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Projects => Tech Help - Projects Page => Topic started by: murdog47 on August 03, 2012, 08:31:48 PM

Title: Slow Loris low volume
Post by: murdog47 on August 03, 2012, 08:31:48 PM
So I've finished up a slow loris and the effect sounds correct.  However the volume is really low.  I probed the circuit and found that I am losing volume at C12.  As the signal hits C12 it is at what I feel is a correct volume level but then it drops significantly on the pad on the other side.  I took out C12 thinking it was the Cap but it did not change with a new cap.  I ran a jumper wire across thinking the signal would stay the same without a cap in but it doesn't still drops? I'm still new to this but the only thing I can figure is that the components after C12 are causing the volume drop, yes?
Title: Re: Slow Loris low volume
Post by: murdog47 on August 03, 2012, 08:57:58 PM
DCV as follows

IC 1:8.65
    2:4.86
    3:4.41
    4:0.00
    5:-24.2
    6:4.85
    7:9.31
    8:4.96
Transistor Q1
1:9.31
2:8.95
3:8.95
Title: Re: Slow Loris low volume
Post by: mgwhit on August 03, 2012, 11:32:34 PM
Check to see that your R8 is really 1M.  I don't think C12 is causing your volume drop, but i do wonder if you have too little resistance in your path to VB.

Or I suppose you could have a bad JFET.  Did you use a 2n5457?  I'll check my voltages after I put my kid to bed tonight.
Title: Re: Slow Loris low volume
Post by: murdog47 on August 04, 2012, 12:49:10 AM
I checked all my parts values and they are correct. Used a 2n5457 for Q1. That would be great, Thanks!
Title: Re: Slow Loris low volume
Post by: mgwhit on August 04, 2012, 01:06:12 AM
Etched or fabbed board?  If fabbed, pre- or post-April 2012 version?
Title: Re: Slow Loris low volume
Post by: murdog47 on August 04, 2012, 01:43:44 AM
Fabbed post correction
Title: Re: Slow Loris low volume
Post by: mgwhit on August 04, 2012, 02:23:42 AM
Here are my voltages:

IC1:

1: 8.94    8: 4.72
2: 4.63    7: 9.59
3: 4.21    6: 4.64
4: 0       5: 0


Q1:

D: 9.59
S: 0.98
G: 0


I'm confused by my own JFET Gate voltage -- I assumed it would be close to VB -- so apparently I'm missing something.

I'm wondering if you have a bad 2N5457.  You have confirmed it's not backwards, haven't you?  If replacing the 2N5457 doesn't help, the best thing you can do is upload some good photos of both sides of the board.  Good luck!

Title: Re: Slow Loris low volume
Post by: stecykmi on August 04, 2012, 02:36:55 AM
is C8 correct? try removing it altogether and see what happens. It acts as a low pass filter (in other words, a high end cut); by removing it, it'll disable the cut control, but the effect should essentially work.
Title: Re: Slow Loris low volume
Post by: murdog47 on August 04, 2012, 02:40:50 AM
The trans is facing the correct way. I guess I should ask, does it make a difference in regards to the voltage readings, which position the toggle is in? I had the LED's selected when I measured mine.  I have a couple extra 2n5457's think I'll just replace it and see what I get.
Title: Re: Slow Loris low volume
Post by: mgwhit on August 04, 2012, 03:00:05 AM
Quote from: murdog47 on August 04, 2012, 02:40:50 AM
I guess I should ask, does it make a difference in regards to the voltage readings, which position the toggle is in? I had the LED's selected when I measured mine.

Nah, shouldn't matter.  The DC on the IC and the JFET Gate is blocked from the clipping diodes by coupling capacitors (C7, C12).
Title: Re: Slow Loris low volume
Post by: murdog47 on August 04, 2012, 02:41:07 PM
And the culprit is.........a bad JFET. Replaced it and all is right with the world. Thanks for the help!  ;D
Title: Re: Slow Loris low volume
Post by: madbean on August 04, 2012, 03:13:52 PM
They are finicky devices. Glad you got it worked out.
Title: Re: Slow Loris low volume
Post by: mgwhit on August 04, 2012, 04:07:05 PM
Quote from: murdog47 on August 04, 2012, 02:41:07 PM
And the culprit is.........a bad JFET. Replaced it and all is right with the world. Thanks for the help!  ;D

Cool.  Glad you found it!