madbeanpedals::forum

Projects => Build Reports => Topic started by: MTK on January 12, 2020, 01:57:23 PM

Title: A place for my stuff.
Post by: MTK on January 12, 2020, 01:57:23 PM
Hey, guys. I'm new here at the forum but you might have seen me around on Reddit and/or Instagram, I think I recognized a few builds here. I think you guys all haunt the same places. Anyway, I just wanted to say hello and share some of my favorite projects so far. I haven't been at this stuff for very long, my first pedal was in November of 2018, but I've built a lot of circuits in that time. This hobby has taken over almost all of my free time. I used to consider myself a woodworker but, over the last year, it's been about 90% pedals and 10% woodworking. I'm trying to scale back and balance my time a little better and get back to some woodworking this coming year. We'll see how that goes.

These are all vero builds, I'm not on the level of doing my own PCB's yet, so this might be a snoozefest for you.



In no particular order.

The Ripley II - Bazz Fuss with a pulsating LED. This was my 3rd pedal.
(https://i.imgur.com/8fEpnMf.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/tBIaSTp.jpg)

Clip of the LED pulse. https://i.imgur.com/Y1pq99R.mp4




Galaga - Shoe Pixel with a 555/4017 LED chaser circuit to make the ship look like it's shooting.

(https://i.imgur.com/1VWCZXX.jpg)

Clip of the LED chaser circuit. https://i.imgur.com/teAix6V.mp4




Revv G4 -  this is my goto distortion (I used to use a Dr. Boogie but the G4 blows that away)

(https://i.imgur.com/JFz1lzW.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/F97v0ZF.jpg)




Nebula - Hoof Reaper - Doom central. So fun.

(https://i.imgur.com/RwH5X0F.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/YYhKZ8Q.jpg)




Stoned Rat - Turbo Rat -> Ultra Stoner MkII with the clipping LEDs moved to the front because I think it looks awesome (this is pretty much my daily goto fuzz pedal)

(https://i.imgur.com/xAKz0Rt.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/8UrqJLU.jpg)



LV-426 - EQD/Sunn O))) Life Pedal (there was/is a ton of hype around this pedal and, don't get me wrong, it's heavy and dooms well but I'd take the Hoof Reaper over it, no question. Although I do really like the octave blend vs full-on Green Ringer/Tentacle.

(https://i.imgur.com/MMip7HX.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/p9Fi3h7.jpg)




And my most recent project was another Shoe Pixel but I crammed it into a 1590A. I really love this effect. Nintendo has always been my favorite console, I love the 8bit music. I've got an order into Parasit for the Sidescroller Mk2 right now and I'm working on getting the Darkadiator vero to work. I love the bitcrushers.

Pacman - Shoe Pixel


(https://i.imgur.com/bo2xDOm.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/BOVK4FR.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/nmKgYj0.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/nmLtBIc.jpg)




If you made it this far, cheers!
-MTK
Title: Re: Some of my favorites.
Post by: EBK on January 12, 2020, 02:38:29 PM
Excellent builds!  I love the Pac-Man and Galaga ones in particular.  Have you checked out the contest board yet?  The deadline to enter is today, and I would strongly encourage you to consider it.  ;)
Title: Re: Some of my favorites.
Post by: Caedarn on January 12, 2020, 02:41:31 PM
Really impressive!
Title: Re: Some of my favorites.
Post by: MTK on January 12, 2020, 02:59:32 PM
Quote from: EBK on January 12, 2020, 02:38:29 PM
Excellent builds!  I love the Pac-Man and Galaga ones in particular.  Have you checked out the contest board yet?  The deadline to enter is today, and I would strongly encourage you to consider it.  ;)

Thanks, man. I appreciate it. A contest, that's fun. Is it customary to submit 1 entry or multiples? Also, since I'm new, wouldn't it be kinda douchey to participate? I haven't been a part of the forum or contributed anything.

edit: Nevermind. I found the thread. It's 1 pedal. Man.... that's tough. I built a lot last year. lol

Quote from: JoeR3155 on January 12, 2020, 02:41:31 PM
Really impressive!

Thanks!!
Title: Re: Some of my favorites.
Post by: pickdropper on January 12, 2020, 03:06:40 PM
All nice builds, but I particularly like the divided label on the Nebula.
Title: Re: Some of my favorites.
Post by: jimilee on January 12, 2020, 03:30:06 PM
Those look fantastic. I'm a sucker for flashing and pulsing LEDs. Welcome to the forum!

As far as the contest, it's one per category.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Some of my favorites.
Post by: alanp on January 13, 2020, 04:15:23 AM
Wow!
Title: Re: Some of my favorites.
Post by: rockola on January 13, 2020, 07:00:43 AM
Incredible art on all of these. My favourite has to be the Galaga pedal, played way too much Galaga back in the day (was it really almost 40 years ago?). Is the LED pulse rate synced with any of the pedal controls?
Title: Re: Some of my favorites.
Post by: MTK on January 13, 2020, 03:08:09 PM
Quote from: alanp on January 13, 2020, 04:15:23 AM
Wow!
Thanks!


Quote from: jimilee on January 12, 2020, 03:30:06 PM
Those look fantastic. I'm a sucker for flashing and pulsing LEDs. Welcome to the forum!

Thanks, man. I dig the lights too. There is a little noise added because of them though.

Quote from: rockola on January 13, 2020, 07:00:43 AM
Incredible art on all of these. My favourite has to be the Galaga pedal, played way too much Galaga back in the day (was it really almost 40 years ago?). Is the LED pulse rate synced with any of the pedal controls?

Yeah, Galaga was a little while back. lol I haven't tried to control the speed of the LEDs with a knob. That's a good idea. I'm assuming that'd have to be a dual gang, right?

