestions:

1) Check the proper wiring on ALL of your jacks. Especially the Trig/Gate jack
2) Check to ensure that you have the correct semis in Q14 and Q15 (BC307B and J113 respectiively)
3) Check proper continuoty for SW1.

Good Luck!  ;D
Title: Re: Reasons why an LFO might "freeze"
Post by: LaceSensor on November 10, 2014, 04:10:22 PM
Quote from: Govmnt_Lacky on November 10, 2014, 03:40:44 PM
Couple of suggestions:

1) Check the proper wiring on ALL of your jacks. Especially the Trig/Gate jack
2) Check to ensure that you have the correct semis in Q14 and Q15 (BC307B and J113 respectiively)
3) Check proper continuoty for SW1.

Good Luck!  ;D

cheers Gov

i havent wired the jacks yet but ive grounded the trigger wires, so that does 1)
2) I dont. I have switched the JFET for 2n5457, and the BC307B i only have a BC560 which should be compatible. Any thoughts on that?
https://www.fairchildsemi.com/datasheets/BC/BC556.pdf
3) switches wired properly. 

pretty sure I used the same transistor subs previously with no issue, definitely the Jfet

with that said I have ordered the proper part replacemetns which will arrive soon
Title: Re: Reasons why an LFO might "freeze"
Post by: alanp on November 10, 2014, 04:18:21 PM
2N5457 and J113 respond differently at low freq... my 3046vco's won't go LF with 2n5457, they are meant for 113's. Suspect that is your problem.
Title: Re: Reasons why an LFO might "freeze"
Post by: LaceSensor on November 10, 2014, 04:19:11 PM
Quote from: alanp on November 10, 2014, 04:18:21 PM
2N5457 and J113 respond differently at low freq... my 3046vco's won't go LF with 2n5457, they are meant for 113's. Suspect that is your problem.

ok i will replace all those. I could have sworn I used the 5457's last time...
Title: Re: Reasons why an LFO might "freeze"
Post by: LaceSensor on November 10, 2014, 04:27:40 PM
Quote from: alanp on November 10, 2014, 04:18:21 PM
2N5457 and J113 respond differently at low freq... my 3046vco's won't go LF with 2n5457, they are meant for 113's. Suspect that is your problem.

however, still, I used 2n5457 in place of the j113 in the wobulator too, as its used in that part of the circuit to enact the trig/gate same as the flanger, and it was fine then...

The LFO here is generated from the op amp unless I can be eduicated, so I dont see why the JFET are involved....

can you confirm?thanks

edit - i may be talking shit, just checking my email for "j113" reveals I did order some !
Title: Re: Reasons why an LFO might "freeze"
Post by: LaceSensor on November 10, 2014, 04:53:52 PM
hurrah

just subbed Q15 for a MPF102 and the oscillator is now working

thanks hive mind
no thanks to my alzheimer mind
Title: Re: Reasons why an LFO might "freeze"
Post by: Govmnt_Lacky on November 10, 2014, 05:24:14 PM
I love it when a plan comes together!

(http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZqPlcu8Sivs/maxresdefault.jpg)