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Hi guys,

Long time no speak

Sorry to start such a heavy hearted post out of the blue.

The Madbean Forum feels like my pedal building home, and I've always felt so welcomed here.  This isn't easy, so here goes..

I received some disastrous news regarding my health last week, I'm still coming to grips with it.

I had a MRI on my neck after a slight injury. I was not expecting the MRI result to show cancer...After much testing, the hematologist has concluded that i have a blood cancer called Myeloma.  Myeloma is treatable (extend life), but not curable.  I now do not know what the future holds or how long i will be around for.

Priorities have changed.  Things i once took for granted have become so important.

As such, I've had to re-evaluate, and unfortunately the guitar pedal store will need to be closed or sold.
Its a shame to have to shut the store down, it has been a valuable resource to Australians, but also, to those wanting to start out.  However, i don't know how much time i have left, so i can not continue to run it.

If anyone is interested in the store, please message me and we can talk about it.

Alternative, i will just be selling down whatever stock remains.  Store availability may fluctuate.  I have a feeling i will be put through some serious hell at hospital soon to try to put my myeloma into remission, during those times, the store will be closed.

I have a young family, and i will fight for them as long as I'm able to.

Once again, I'm sorry to come busting in here with this news, after all these years. 

I guess this post is to say, thank you to everyone for all their support over the years and to inform everyone why the store is closing down, I've had a lot of questions over the last 2 weeks.

Kind regards

Paul (DIYGP)

Hey guys,

Just a heads up for anyone here that has a website / sells gear and probably a good time to review your security.

A real life example of Russian hacking activity I noticed while it was in action on our site recently. 

It looks like a pretty basic hack attempt (DDOS or maybe port scan). We'd never have more then ~10 guests on the site at any one time, which is what alerted me to the massive number of guests. All guests had the same IP address, repeated over and over, and surprise surprise, the origin was Russia. They did no damage at all, in fact as the activity was underway i checked responsiveness on the webstore and found absolutely zero detectable difference, so seems to be a pretty futile attempt really...

But, they could try more advanced attacks so make sure you have the proper security in place. 

Also, if you can, consider blocking that IP address that attempted hacking my store...My web guy is a bit of a genius with this stuff and he blocked the following ip address range:

I've put in a block for the 65535 ips in the range:
45.155.0.0 - 45.155.255.255

Anyway, hope it helps you all and prompts everyone to keep ontop of their security.
Cheers guys
Paul

(please share your own finds in this thread )

I know i might come across as a bit of a miser saying this but...i dont know...i see some things put out on the side of the road and think its just a huge waste.

I picked this up the other day.  I reckon it was used, maybe, a dozen times.  Gave it a bit of a clean and it came up great.  The tray is a bit dirty, but you know...its for powder coating...couldn't pass this up, i was considering buying a larger toaster oven just recently, but there is no way i would waste money on one, i see them thrown out on the side of the road ALL THE TIME.  Check out the size of this thing compared to my old toaster oven:

Its new baby day!

Joseph was born yesterday 2:00pm.  Mum and bub are doing well.  He's a cute little bugger, im sure thats just not parental bias?

I have turned off the store for a couple of days, if you need anything you can send me a message through the store and i will attend when i'm back on deck.

Cheers guys,
Paul (diygp)

Hey guys,

I'm piecing some info together for a pedal video i'm going to be recording soon "Top 10 most cloned pedal effects", something a bit different for the channel, and ive been thinking about this topic.  I was wondering what do you guys think is the pedal  most cloned from the choices above.  The ones you see talked about, build reports for, etc etc. The choices are my, well, top 9. 

I may change a couple of those done the track but i was curious to see what people thought.  And perhaps if there are any obvious, popular effects i missed?

So i should say, this relates to DIY builders, not commercially copied.  Also when i say "fuzz face" it incorporates all variants of the fuzz face (silicon germanium etc).

Let me know what you think.
Cheers

Been a while since we had a powder coating thread

I coated some enclosures this weekend and they turned out pretty good, for a garage job at least.  They have some minor imperfections.  A few i forgot to outgas.  Some dust mounds here and there.  But I've definitely improved since i started.  The color is bright white and the coating is thick and even.  The look good to me.

Its tempting just to buy pre-powder coated enclosures, "some retailers" have them already coated for only an extra $1.  But i must say...my worst attempt at powder coating is still miles ahead.

So im just wondering what everyone's expectations are as far as bought powder coated enclosures and whether i'm just the eternal perfectionist.  To me, unless it looks like a commerical product (ie, impossible to do in a garage), i'm not 100% happy.

Also are you guys still PC'ing your own or do you buy them?  its a big mess and time consuming, so i certainly understand if you buy them!

Probably just another finishing option i wont pull the trigger on (their expensive) but i was wondering if you guys have used anything like this?  I know you can get vinyls made up online and are pretty cheap but i like the convenience idea and instant result of something you could use at home.  I saw somebody's pedal over at /r/diypedals and they said they used a Cricut.  The detail of the vinyl was very intricate.  They also cut foils which could be a nightmare to adhere to a pedal face but would look pretty cool if you could do it.