I've got a couple more builds I can post, gotta find the drive that's got the pictures on it. I just went through my laptop and cleaned everything up and whatnot at the first of the year.
Title: Re: Some of my favorites.
Post by: dawson on January 13, 2020, 09:24:51 PM
Neat builds and sharp decals- I'm curious about your labeling method as your colors are turning out more true than some of the other methods I've seen around, any secret techniques or products you'd be willing to share?

I had to look up the Shoe Pixel because I hadn't heard of it- what a cool effect for so few components!  I use (and highly recommend) the Parasit Studio 0415 Synth and can get similar tones feeding the 0415 into a Big Cheese clone, but the Pixel is now on my list of silly things to build- nice work shoving it into that 1590a.
  You've probably seen this already, but in case you haven't: https://www.parasitstudio.se/uploads/2/4/4/9/2449159/guitarsynthvero.png

Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: Some of my favorites.
Post by: MTK on January 14, 2020, 08:31:27 AM
Quote from: dawson on January 13, 2020, 09:24:51 PM
Neat builds and sharp decals- I'm curious about your labeling method as your colors are turning out more true than some of the other methods I've seen around, any secret techniques or products you'd be willing to share?

I had to look up the Shoe Pixel because I hadn't heard of it- what a cool effect for so few components!  I use (and highly recommend) the Parasit Studio 0415 Synth and can get similar tones feeding the 0415 into a Big Cheese clone, but the Pixel is now on my list of silly things to build- nice work shoving it into that 1590a.
  You've probably seen this already, but in case you haven't: https://www.parasitstudio.se/uploads/2/4/4/9/2449159/guitarsynthvero.png

Thanks for sharing!

Thanks, man. The Pixel is a lot of fun and really simple. The first time I built it, I think it was the 4th circuit I built - Bazz>Electra>Meathead>Pixel - I fell in love with it. It was a massive build at the time, 4 knobs and a toggle.

I've only recently become aware of Parasit and all the insane stuff they've got. I ordered the Sidescroller Mk2 a few days ago. And my friend linked me this yesterday. https://www.parasitstudio.se/building-blog/the-quantum-defrakulator-mk2-released And I'm not sure how I've lived this long without it in my life. lol


Yeah, the way I do graphics is different from anything I've seen so far. And it's stupid simple. I'll do a full how-to on my next build. I'm either going to be making another Life Pedal as a gift for a friend or boxing up a Darkadiator that, with the help of Freppo, is now working. So many transistors on that one.
Title: A place for my stuff.
Post by: MTK on January 18, 2020, 12:45:54 AM
Instead of starting new threads, I figure I'll just put my stuff here.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/ae/GC_A_Place_For_My_Stuff.jpg)



Today's project is another Life Pedal. The OLR-131

(https://i.imgur.com/vNzYKEg.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/kMtHgT7.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/rrkQVWu.jpg)

This one is pretty significant to me, it's a surprise gift to a friend of mine. I think this is the 8th or 9th pedal I've made for him but what's cool about it is the graphic. That's a piece he did, years ago, in regular M$ Paint. The Original Lie Revealed. It's one of my all-time favorite art pieces. The 3rd pedal I ever made was an Electra distortion that I gave it to him, with that graphic on it. The OLR-03.


I used Mod Podge for this one.
(https://i.imgur.com/UIlgxRA.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/S1VcxDI.jpg)


The significance, to me, is how far I've come in a year and 128 circuits later. Looking at these two side by side is a trip.


I built this is Sketchup and Photoshop. lol
(https://i.imgur.com/rtoJf67.jpg)

Then I found DIYLC
(https://i.imgur.com/tVbgFUo.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/prZbuqG.jpg)
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: gordo on January 18, 2020, 02:22:58 AM
Go away, we don't need your talented types here. :-)

Nice work and welcome aboard.  This is a great place.
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: Leevibe on January 19, 2020, 02:58:21 AM
Some gorgeous art going on here. Welcome to Madbean. Keep posting!
Title: A place for my stuff. Darkadiator - Space Invaders
Post by: MTK on January 21, 2020, 10:03:59 AM
Just finished this one up. I had some issues with the LEDs. I used 5mm white at first but they were too fat plus the super glue I was using was not working. After an hour it wasn't fully dry and the LEDs had slipped away from the eye holes. I removed the whole damn circuit, which is always a good time, scraped the glue out and used 3mm yellows and a new container of glue. That went much better. This effect is nuts, I love it


(https://i.imgur.com/VgyfMwY.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/Q6nHjw9.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/j4oGWVQ.jpg)

Here's a quick demo.
https://youtu.be/N2sR-ZpNGTA


Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: MTK on February 02, 2020, 12:04:24 AM
Got a few more to add to the pile.


Cloven Hoof (This one is pretty good, it's really high gain - kind of a fuzztortion)

(https://i.imgur.com/aKM0nid.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/PGwCAJ5.jpg)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HypEL9yA9JQ



Colossus Fuzz (with another Shoe Pixel in the background)

(https://i.imgur.com/249tZHx.jpg)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6zm6OzmkfA

I can't find a circuit picture, it's from Tagboard though.



Random Number Generator (this one is just silly, I built it just because it's low parts and I wanted to try it out)

(https://i.imgur.com/7NFCOgv.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/n9aCl54.jpg)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMR_g83goCk



Buzz Fuzz (Meathead) G.C. Fuzz (EHX Green Muff modded for bass - it's the Tagboard layout - caps and resistors are different from the actual Green Muff, this pedal is thiiiiick and Carlin is my favorite comedian)

(https://i.imgur.com/7h0fxmx.jpg)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euBp4_p3Oq4



Pharaoh Supreme with Tentacle
This one was almost a bust. I designed the graphic before making sure both circuits would fit in that enclosure. I had to wrap tape around the octave circuit because the only pace for it was right over the power jack and it was touching. It's not pretty but it sounds good.

