Messages

So...

I saw this on Facebook this morning: http://www.tcelectronic.com/flashback-x4-delay.asp

My first response looking at it was... "Wait, didn't Line 6 do this very same thing like 15 years ago?"

Jacob

I have tried multiple solutions.

The problem has always been the time and energy taken to subtract parts as I use them. I build circuits, prototype, and breadboard - all of which means I'm using up parts, removing them from old boards, and putting the back in their drawers eventually. All of that is time consuming, and I have so little time to actually do that work, if I had to spend time counting each and every part I used...

I do keep an inventory spread sheet of somethings, but not resistors and caps, nor transistors or ICs or diodes. I keep a list of my pots, my enclosures, my PCBs and the projects I am in process on.

I also keep a sticky note pad on my work bench. When I open up a drawer and see the amount is low, I consider how often I use something, I then consider writing a note to add it to my 'spreadsheet list' of needed parts.

When that list is long enough, I then go through the projects I'm planning on, get out all the BOMs and start checking that against what I have. If I open up a drawer and there's not enough, it gets added to the list. If I don't have a particular IC or diode or whatever, I order a few of them (or several dozen).

That's what's working for me. A spreadsheet of some stuff, and sticky note pads.

Jacob

As a guy who's doing it, I recommend one of two things for you...

1. Get the 3 copy run from Oshpark, and sell the two copies you don't need. You can easily recoup ALL the cost from people who are willing to try. Try recruiting BEFORE you order if you'd like. Because of the 150 square inch minimum for the 10+ copies, it makes it a little challenging.

2. Get a 10 copy run from Seeed Studio or iTead or other such place. Usually it's cheaper per PCB. Going this route, you'll end up with more copies, so be sure that either they will sell, or you can sell a few for the cost of ordering all of them.

Keep in mind that it's MUCH easier and MUCH faster to get PCBs from Oshpark, especially in the states. Free shipping, fairly quick turn around (for PCBs) and reasonable rates from a place that only needs you to upload a .brd file - bonehead simple to make an order in minutes. Other places require gerbers, and more time, take longer to get you PCBs in your hands, and often cost for shipping.

Jacob

There are other services, and in some cases they're a better deal. However, if you're prototyping, chances are high that you don't NEED more than 10 copies of something because there's a risk that it won't work as anticipated. So, if you KNOW something works, there are better services depending on your need.

Really, the question is - how many do you want and for what purpose?

Jacob

Certainly it can be done. Are you sure the Mesa has a line level effects loop?

Jacob

It's $150, and that only works in batches of 10, so a 1.5 square inch board would get you 100 copies for $150.

Jacob

Basically, you're taking the signal after the first gain stage (after the gain knob and clipping) but before the tone section. That's why.

Jacob

Keefe, I feel like you're pulling our legs at this point! I know you're not, it's just that what you're describing seems impossible. I can't believe you haven't pulled all your hair out yet.

From what I can tell by the schem, there MUST be a short somewhere. What's perplexing me the most is the volume pot, which really just acts as a variable resistor.

From your gut shots, it doesn't look like you have anything wired to the Output pad. What's with that? Where have your got your output wire connected to?

Jacob

Chip! Your space is an elegant ode to efficiency! You can get a lot done there without a lot of space.

Allen! WOW. I'm very impressed by your organizational skills. You have the sort of space I wish I had, except I'd need a concrete/hard floor for the drill press I'd have in the corner...

Jacob

It's very flattering to be included with such talented builders.

Seriously man? That Cosmo sets the bar HIGH. I loved it, and still do. I'd love to do a combo build where I fill the enclosure, but you create the artwork.

Jacob

You brought enough for the whole class, right?

hahaha , i was just thinking about selling some of them soon . 

I'd take some.

Jacob

Rad find!

I bet there's a few awesome guitar tone caps in there.

Jacob

Honored to be on the list!

I have an extra of that Starlight echo still, I should take some better pics...

Jacob

HAHAHAHAHA...

That's funny, because it's literally the easiest circuit to get into a 1590a...

Jacob

Wow!

It does piss me off that a guy with this much talent can go relatively unknown, yet that "Call me maybe" song is the biggest song in the US.

Jacob