Has anybody used vinyls before (of any shape or kind)?  Are they durable?  Can you (should you) clear coat over the top?

Man if they were a bit cheaper id grab one just for a bit of fun...

Certainly a new experience for me!  Today i assisted Yarra Ranges Council and Box Hill Tafe (Tafe is like, Australian Trade College) with a youth community course "Build Your Own Fuzz Pedal".  Initially i agreed to supply the kits only but I decided later on that i would show up for a bit and help for an hour or so if people had questions etc.  I ended staying for most of the morning and helping out.   Honestly I was so busy i didnt even have time to take photos, i just remembered at the last 5 mins of the course!

We didn't have time to finish the pedals, only assemble and test the effect ("rock before you box people!!" ), but we ended up with 16 (all of them) working 7 min fuzz pedals (bazz Fuss).

I learned a lot from this experience, about teaching others and my 7 min fuzz kits, certainly...but also, and probably more importantly, about what i'm capable of.  I would definitely do it again.

Built this for a guitarist friend for his 40th.  Its one of my Facemaster (tone control, bias control, charge pump on board, etc) pcb's in 1590a.  Forgot how tight 1590a's really are.  I felt like a microsurgeon for a while there.  Transistors are Russian P30's but ive told him we can change them out to whatever transistors he would like to choose from my "library"

Posting this because I know little about it spec wise (check the specs vs LM741) and thought it would make for an interesting conversation. 

I'm obviously not going to be 'firing up the solder iron' for one of these any time soon, don't sneeze!

http://www.ti.com/product/tlv9061?HQS=asc-amps-null-smallamps_2018-etxt-pf-tlv9061-wwe&DCM=yes

...Please keep this forum the way it is.  Respectful, helpful, kind.  It really is a special place, an anamoly.  Don't take this place for granted.  I'm not sure I know of any forum that has such a respectful and co-operative culture...

This comment comes from a recent experience.  It was a pretty horrible and juvenile atmosphere. After signing up to the forum and talking in a polite and genuine manner (like us beaners tend to do), I was verbally abused by 3 long standing forum members.  Just, bang, straight into it.  I was shocked and instantly started thinking up a retort, but then realized that that place wasn't for me.  I didn't even bite back, just responded respectfully again.  More insults.  "noob" was said numerous times as well as other words I wont repeat.  Then they started abusing each other....seriously...what the hell...I literally just introduced myself and asked 1 basic question about the forum.  I'm not used to forum life outside of the pedal world, I read but don't often participate much.  I think I will stick with this place as my forum home

Peace brothers.

Xmas is on the horizon and I thought as things start to go slightly mental, a bit of a pre-emptive counseling session might help
And really, as the title suggests, this is pretty much just advice for life in general as well in my opinion.

This comes up every year in my family, its an unfortunate situation.  As xmas approaches everyone in my family starts remembering what happened last year and the defences go up. The meaning of xmas, the magical childhood memories I have, it all gets swept away and replaced with, to be quite frank with you, resentment and dread.  We have had consecutive years of "bad xmas's".  There have been a few of recent times where I have said to my wife I want to find a way to get out of going.  For me, that's just not right...xmas should be about family, giving and celebrating.

So tired of one horrible xmas after another, I just had to rethink things.

But after this string of negative xmas's, last year we had a good one, things changed.  I honestly believe my change of approach was what made the difference. 

Looking within I realised for me personally, xmas is about family, giving (without receiving) and the kids.  In the midst of all the noise, I had forgotten all 3 of these things. 

Last year I made a promise to myself.  I wouldn't let anyone or anything sway me from what I think is important.  And although I would like to blame other people for adopting these bad practices around xmas time everybody celebrates differently, and I have to accept that.  But lets also be honest here, some people are just impossible to get along with.  Again that's just the way they are, I cant let that blind me from my own values.

So where am I going with this?  Well I guess what I'm trying to say to you is this; 
As we approach xmas and things start to get crazy, don't forget what's important to you about this time of year.  Stick close to your values.  Give presents even though you will not receive.  Help clean up even though no one else will.  Put effort in even though others may not.  Celebrate xmas in whatever way you feel and let others do the same.

Don't let other people's actions sway you and your xmas will be a good one, because you are acting on your values and not reacting to your environment

I hope it helps you keep on track

Peace Brothers.  I won't say merry xmas yet.  its a week away

Paul

Hi guys,

Saw this in the latest element14 catalogue, the raaco 44 compartment cabinet is on special again.  I have a couple of these at home (the ones you would see on my desk in my videos).  They are pretty good for a relatively cheap cabinet.  If you are in Europe you might be able to get them from Farnell (or contact them and ask them if they can match the price).  Don't forget element14 have free shipping for orders over $45.

The links on the element14 page seem a little broken so here is the listing for this product, you can see the 2nd cabinet in the list is the one on special:

http://au.element14.com/w/search?st=126762&scope=partnumberlookahead&searchref=searchlookahead

Cheers
Paul

[When the store DOES reopen]

Hi guys,

I just wanted to update everybody on the status of the DIYGP webstore. 