(https://i.imgur.com/aQ9n1fx.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/OssTywW.jpg)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aazmUrUBnJ0


Sidescroller MK2 (So much fun. I just now discovered Parasit and all the cool circuits they offer. I've got 2 more on the way)

(https://i.imgur.com/7ATqkba.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/QkpAK99.jpg)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzNtX6OWx6M


Black Mass (Coven Supreme - Normally the Coven is a Pharaoh and a Black Forest but this is a Pharaoh Supreme which adds in another rotary toggle switch. This pedal is my biggest build so far, with all those controls, it covers lots of ground)

(https://i.imgur.com/NP5pXcE.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/p4KhE2i.jpg)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeyB_RjITOc



And lastly, an A/B circuit tester. I was using my breadboard A/B as a vero tester but keeping the leads in the bb slots was a pain when you're fooling with the controls. This is better and takes up way less desk space.

(https://i.imgur.com/esIAnCZ.jpg)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnwTI554WAk


This ends the tour, please visit the gift shop before exiting the thread. Thanks for stopping by.
-MTK
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: jimilee on February 02, 2020, 01:28:10 AM
I really dig the sidescroller and A/B tester for originality. I need to look up that A/B tester.
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: MTK on February 02, 2020, 01:54:49 AM
Quote from: jimilee on February 02, 2020, 01:28:10 AM
I really dig the sidescroller and A/B tester for originality. I need to look up that A/B tester.

Thanks, man. Damn, I didn't know there was a layout for an A/B tester. That would've saved me some time. I made a layout in DIYLC, it looks a little chaotic but it works.
It's in here.  https://imgur.com/a/Og5B9VK
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: mauzau on February 02, 2020, 10:39:59 AM
Beautiful works!
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: junkemail86 on February 02, 2020, 02:27:34 PM
I love the creative use of LED's seamlessly built into the aesthetics of the project
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: TheDude on February 02, 2020, 04:45:43 PM
Some awesome stuff here man, very inspiring! I love how the eyes alternately flash on the Darkadiator board
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: MTK on February 03, 2020, 08:29:10 PM
Quote from: mauzau on February 02, 2020, 10:39:59 AM
Beautiful works!

Very kind of you to say.

Quote from: junkemail86 on February 02, 2020, 02:27:34 PM
I love the creative use of LED's seamlessly built into the aesthetics of the project

Thank you. It always cool when they can be incorporated into the graphic.

Quote from: TheDude on February 02, 2020, 04:45:43 PM
Some awesome stuff here man, very inspiring! I love how the eyes alternately flash on the Darkadiator board

Thanks! I was trying to think of an arcade machine to go along with my Galaga and Pac Man pedals and the Space Invaders art just seemed perfect.
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: TheDude on February 04, 2020, 12:01:27 AM


Quote from: MTK on February 03, 2020, 08:29:10 PM
Quote from: TheDude on February 02, 2020, 04:45:43 PM
Some awesome stuff here man, very inspiring! I love how the eyes alternately flash on the Darkadiator board

Thanks! I was trying to think of an arcade machine to go along with my Galaga and Pac Man pedals and the Space Invaders art just seemed perfect.

You killed it with the Space Invaders look. How did you wire up the LEDs to do do that?

Sent from my LM-X410PM using Tapatalk

Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: MTK on February 04, 2020, 12:11:45 AM
Quote from: TheDude on February 04, 2020, 12:01:27 AM

You killed it with the Space Invaders look. How did you wire up the LEDs to do do that?


The LEDs are all Parasit, it's just part of their design. Here's a clip from when I just finished it with some reds temp soldered in place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCvWhjqCJxc
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: Thewintersoldier on February 04, 2020, 01:47:42 AM
You need to see a doctor cause your stuff is sick dude!
Title: MU/TH/UR 6000 - Parasit Studio - Quantum Defrakulator
Post by: MTK on February 21, 2020, 07:25:49 PM
I've been a little slow on builds lately. I just finished up this Quantum Defrakulator from Parasit Studio. I can't say enough good things about it. It's extremely fun. I had an issue with the 2nd step of the 1st oscillator. It would only work every now and then from the start. In the build doc it says that sometimes it takes the LFO a few seconds to get going and I thought that was it. Well, it turns out that the CMOS chip was at fault. I swapped it out with a new one, tested it out, and it acted very strange. The 3rd and 4th lights were randomly jumping back and forth and it sounded like it was dying. I quickly shut it off and noticed that terrible smell of burned electronics. I let the smoke out. That new chip I put in was hot a hell and in upside down.  :-[  I thought, for sure, that I had ruined it. I grabbed another 4052BE, put it in the correct way and switched it back on. It worked! But now I had a dead LED, coincidentally the 2nd step of the 1st oscillator. After removing all 12 of the knobs I had carefully installed juuuust right, I replaced the LED, buttoned it back up and it's good to. The graphic is MU/TH/UR 6000 from Alien. This will go nicely with my Ripley and LV-426 pedals.

(https://i.imgur.com/URHgzun.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/Uxquqc3.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/AeZifeL.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/o3WmltJ.jpg)


Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: MTK on February 21, 2020, 07:30:10 PM
Quote from: Thewintersoldier on February 04, 2020, 01:47:42 AM
You need to see a doctor cause your stuff is sick dude!

