madbeanpedals::forum

Projects => Tech Help - Projects Page => Topic started by: Gremlin on April 29, 2013, 12:26:09 AM

Title: Bumblebee Build Problem
Post by: Gremlin on April 29, 2013, 12:26:09 AM
Good Evening,
First post, first madbean build...
Completed the build and tried it out to find a horrible humming noise.  Pots had effect but nothing coming from the instrument.  I tried reversing transistors, no effect so I believe I had them in correctly the first time.....
Recommended troubleshooting procedures?
I appreciate your time.....
Scott
Title: Re: Bumblebee Build Problem
Post by: midwayfair on April 29, 2013, 12:47:37 AM
http://www.madbeanpedals.com/forum/index.php?topic=902.0

Sounds like you have a ground issue.
Title: Re: Bumblebee Build Problem
Post by: Blues Healer on April 29, 2013, 02:14:04 AM
I agree, hum = ground issue.

I'd probably check the jacks first, since they're the easiest to see the wiring on, but you are likely going to need some standard de-bugging.

LED wiring can also be source ... and double check the switch.
Title: Re: Bumblebee Build Problem
Post by: Gremlin on April 29, 2013, 12:07:18 PM
Thanks...  I've checked solder joints, components, etc....
I may be confused relative to positive ground.....  I installed negative side of battery to -9V on PCB...  Would that be correct?
Title: Re: Bumblebee Build Problem
Post by: midwayfair on April 29, 2013, 01:16:13 PM
Quote from: Gremlin on April 29, 2013, 12:07:18 PM
Thanks...  I've checked solder joints, components, etc....
I may be confused relative to positive ground.....  I installed negative side of battery to -9V on PCB...  Would that be correct?

yes, that's the correct way to hook it up.
Title: Re: Bumblebee Build Problem
Post by: Gremlin on April 29, 2013, 01:23:55 PM
The Bumblebee pdf shows wiring while using the Road Rage for power.  Maybe I'm missing a connection with the switch relative to DC power?  Is there a drawing out there for wiring without the Road Rage with respect to input/output jacks, battery, and the 3PDT switch?
Thanks...
Title: Re: Bumblebee Build Problem
Post by: madbean on April 29, 2013, 05:02:07 PM
Use this as a reference for wiring positive ground with battery only. Same exact hookup.

Title: Re: Bumblebee Build Problem
Post by: Gremlin on April 29, 2013, 11:12:03 PM
Excellent, thanks....  I've now got something coming out, good distorted/fuzz sound...
However, I still have a loud hum and there is no bypass when I throw the switch off.....
I've checked wiring on the switch and wiring to/from the switch...
Hum and no bypass with switch off....  That is now my dilemma...
Secondarily....  which caps might I switch to get lower end response as I am using this for a bass....
Thanks a bunch...
Title: Re: Bumblebee Build Problem
Post by: madbean on April 29, 2013, 11:23:02 PM
Are you testing the wiring outside of the enclosure? If so, you need to temporarily attach a ground wire to the sleeve of the output jack. This is not needed when everything is wired inside an enclosure, because the output sleeve is grounded via the enclosure itself.

To make it more palatable for bass, you could try the following:
C1 = 470n
C5  = 220n
C4 = 10n

Title: Re: Bumblebee Build Problem
Post by: Gremlin on April 29, 2013, 11:33:23 PM
It is outside of the box....  Ground from sleeve to ???
Might this cause the inability to get bypass with switch off?
I truly appreciate everyone's help...  It's been many years since I breathed in large doses of flux....
Once I get this rig up running, functional, and quiet when it's supposed to be, I will do some experimenting with cap values to favor lower end response....
Thanks....
Title: Re: Bumblebee Build Problem
Post by: jimilee on April 30, 2013, 03:47:29 AM
You should post some shots of your wiring,you should have bypass unless it wired backwards and it;s grounding out OR input to stomp switch needs to be reflowed.
Title: Re: Bumblebee Build Problem
Post by: Gremlin on April 30, 2013, 03:06:52 PM
Will post some pics after work...
Title: Re: Bumblebee Build Problem
Post by: Gremlin on April 30, 2013, 09:15:16 PM
Flow and connections look correct.  Any ideas?

Pic attached.
Title: Re: Bumblebee Build Problem
Post by: jkokura on April 30, 2013, 11:06:15 PM
You haven't grounded the sleeve of the output jack. Connect that to ground.

Jacob
Title: Re: Bumblebee Build Problem
Post by: Gremlin on May 01, 2013, 12:36:56 AM
Forgive my ignorance.  To what would I ground it?
Thanks
Title: Re: Bumblebee Build Problem
Post by: jkokura on May 01, 2013, 12:52:43 AM
Nothing to forgive, we all have to learn at some point.

All grounds need to be tied together, so it needs to be connected to all the other grounds. Usually, when the effect is in an enclosure the grounds of the jacks are tied together through the enclosure. When it's not in an enclosure, like you have it, you just need to tie the sleeve of that output jack to the sleeve of the input jack. You can remove that wire later, or use an alligator clip wire if you have one.

Jacob
Title: Re: Bumblebee Build Problem
Post by: Gremlin on May 01, 2013, 01:26:21 AM
Thanks Jacob, at least that's the avenue I was thinking.....  Will give it a try and let you know...
Scott
Title: Re: Bumblebee Build Problem
Post by: Haberdasher on May 01, 2013, 01:33:23 AM
easiest thing might be to ground it to the sleeve of your input jack since you have already grounded it.  or if it is more convenient, any of the three bottom left lugs on your stomp switch that are connected together. those are grounded too.
Title: Re: Bumblebee Build Problem
Post by: Gremlin on May 01, 2013, 08:08:51 PM
Thanks all for the help...  Grounded it as recommended and this thing sounds great...  Love it!!!!
Will post a pic when I get it boxed up and finished....