As you may have noticed you cant place orders through the store at the moment.  The webstore is currently closed.  exactly 1 week ago my boy (James) went to hospital for surgery on his feet.  This was meant to be a simple procedure.  Unfortunately things turned out significantly more complicated and his surgery went from 45mins to 4 hours.  He has been in excruciating pain since, its a roller coaster and even after a week we are still battling to keep him comfortable.   James and i have a very close bond and to see him like this is crushing me to say the least.

So needless to say, the store will be closed until further notice and it will probably stay closed until he is back on his feet again (no time frame for this but ~6 weeks from now).  Tending to James' recovering is my upmost importance.

When the store DOES reopen

...at this point i think there is a good chance i will close it down for good.  I'm still not sure how this will happen (whether it just stays closed and doesn't reopen, closing down sale, leave the store open till stock is depleted etc) but this ordeal has made it certain that I'm ready to move on.  The store takes up every free moment i have, making it difficult to spend as much time with my children as i would like. I would also like to focus on my own fitness and health, these things are impossible with the store in place.  I have a tonne of stock so whatever method, you will probably see me flogging stuff off for some time yet.

More about that once we cross this first bridge (James). 

Wish us luck and thanks for all the well wishes we have received.

Paul
(diyguitarpedals.com.au | DIYGP)

Received this from Daier, I'm on their mailing list.  Good to see something new in the 3pdt market.  Time will tell as far as reliability goes.  The 3pdt aluminium colored nuts also look pretty cool, something different at least.  I wonder if this idea was pinched from somewhere else or if this is a Daier "innovation"     

I'm sure you will see some the usual suspects carrying them soon enough.

Requires some imagination no doubt, lead, hot soldering irons etc.  When I say "young children" I'm talking under 5 here but of course any 'child friendly' suggests are welcome...

Anyway wondering if you guys have involved your kiddies in your hobby or had any ideas?  I have recently been painting the enclosures with my kids and even involving my 4 1/2 year old (you may remember James from some of my videos) with installing the hardware in the enclosures as well.   Here's a photo of 2 of the pedals we have painted together, the hand print is my daughters, she is 1, and the other with drawings is james (Posca pen).

(Photo was used as my new youtube banner)

Its a bummer to hear that Mark from Pedal Parts Australia is closing down, between him and i we had most things covered for pedal builders in Australia.  I've spoken to him regularly over the years and he's a cool dude, i was ordering from him a few years before i even started DIYGP! 
Anyway, he is moving on and its good to hear that he is enjoying a new direction.  Thought i would mention it hear as he has 20% off store wide at the moment.
(All the best Mark!)
Paul

I posted this on my facebook page, was wondering if anyone here had tried it.

The story is, bought some germanium transistors, they were SFT307.  All consistently measured under 30hFE which is odd compared to my past experience with the SFT307.  So i was disappointed and was considering taking it up with the seller on ebay.  But then i thought, maybe ill try a darlington pair test in a fuzz face.  A paired 2 together and used for Q2, they were both approximately 25hfe and had less then 20 leakage, i cant remember exactly, but the result was 480 hfe (lol) and leakage approximately 200-250ua.  Difficult to tell at this point until i can test it out in day time and crank it up but from my low volume test tonight, didn't sound half bad...dear i say, good...it did however require tweaking of the bias trimmer on collector of Q2 to get it sounding less splatty and more fuzz face-y :S

Thoughts?

Jez from Peak sent me a DCA75 to review and shoot videos on.  I've been playing around with it over the last couple of nights, lots of fun!

Here's some forward voltage graphs of diodes and leds i have made up tonight showing the diode knees for your curiosity.   If there's anything you want to see specifically please feel free to request and i will try to get it done for you.

geVSsi_CB_Junction: a 2n5088 collector base junction (silicon) vs a GT308V collector Base Junction (germanium)

leds.jpg: The DCA specifies that LED colors towards the red end of the spectrum have lower VF drops compared to those towards the blue spectrum.  You can see this clearly in this graph.  These LEDS are 5mm "economy" (i think from tayda).

I was looking at getting a bulk order of these direct from PTC and have received a price.   Their MOQ is 900 units, and at this quantity you would expect the price to be favourable.  However the price is quite a bit higher then I expected. Without giving too much away let me say this, any seller selling pt2399's under 60c usd I would consider possibly suspicious. I know quantity has an effect on the price of course, but the difference is quite significant compared to a lot of the prices I have researched particularly in the usual harbour for dodgy good being ebay.  There have been rumors of fakes and 'factory 2nds', but im wondering if a lot of the pt2399 woes that everybody has had over the years has come from a rogue manufacturer of these chips, pumping them out on the side (ive heard rumors of a chinese manufacturer doing this, the batch of "UTC" chips that were floating around a few years ago). 

So I guess the point of this post is to get your opinion on the subject and a warning to new builders looking for pt2399's and see them on ebay for less then 20c each, I see no possible way that they could be buying them from PTC that cheaply, there has to be something fishy with those.