Ha! That's funny. Thanks, man.
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: jimilee on February 21, 2020, 07:42:31 PM
Looking good as always. Do you play your guitar through the defraculator or does it just make noise?
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: MTK on February 21, 2020, 08:00:16 PM
It's just a noise synth. Output only.
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: nzCdog on February 24, 2020, 05:05:29 AM
Phwoar! These graphics look really impressive dude :)
Title: Cornish Duplex
Post by: MTK on February 24, 2020, 09:41:46 PM
Just finished up a Cornish Duplex for a woodworking friend of mine. He digs llamas and goes by that name online so we added it into the graphic. Never heard of this stuff before and looking up the price on the real deal.... :o Those prices are silly.

I went with Aion pcb's. Solid boards, not that I've got much experience with them but the spacing is good and the build doc is laid out nicely.

(https://i.imgur.com/YmMrsvZ.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/IUP1G3C.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/rgiEKSj.jpg)

I think it turned out pretty good. The G2 is weird as hell for being a muff clone. It's got a ton of low end, very fat, and below unity. I did some digging and it seems like the G2 just is a quiet circuit. Here's the write-up in the Big Muff bible. www.kitrae.net/music/Music_Muff%20Inspired%20Pedals%20and%20Clones.html#G2

"It is very quiet, even with the gain maxed. It has a similar quality to a Tube Driver at full gain. It sounds great with slightly dirty amps. The only drawback that I have found with clean amps is that even at maximum sustain, the gain is not very high. Since I prefer slightly more sustain for leads, I often boost the gain of my Big Muffs with a driver pedal or compressor, so it is not really an issue."

We weren't sure of the effect order so I added in a toggle. It's definitely G2->SS3 though. The other way around is flub central, way too much low end on that G2. Aion's build doc even has a suggested mod section to help take the mud out. I ended up adding in an LPB-1 to get it back to unity. By itself, I don't much care for it to be honest but as a slightly dirty boost for the SS3, it's killer. Great sounding distortion that cleans up and responds to picking very well.




Quote from: nzCdog on February 24, 2020, 05:05:29 AM
Phwoar! These graphics look really impressive dude :)

Thanks, man! I appreciate it.

Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: jimilee on February 24, 2020, 11:14:58 PM
Quote from: MTK on February 24, 2020, 09:41:46 PM
Just finished up a Cornish Duplex for a woodworking friend of mine. He digs llamas and goes by that name online so we added it into the graphic. Never heard of this stuff before and looking up the price on the real deal.... :o Those prices are silly.

I went with Aion pcb's. Solid boards, not that I've got much experience with them but the spacing is good and the build doc is laid out nicely.

(https://i.imgur.com/YmMrsvZ.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/IUP1G3C.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/rgiEKSj.jpg)

I think it turned out pretty good. The G2 is weird as hell for being a muff clone. It's got a ton of low end, very fat, and below unity. I did some digging and it seems like the G2 just is a quiet circuit. Here's the write-up in the Big Muff bible. www.kitrae.net/music/Music_Muff%20Inspired%20Pedals%20and%20Clones.html#G2

"It is very quiet, even with the gain maxed. It has a similar quality to a Tube Driver at full gain. It sounds great with slightly dirty amps. The only drawback that I have found with clean amps is that even at maximum sustain, the gain is not very high. Since I prefer slightly more sustain for leads, I often boost the gain of my Big Muffs with a driver pedal or compressor, so it is not really an issue."

We weren't sure of the effect order so I added in a toggle. It's definitely G2->SS3 though. The other way around is flub central, way too much low end on that G2. Aion's build doc even has a suggested mod section to help take the mud out. I ended up adding in an LPB-1 to get it back to unity. By itself, I don't much care for it to be honest but as a slightly dirty boost for the SS3, it's killer. Great sounding distortion that cleans up and responds to picking very well.




Quote from: nzCdog on February 24, 2020, 05:05:29 AM
Phwoar! These graphics look really impressive dude :)

Thanks, man! I appreciate it.
Very cool man. Someone here was selling boards too. I really like the combo. Seems like the G2 is a hybrid muff / overdrive if i am remembering right, that may be the SS2.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: MTK on June 21, 2020, 03:40:28 PM
Corridors of Time (Any Chrono Trigger fans here?)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvB9bZa99GY


(https://i.imgur.com/L3hrbs2.jpg)




I finished up this Stone Rhino last night for a friend.
EQD Black Ash and Bellows in 1 enclosure with an effect order toggle. He designed the graphic.

(https://i.imgur.com/ED3xK5r.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/sBFX6w3.jpg)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CK93jJyIfEk




Sunn Model T

I've been wanting to try this one out for a while. Always heard good things and rightly so. It's a kickass pedal. It's extremely quiet and does well with being boosted. Sounds great with a Rat, Muff, OD, etc... This is a keeper.

(https://i.imgur.com/MsB5GDa.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/frFW9HZ.jpg)


I reused this enclosure from a previous build and had 4 extra spaces that needed filled.
LEDs to the rescue

(https://i.imgur.com/hR8K8Io.jpg)

Black Eye Galaxy for the graphic.

(https://i.imgur.com/xmD6ruZ.jpg)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGqgVS54RGQ


Pairing it up with my last build, Mountainking Megalith, is absolutely magical.

(https://i.imgur.com/XMqKeAV.jpg)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHIRtkQN9IU





I can thank DS9 for the inspiration on the name. I had this 1032L sitting on the shelf for months and once I finished the Space Spiral, I knew it had to go in there. I added momentary switches for Repeats and Rate. This pedal can make some crazy sounds. I only ever play with my fuzz pedals so I don't know what the hell to do with a delay, it's easy to get lost in just picking out simple chords and moving around. I'm going to be tinkering with this one for a while.

