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What you're asking about is series or parallel. Basically, the rule goes:

Series = double or half voltage (depending on direction)

Parallel = double or half amperage (depending on direction)

So, if you daisy chain, you have the choice of series or parallel. If you daisy chain on the pedal end, series will give you half the voltage for your pedals. If you parallel on the pedal end, you will have equal voltage but share the current.

Parallel means that all the red wires connect, all the black connect. Series means you connect positives to negatives with the positive at one end and the negative at the other connecting to your source.

Jacob

If when you engage the pedal the effect isn't working, the reasons are potentially many.

I would start working the typical debugging steps on your PCB itself. Look for parts that are incorrect, backwards, bad solder joints, etc.

Do you have an audio probe? They can be very helpful at this point.

Jacob

Seriously? Nobody picked up on "Han Solo"? Really?

Ok, two series recommendations. I consistently aim for the tone in this song, and I think it's attainable to learn it. There's a great Mayer/Urban version out there too.

Here's another good romantic song that's not too difficult

Jacob

Nevermind...

Jacob

Yeah, it takes a while, and usually longer than 3 weeks if you're international. The sites are:

1. Submission to oshpark
2. Panelization at Oshpark
3. Submission or manufacture
4. Manufacture
5. Mailed to Oshpark
6. Depanelization at Oshpark
7. Separation of orders and mailing.

You can see why it takes some time.

Jacob

Han...







Solo.

Jacob

Is it really difficult for you to get a piece of scrap to do tests for yourself?

Part of the problem we have in telling you is that we don't know what parts you're using, and we don't have your stuff in our hands. Some 1/4" jacks need slightly larger or slightly smaller holes than the ones I'm using. Same with switches, DC Jacks, etc.

There are two ways you can discover your needed sizes. Use a set of calipers to find out how big your parts are, then round up. So for example, if your pot shafts measure 9.6mm at the threaded part, round up to 10mm and thats your drill size.

Other than that, it's trial and error. If you have a full set of bits, or a step bit, you can drill slowly with your part in hand, testing it as you go. For instance, you might know you need to drill at least 3 steps, or at least 8mm for a pot. Once you get there, drill one step/bigger bit size at a time, testing your part in the hole each time. When it fits, stop drilling.

Jacob

The effect itself is not causing the distortion. Remember that what the fatpants does is "boost" your signal, both in strength and in volume. Because of that factor, it can take a signal that is on the verge of distortion, and push it into distortion territory.

What's happening there is that the guitar and amp already are 'almost' creating distortion. When you add in the Fatpants, it's 'pushing' the amp over the edge and creating distortion.

So, to sum up, it's not the Fatpants, it's the amp.

Jacob

I would bet that it's behaving like it's supposed to. You do need to bias the transistor, so if you haven't found the sweet spot for the trimmer, try and adjust that.

On my fatpants, from the same era of your etch, there's no distortion, just loudness and tone change with the Fat pants. It may be that you're thinking of a different circuit, or expecting the wrong thing from this one.

Jacob

No, that's about right. I suggest going with a set of transistors from Smallbear. They're tested in circuit, pre matched, and reasonable I'd say. You could also go the route of getting lots of transistors and matching them. There may be some people on the Forum here who could sell/trade you some transistors that will work in the circuits.

Jacob

What are your transistors rated for? As long as they can handle it, your good to go.

Jacob

I love the lone gigantor cap in there. 1000uF for 25V.

Jacob

Whatever Scott... looks a walk in the park!

Jacob

I chose to go the other way. I found myself having to pick stuff out of the Velcro all the time. Plus it scratched up some hardwood one time as well. I switched to hook on the board and loop on the pedal and never have issues.

Jacob

Nope, I'm on board with the 125B. All the way.

Jacob