Messages

1

How Do I? Beginner's Paradise. / Re: How to cut stripboard to size

« on: May 07, 2021, 05:52:12 PM »

I’ve done a bunch of vero builds over the years and here is how I cut to size and make drills and jumpers.

Cut to size
I measure one row and column out. So, if it is a 10 x 12 I measure 11 x 13 and cut down the middle of the extra row and column. I use a box cutter and metal ruler and score each side 4 or 5 times. Then I snap it with a pair of pliers and file the edges smooth.

I find that measuring the extra row and column gives me not only a straight line to score with the holes but extra “oops” room...just in case.

Jumpers
Save the first few leads that you cut off from the resistors or caps. These make great jumpers for the non copper side of the boards. They are nice and small and sit pretty flat on the board.

I find that wire is sometimes too bulky and gets in the way if you want a nice clean pcb. Also sometimes the stripped wire is a little too thick after you tin the wire for the jumper. At least you know the trimmed leads fit through the holes.

Drills / cuts
I honestly use a drill bit to make these. I do it by hand and usually test both sides of the trace with a multimeter. This is tedious but it’s how I first started doing cuts on vero. Plus it give you a nice even circular cut. I don’t go all the way through, just enough to cut the trace.

Other tips and tricks
Vero can be VERY frustrating if you don’t take your time and pay attention to detail. It is easy to connect traces and not even know it. Make sure that the ends of the runs are not touching at the edge of the board. Also it’s a good idea to run your razor (box cutter) down the space in between the copper runs. I do this a few times to make sure there are no unwanted solder bridges. I also run the tip of my iron down the same space just in case. One more thing...the less solder the better. Big globs are never your friend. If you do have a big glob on there it’s better to use you solder wick or pump and pull all the excess of and then reapply a little dab. Trust me, take the time it will save you many head aches.

Anyway hope my long winded, misspelled reply helps. ;-)

-Mike-


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2

Open Discussion / Re: SP8T Miniature Rotary Switch

« on: March 24, 2021, 07:08:01 PM »

Hey,
If these are the same that Drolo used in a couple of his projects I might have a couple kicking around. Also i thought that Delyk had them in his store too. Let me know and i can get a couple sent your way.
-Mike-

3

Open Discussion / Re: New Boss/Sola Sound Pedal

« on: March 01, 2021, 12:59:23 PM »

I’m not surprised this costs $350. Look at all the other “Waza” stuff that boss released. It’s a money grab. When I saw that this was going to be released I pretty much wrote it off. Just like the Zvex / Chase Bliss pedal. Nothing against those guys but their prices are WAY too high and I will never own one of their pedals because of it.
-Mike-


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4

Open Discussion / Re: Let's make suggestions on the next Giveaway

« on: February 13, 2021, 06:56:55 PM »

Color me boring but....

What about a JFET test rig? Something that could be used to match JFETs for a Phase AND.... for Idss, etc. Something slick and useful in Madbean fashion.

This way when the many questions about JFETs are posted, anyone can point to the project and say "Build this and ye shall find the way!" 

I really like this idea. We all love fuzz and overdrives but maybe something like this would help other people discover other fx they like to build!

My other thought is maybe a stripped down version of the Cave Dweller. Maybe a fixed level and tone and just have the time and fdbk as pots.
-Mike-


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5

Build Reports / Re: Aion Super Fuzz

« on: January 17, 2021, 04:34:07 PM »

Love the Beast graphic! Great job!
-Mike-


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6

Open Discussion / Re: Gibson Announces Acquisition of Mesa/Boogie

« on: January 08, 2021, 06:54:31 PM »

I'm sure this means that Pre-Gibson Mesa prices are going to be going up

Yup they are going to me even more over priced than they were...looks like if I ever want one I’ll need to take out a second mortgage on my house.


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7

Open Discussion / Re: Your Preferred Pedal Amp

« on: November 19, 2020, 03:10:21 PM »

I use a Fishman Loudbox Mini as my bench amp. Then when I actually have a few min and get to play a few songs I use a Peavey Prowler. The Peavey is a 45 watt tube amp and the Fishman is a 60watt solid state. They both work well for pedals. I love the clean and lead channels of the Prowler.
-Mike-

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8

Open Discussion / Re: Mouser Xicon Resistors — New MOQ of 200

« on: November 14, 2020, 04:09:59 PM »

You can get Newark's house brand (Multicomp Pro) for pretty cheap with no minimum order quantity. I'd say it's on par with Xicon.

Here's a link: https://www.newark.com/w/c/passive-components/resistors-fixed-value/through-hole-resistors?brand=multicomp-pro&resistance=1kohm&power-rating=250mw&resistance-tolerance=posneg-1pc

I've used these for numerous projects they are great quality.
-Mike-

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9

Open Discussion / Re: Anybody use Pedal Parts Plus anymore???