Layout - https://tagboardeffects.blogspot.com/2020/04/earthquaker-devices-space-spiral.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AieDI2D2VZs


(https://i.imgur.com/x1Dxl7L.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/KfJBz7Q.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/Oscwg6Y.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/MaqMiKG.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/LgAi2oP.jpg)





I've been wanting to make this one for a while, got it done a little while ago. It fuckin' jams. I went with 2N1613's @60 hfe, PF5102's, a 2N2907A, and 4558's for the opamps. I also tried some 2N2369, 2N5457/5458's and a 3906. All worked just fine, I went with the 1613's because they had matching gain. The 2N2369's were 48-55-58 hfe, still sounded great though.


(https://i.imgur.com/bd1sueq.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/M6D5mSX.jpg)


No fancy graphics for this one, just straight to business.
(https://i.imgur.com/tcgl29G.jpg)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4p5jcCNOmY




Operation Cram a Mountainking Megalith into a 1590A-tall was a complete success. No room to spare.  I had to get creative and move stuff around but it fired right up. So much heavy from a tiny box. I'm going back to regular size pedals for a bit now. lol This was fun and all but damn it was a pain in the ass at times.

(https://i.imgur.com/lfyr592.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/GHbvFzK.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/9WExiLt.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/B6yP3kz.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/3rdVg7O.jpg)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0bX2QAPz-Y
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: MTK on June 21, 2020, 03:40:49 PM
Here's fun one. I cut strips out of an enclosure and glued plexiglass in it. This just opened up lots of fun lighting options.

(https://i.imgur.com/GtUQt73.gif)


(https://i.imgur.com/QLrtz6j.jpg)


Deep Blue Delay and a Space Spiral

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLeYkc8Mx34


Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: jimilee on June 21, 2020, 04:35:04 PM
Yes, but does it phase?
Holy shit man, I'm totally jealous, you went all out! They're all insane!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: thomasha on June 21, 2020, 09:04:40 PM
That is a nice set of builds!
That 1590a build was impressive. Nice way to accomodate everything.
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: MTK on June 22, 2020, 07:46:49 AM
Quote from: jimilee on June 21, 2020, 04:35:04 PM
Yes, but does it phase?

I haven't built a phaser yet, it's on the list though.


Quote from: thomasha on June 21, 2020, 09:04:40 PM
That is a nice set of builds!
That 1590a build was impressive. Nice way to accommodate everything.

Thank, man. I'd love to be able to wizard some things into a 1590LB like you one day. Any tips besides staggered Lumberg's?
Title: Sagan Delay 2.0
Post by: MTK on July 25, 2020, 05:33:31 PM
This is the biggest pedal build I've done yet. Thanks to Chris for the boards and for sending me some pin headers. Thanks to Dan for the mini potentiometer I needed for this. I really appreciate it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCTUXckIjMY

(https://i.imgur.com/ONAUEY8.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/8gmLqfe.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/bAb7Hx2.jpg)
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: harryklippton on July 25, 2020, 05:44:03 PM
Wow! That looks incredible
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: dan.schumaker on July 25, 2020, 05:53:29 PM
Looks awesome!  I know it sounds just as good as it looks!
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: jimilee on July 25, 2020, 06:19:28 PM
Nice! Build the dueling herbies next, it was more knobs and switched.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: dawson on July 25, 2020, 09:33:07 PM
Wow- I'm quite impressed with the plexi-glass strip lighting in your newer builds.  Very creative idea and excellent execution.

I've no doubt in my mind that they sound better than they would've without.

Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: MTK on July 28, 2020, 10:22:27 AM
Quote from: dan.schumaker on July 25, 2020, 05:53:29 PM
Looks awesome!  I know it sounds just as good as it looks!
Thanks, man. It's the most fun delay I've played yet.

Quote from: jimilee on July 25, 2020, 06:19:28 PM
Nice! Build the dueling herbies next, it was more knobs and switched.
I'll check that out, I'm not familiar with it.

Quote from: dawson on July 25, 2020, 09:33:07 PM
Wow- I'm quite impressed with the plexi-glass strip lighting in your newer builds.  Very creative idea and excellent execution.

I've no doubt in my mind that they sound better than they would've without.

Thanks for sharing!
Very nice of you to say. Like most noobs I was obsessed with the idea of making "my own" pedal. I realize it's not likely going to happen because everything has been done and redone dozens of times. I figure maybe I can just come up with some cool new stuff with lights.

Quote from: harryklippton on July 25, 2020, 05:44:03 PM
Wow! That looks incredible

Thanks!
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: Cucurbitam0schata on August 14, 2020, 11:00:46 PM
Quote from: MTK on July 28, 2020, 10:22:27 AM
I figure maybe I can just come up with some cool new stuff with lights.

"Cool new stuff with lights"!? That's underselling it!  ;) 

Really amazing work. Would you mind sharing how you got the dry and delay signals trigger those LEDs?
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: Nightshazz on August 24, 2020, 02:05:41 PM
Fantastic builds! They look great! How did you apply the artwork to the enclosures? They look awesome! This is off topic, but where did you get those sweet storage bins for all your small components parts? Thanks!
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: benny_profane on August 24, 2020, 03:30:38 PM
Quote from: Nightshazz on August 24, 2020, 02:05:41 PM
Fantastic builds! They look great! How did you apply the artwork to the enclosures? They look awesome! This is off topic, but where did you get those sweet storage bins for all your small components parts? Thanks!

In re storage: check out Akro-Mils drawer units.
Title: Wooden Pedal
Post by: MTK on September 28, 2020, 08:48:42 AM
I haven't been doing much complete pedal building lately, mostly just working on some circuits. However, I did knock out a wooden 1590A-ish enclosure the other day. First time doing this and I'm definitely making more, so many options going this route. This one is Tornillo with an Ash knob.

(https://i.imgur.com/E6ssMK7.jpeg)


(https://i.imgur.com/hSNXeph.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/SVDHDfn.jpg)


Build Folder - https://imgur.com/a/xIbKW67
Title: Re: Wooden Pedal
Post by: davent on September 28, 2020, 03:44:19 PM
Quote from: MTK on September 28, 2020, 08:48:42 AM
I haven't been doing much complete pedal building lately, mostly just working on some circuits. However, I did knock out a wooden 1590A-ish enclosure the other day. First time doing this and I'm definitely making more, so many options going this route. This one is Tornillo with an Ash knob.

(https://i.imgur.com/E6ssMK7.jpeg)


(https://i.imgur.com/hSNXeph.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/SVDHDfn.jpg)


Build Folder - https://imgur.com/a/xIbKW67


With your woodworking chops it was only a matter of time, looks great! The new adventure begins...
dave
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: cooder on September 29, 2020, 01:26:44 AM
Very cool and beautiful!  8)
Title: C19 Databus Drive - Parasit Studio - Atari 2600
Post by: MTK on November 12, 2020, 12:31:35 AM
I've been working on this one for almost a month. The Databus Drive is the largest pcb I've ever worked on and the "enclosure" has the most hours I've put into a pedal build yet. Lots of Sketchup work before hitting the shop. As soon as Parasit posted the demo of this build a few months back, I knew what I wanted to do but wasn't sure I'd be able to pull it off. Getting the toggles just right was particularly tricky but, overall, it turned out better than I expected. I'm pretty bad at painting but it could've been worse. I'm still on the fence about adding labels, I'm digging how it looks as is. Kinda sleek.

(https://i.imgur.com/5UxigIN.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/6uoOlFd.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/MYvf2T1.jpg)



Build pics - https://imgur.com/a/RrPInGR

PCB - https://www.parasitstudio.se/store/p83/C19_Databus_Drive_PCB.html
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: dan.schumaker on November 12, 2020, 12:33:12 AM
That is awesome looking!  The enclosure is hella cool!
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: jimilee on November 12, 2020, 02:33:38 AM
That is truly awesome. You've really outdone yourself.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: mjg on November 12, 2020, 05:46:55 AM
That enclosure is perfect for the effect, nicely done!
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: rockola on November 12, 2020, 06:06:39 AM
The Atari 2600 rides again. The joystick/footswitch is really the cherry on top. Is the red button functional?
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: MTK on November 12, 2020, 02:46:31 PM
Quote from: dan.schumaker on November 12, 2020, 12:33:12 AM
That is awesome looking!  The enclosure is hella cool!

Thanks, man. It was fun but took a bit longer than I thought it would. Between my Sagan build and this, I think I'm done with pedals for the next few months. lol Well, probably not circuits but definitely no more out of the ordinary enclosures for a while. That's what I'm thinking at least. We'll see what actually happens.

Quote from: jimilee on November 12, 2020, 02:33:38 AM
That is truly awesome. You've really outdone yourself.

Very kind of you. Thanks.

Quote from: mjg on November 12, 2020, 05:46:55 AM
That enclosure is perfect for the effect, nicely done!

I appreciate that, man.

Quote from: rockola on November 12, 2020, 06:06:39 AM
The Atari 2600 rides again. The joystick/footswitch is really the cherry on top. Is the red button functional?

No, it's just a painted slice from a dowel rod. The separate enclosure/joystick was actually a suggestion from a friend of mine. I was originally planning on putting the footswitches on the front corners of the main enclosure. His idea was waaaay better.

Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: dawson on November 14, 2020, 11:36:33 PM
Holy balls!

I didn't think for a moment that your enclosure wasn't an old re-purposed plastic housing for some obsolete tech... until I saw the build pics!
Awesome planning and execution, sir.  Everyone ought to go check out those build pictures!

Edit*  I almost forgot to mention how cool your extra-long switch toggles are-  they're very cool.
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: MTK on November 21, 2020, 06:21:58 PM
Quote from: dawson on November 14, 2020, 11:36:33 PM
Holy balls!

I didn't think for a moment that your enclosure wasn't an old re-purposed plastic housing for some obsolete tech... until I saw the build pics!
Awesome planning and execution, sir.  Everyone ought to go check out those build pictures!

Edit*  I almost forgot to mention how cool your extra-long switch toggles are-  they're very cool.

Thanks, man. I learned a lot on the build.
Title: More wooden stuff.
Post by: MTK on November 21, 2020, 07:24:36 PM
I've been tinkering with more wooden enclosures and also wooden knobs.

This is an EQD Dirt Tranmitter clone with a walnut enclosure. I just went at this one willy nilly and it too waaaay longer than it should have.

(https://i.imgur.com/emFnR8X.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/epIDSK1.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/37NJzEw.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/wD3PleX.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/b5i7HIe.jpg)


I decided to take a different approach for this next one and build a router template. It went much better and a ton faster. I made the template from 1/2" mdf and soaked it with thinned CA glue, it's super sturdy now. I used double sided tape to hold it to the walnut blank and routed it out. Next time I'll use the drill press to hog out the bulk of the material then just clean it up with the router, that'll speed up the process even more.

This one is a Rat with switchable clipping diodes, silicon and red LEDs. It's also made from walnut.

(https://i.imgur.com/rZYPuzK.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/z1Zjs7z.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/vXx6kPr.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/zMENDQH.jpg)

This thing is jam packed. It's about an inch longer than a 1590A but the internal width and height is about the same.

(https://i.imgur.com/HLjfSw4.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/kcAUlT6.jpg)


And here's a canary wood and walnut knob.