« on: November 06, 2020, 12:52:12 PM »

They sold the company a few years back and the new owners seem to only want to do enclosures now...and for a very high cost I might add. They only do 25 count minimum on enclosures and they’re more expensive than anyone else. I miss the days of Connie, she was great!
-Mike-


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10

Open Discussion / Re: Custom PCB Work Questions

« on: November 03, 2020, 07:41:12 PM »

It doesn't matter that you've already put the time into making the PCB for yourself, they need to come to you to get it.

If they are getting the gerbers: Charge $50 an hour for the time you originally spent making the board, or a flat rate per placed component.

If they are just getting the boards: Price the boards according to similar projects but give them a bulk discount of like 10%.

Let them negotiate if they want from there.

Solid advice!

You’ve all given me very good idea of what I should charge. As most of you that have commented know, I’ve been at this “racket” for a while now. I’m not as experienced as most of those that have commented and I’m glad that you have all done so.

So you have all asked some really good questions. They will not be getting the Gerber files. Those I’ll keep. I’m assuming they have an idea of what they want to pay and have been very transparent in the “exchange” so far. These would only be in a short run of pedals and the boards would not be sold individually.

After being in the fx industry for a while and purchasing WAY more than my fair share of boards and even having one layout of my sold by a 3rd party (LoveMySwitches Whammoth) I have an idea of what they sell for at a retail level.

My main question was, is / should there be a discount for the “bulk” buy? From most of the comments and posts it looks like yes but don’t under sell myself. So for a board that would sell for $7 each, maybe a 15-20% discount for the 30 customized boards sounds decent. Maybe that is too much considering what people sell short runs / custom builds for now a days. Thoughts?


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11

Open Discussion / Custom PCB Work Questions

« on: November 02, 2020, 08:26:19 PM »

Hey Guys,
I had someone reach out to me and asked if I could do a layout for them. I already have the PCB designed. I really just need to move a few things around and put their name on it. I was wondering if anyone here has had experience with this and what you would charge for something like this? They would be buying a quantity of 20-30 boards. I already have pricing from the FAB house (for 30 boards). My cost, shipped to me is about $1.25 per board. So, should I break it down to come out to cost per board, and how much would one charge for something like this? Thanks in advance for ANY advice you can give me.
-Mike-

12

Open Discussion / Re: Stripped saddle threads in licensed Floyd Rose baseplate

« on: October 21, 2020, 06:15:06 PM »

Hardware like that is tough. I do suggest replacing it. If you are looking for parts floydrose.com is a good place to start. I see that “Jackson” is stamped into the bridge so you should be able to salvage 90% of it. If the stripped screws will not come out at all here is a trick I used to used when I repaired medical equipment that used set screws.

-get a handheld Dremel with a cutting wheel attachment

-VERY carefully cut a slot in the center of the top of the screw head using the cutting wheel. Be careful not to go to the edges as you do not want to damage the bridge.

-be sure to cut the slot across the Allen insert and make sure it is wide and long enough to fit a, fairly beefy <- technical term, flat blade screwdriver.

-spray a little WD40 after cutting the slot. This will get into the threads a little easier now and also cool the screw head down.

-Then use said “beefy” screw driver to remove stuck screw.

I have used this with success many times on many different things. After you get the screw out you should be able to match the thread count and screw head size on a hardware site. If the floydrose.com site doesn’t have the exact screw you may want to check McMaster-Carr or another hardware site. They have loads of strange screws and other random hardware. They even have diagrams on how to match thread count or measure thread pitch. I hope this helps.
-Mike-


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13

Open Discussion / Re: Happy NGD to me!

« on: October 19, 2020, 01:24:18 PM »

I got an S2 a couple years back. They are amazing instruments! Enjoy, that is a super nice color too!


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14

Open Discussion / Re: You ever get that one guy...

« on: October 08, 2020, 08:50:42 AM »

Update: got the pedal back and everything works fine! I am beyond angry now. This guy is officially fired! I am refunding his money, less the 2 unnecessary shipping costs and $50 for my pain and suffering.


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15

Open Discussion / Re: You ever get that one guy...

« on: October 06, 2020, 11:22:46 AM »

This is exactly why I stopped building one-off stuff for strangers years ago. Everybody is an unreasonable asshole when it comes to custom work.

On the other hand, these days it would be pretty easy to troubleshoot an "it doesn't work" bullshit scenario via Facetime, Zoom, Google Meet, etc. I would them prove it doesn't work -- LIVE -- before I would entertain a return.

Yes it would. I wish I had thought of that!

I do plan on building short runs (5 or 10 of a pedal at a time) for a bit to see if anything flourishes from it. But the custom one off stuff, aside from close friends, it not for me anymore. “This guy” has helped me over the fence on that decision.
He’s a nice guy (seemingly) but I just don’t have the time or patience anymore for this kind of crap. I love the hobby and refuse to let anyone ruin it for me.
-Mike-


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