I started by throwing a canary wood dowel into the lathe and drilling out the center. Then cut them into slices.

(https://i.imgur.com/ts8zHL9.jpg)

Then drilled the set screw hole.

(https://i.imgur.com/pYiXobp.jpg)

Glued them in place. (I unknowingly ruined 3 of them by getting glue on the set screw threads :()

(https://i.imgur.com/esliILi.jpg)

Added the walnut top.

(https://i.imgur.com/9fuT9Vv.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/wAWgBOx.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/IhAl4zr.gif)

This is a better resolution clip of that gif - https://i.imgur.com/DwBeFmB.mp4

Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: dawson on November 21, 2020, 07:44:58 PM
Wow dude, that Rat is so cool-looking!
The cream mini-chickenheads with the single-letter stamps all on that nice walnut- doesn't get any classier than that unless you're using gold-plated stomp-washers.

What finish is that on the walnut?  That sheen..
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: gordo on November 21, 2020, 11:15:16 PM
Damn that's cool.
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: cooder on November 22, 2020, 02:35:25 AM
Super sweet and lovely craftsmanship! Love those knobbies definitely post a few shots with them on! Noiiiice!
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: mjg on November 22, 2020, 07:02:51 AM
Wow.  I've never thought to use the letter stamps on wood before. They look amazing. 
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: MTK on November 27, 2020, 02:08:11 PM
Quote from: dawson on November 21, 2020, 07:44:58 PM
Wow dude, that Rat is so cool-looking!
The cream mini-chickenheads with the single-letter stamps all on that nice walnut- doesn't get any classier than that unless you're using gold-plated stomp-washers.

What finish is that on the walnut?  That sheen..

Thanks, man. I've had those mini chicken knobs leftover/extras from a commission for almost a year. I'm not really a fan of that type but they fit the walnut like a glove. Good call on the gold hardware, I'll keep that in mind.

The finish is 2 coats of clear shellac then paste wax applied with 0000 steel wool. It makes for a "close to the wood" finish. I'm not a fan of heavy finishes, it's supposed to look like wood not plastic. lol Wipe on poly is my go-to for surfaces that will see high traffic like table tops, benches, etc... Picture frames, decorative boxes, knick knacks, etc... shellac is the way for me.

Quote from: gordo on November 21, 2020, 11:15:16 PM
Damn that's cool.
Thanks, gordo.


Quote from: mjg on November 22, 2020, 07:02:51 AM
Wow.  I’ve never thought to use the letter stamps on wood before. They look amazing. 

I bought those punches for the aluminum enclosures but I'm absolute ass at getting those to work correctly on them. I always end up with double stamps or just a nasty looking mess. Using them on wood is a lot more forgiving. You can give a few light taps to set the position before the final schmack.

Quote from: cooder on November 22, 2020, 02:35:25 AM
Super sweet and lovely craftsmanship! Love those knobbies definitely post a few shots with them on! Noiiiice!

Will do, thanks. I've been really focusing on those the past couple days. I've got a pretty good method now and I think I'm going to start on making sets for a while a see if I get any bites.
Title: More wooden knobs.
Post by: MTK on November 27, 2020, 02:30:07 PM
I'm really enjoying this stuff. It doesn't take much material at all but there's a good bit of work. Yesterday, after work, I went digging through the scraps bin of my "fancy" material and grabbed a bit of bubinga and ebony. Fancy Schmancy stuff.

I haven't been able to find a source for those little brass inserts with the set-screw for a decent price. There are like 3 places that have them listed for .99c a piece and a place over seas that's got them for a better price but shipping makes them about .90c a piece. That's insane, IMO. Complete knobs cost less than that. My method for this is just harvesting them from existing knobs which kinda sucks because I'm wasting things. I got 50 blemished knobs from SBP for .30c a piece which is excellent though.

I'm lazy and haven't uploaded this stuff to youtube so forgive the IG links for videos.
insert harvest - https://www.instagram.com/p/CIGOMWxHiaJ/


Here are the bubinga and ebony knobs I made yesterday. This was my first try at a set, I was worried about keeping them uniform but it worked out well.

(https://i.imgur.com/UN9ZXqF.jpeg)


(https://i.imgur.com/YjeRS2S.jpeg)


You can see the other 3 I've made in the background. That one looks like a barrel. And the other one, the massive one, is padauk and walnut with a bamboo indicator dot. The dots on the bubinga/ebony ones are toothpicks, so it's most likely birch.

(https://i.imgur.com/65Y198m.jpeg)


(https://i.imgur.com/ScCpj9D.jpg)
That's the bamboo indicator. I dig the grain.


Here's a clip of them - https://www.instagram.com/p/CIEnkY9nbIy/



Here's the build folder showing the process. https://imgur.com/a/kv3q6hD

Basically, drill some material using a hole-saw for whatever size you'd like. Take it to the saw to free the blanks. Back to the drill press to make the holes the proper size for the inserts and drill the hole for the set-screw. Then put the insert in and add some super glue, taking care to not get glue on the set-screw threads. You might notice I started with 5 knobs but finished with 4. ...damn glue  Anyway, cut and glue the tops on, trim them up, sand them on the lathe. Back to the drill press to make spots for the indicator dots, cut and glue those in place. Back to the lathe to sand the tops down and final sand the whole thing. Apply a couple coats of shellac then wax with 0000 steel wool and buff with a cotton cloth with wax. Done and done.
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: davent on November 27, 2020, 04:23:09 PM
Those look great! The options for position markers is pretty endless as well, metals, all the side fretboard markers of mother of pearl, abalone...

Have done the same knob experiments with acrylics. Instead of the inserts i tapped the body of the knob to receive the set screw. For wood knobs dribble in some thin superglue after tapping to harden up the sides then run the tap in again. Drill press and brass rod to produce diy inserts.



dave
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: jimilee on November 27, 2020, 04:33:38 PM
I really dig those knobs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: cooder on November 27, 2020, 11:00:18 PM
Awesome sauce! 8)
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: MTK on December 13, 2020, 01:08:09 PM
Quote from: davent on November 27, 2020, 04:23:09 PM
Those look great! The options for position markers is pretty endless as well, metals, all the side fretboard markers of mother of pearl, abalone...

Have done the same knob experiments with acrylics. Instead of the inserts i tapped the body of the knob to receive the set screw. For wood knobs dribble in some thin superglue after tapping to harden up the sides then run the tap in again. Drill press and brass rod to produce diy inserts.



dave

That's some good advice. Thanks. I figured out the problem I was having though, I wasn't getting glue in the threads after all. The problem was that the set screw was tapped into the insert at an angle, and because I was drilling a straight hole through the side of the knob, the screw couldn't properly thread itself. Since figuring that out, I've started using a slightly larger bit and lining the insert up to accommodate the space needed. I've made a few dozen without issue.


Title: A whole bunch.
Post by: MTK on December 13, 2020, 01:11:18 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/ov5pg3C.jpg)

I took some good pictures of the recent batch I've been working on lately. Bolivian Rosewood, Padauk, Bubinga, Ebony, Honduras Rosewood, a little Walnut, Maple, and Mahogany here and there.


Pedal and circuit wise, I've got some TDA2030's coming in soon, gonna try working on a practice amp with gyrator EQs.
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: harryklippton on December 13, 2020, 02:40:09 PM
Those look amazing!
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: dawson on December 13, 2020, 06:54:17 PM
These are all great-
Even the photography's great- You're great.

Bravo, sir.
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: MTK on December 21, 2020, 11:32:01 AM
Quote from: harryklippton on December 13, 2020, 02:40:09 PM
Those look amazing!

Quote from: dawson on December 13, 2020, 06:54:17 PM
These are all great-
Even the photography's great- You're great.

Bravo, sir.


Thanks, guys. I'm really enjoying these.
Title: Green knobs, 90s distortion circuits, and some power amp troubles. Oh my!
Post by: MTK on December 21, 2020, 12:02:46 PM
Here are some things I've been messing with over the past few days.

Fun stuff first.

Dyed ply knobs. These are my favorite set so far.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ai7vMIXsKQ

Really digging the Bamboo pointer.

(https://i.imgur.com/gkve3s2.jpg)




Boss MT2 Metal Zone

I haven't played one of these since high school and playing it again brought back lots of old memories of sitting in my room trying to learn Metallica songs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zz9aUegA2QM

(https://i.imgur.com/sJwpTh3.jpg)




Keeping the 90s distortion train rolling, here's the Randall RG100ES Preamp from Hell.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bs7oS3TaF5A

(https://i.imgur.com/Xlwla5X.jpg)

That one had some output issues because the toggle switch added some diodes to ground which we all know kills volume. I swapped the SPDT for a DPDT toggle and added in an LPB-1 to the diode side to bring it back up. It jams.




Now for the not fun stuff. A TDA2030 power amp.

I'm still noobing it with making vero layouts and I can't see where I've goofed. By all means, if you see where I messed up, throw a flashlight on it and be like, "Look, it's right there, dummy! Move that right there and this, and you're good to go." I'm using the bipolar +9 -9 power supply that I used for a VFE Mobius Strip so I know it's not the problem. The whole thing, bipolar section too, got hot real quick. No sound passed. I unplugged it before anything smoked. I've read the 2030 gets hot after prolonged use at high volume and especially when using a higher voltage supply. I've got a heatsink for it but with the way it heated up right away, I know I've messed up somewhere.

Here's the project file and schematic. http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/pdf/ggg_20x0_amp.pdf

The vero
(https://i.imgur.com/Q50Tvmh.jpg)

And the build
(https://i.imgur.com/MJubSzR.jpg)
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: gordo on December 21, 2020, 01:24:31 PM
I don't see anything that pops.  I'm assuming that the end we're looking at on D2 (pointing up on the vero) is the anode.
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: MTK on December 21, 2020, 04:06:47 PM
Quote from: gordo on December 21, 2020, 01:24:31 PM
I don't see anything that pops.  I'm assuming that the end we're looking at on D2 (pointing up on the vero) is the anode.

I think I found it, unless I'm reading the etch board wrong, the schematic is the problem. Look at pin 5 on the schematic, it's got 2 diodes and 2 resistors connected to it, right? The etch board has 2 caps and a diode. I'm going to make a new schematic based on the etch board, then a new vero, and see where that gets me.  ???
(https://i.imgur.com/dbJPldc.png)
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: studiodunn on December 21, 2020, 04:45:14 PM
All kind of impressive stuff here. Those knobs are top notch- most excellent!
Title: Re: A place for my stuff.
Post by: MTK on December 21, 2020, 09:37:24 PM
Quote from: studiodunn on December 21, 2020, 04:45:14 PM
All kind of impressive stuff here. Those knobs are top notch- most excellent!

Very kind of you to say, man. Thanks!
Title: TDA2030 success!
Post by: MTK on December 21, 2020, 09:41:13 PM
All right, I got this thing working. I used the schematic from the spec sheet and adjusted my vero layout accordingly. It fired right up.

(https://i.imgur.com/iTqHcSh.jpg)


https://youtu.be/ISyFOHlkF44


Now to settle on a preamp, then an EQ, then cabinet design. Fun stuff ahead.