ahpook

[quote name='paul_5' timestamp='1410094321' post='2545999'] FWIW I've never really rated dirt boxes based on the 386. If you want to build a small amp then the TDA2822M does a much better job. It's a dual amp, but it can be bridged to run in mono, which also makes it louder. Here's the schematic I used for mine. [url="http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/paul_510/media/TDA2822schematic_zps30735c62.jpg.html"][/url] [/quote] Cool, what's the maximum power output ? I just croc-clipped a speaker to the output of the grace pedal to see what it would sound like - it needed to be pretty fuzzed-up to get any real output, but it's was a pretty cool lo-fi 60s fuzz. Think I'll leave the LM386 as an experiment

Update on the Grace Overdrive I built yesterday. I decided to try different values of coupling capacitor between the FET and the LM386. Very small values seemed to tame the fart a bit (I ended up with 47nF), but still not great. I suppose I [i]have[/i] to build a smokey amp now with this spare 386

Has to be one of the best thread titles I've seen on BC

[quote name='KingBollock' timestamp='1410050179' post='2545728'] If you've got an unregulated 12v wall wart you can just make an inline filter/regulator in a separate box, just to get started. [/quote] Good idea !

[quote name='KingBollock' timestamp='1409958163' post='2545077'] Has anyone here built a PSU for effect pedals? What cap values should I be looking at? Is there an upper limit beyond which it makes no difference? [/quote] No, but I've got a 12v transformer and some voltage regulators - I've been meaning to have a go, but mains scares me.

I had a go at a Run-Off Groove Grace Drive today, with some bassier caps. I used the vero from Runoffgroove [url="http://tagboardeffects.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/runoffgroove-grace-overdrive.html"]here[/url], but tweaked it slightly to give it a bit more space as I was just trying the circuit out. Here's my 'roomier' version - the same as the ROG one as far as I can tell, but if anyone spots anything, do let me know. [url="https://flic.kr/p/p6J6sN"][/url] I used a 12k load resistor instead of a 15k as I had one to hand and a 2n5258. It works OK...but I'm not overjoyed with the sound. Just a bit farty for my tastes. I'll go over the circuit tomorrow to see if I've made any obvious errors in the construction. Still, a nice little project for a quiet afternoon. I may not go the whole hog and box it up...see how it goes.

[quote name='KingBollock' timestamp='1409929789' post='2544715'] I don't currently have any TL071s and with the luck I am having I am reluctant to order any. [/quote] If you PM me your address I'll send you a couple of 072s. The layout of 072-based klon clone at the tagboard effects blog deffo works as I've built a couple.

[quote name='KingBollock' timestamp='1409916723' post='2544548'] I think I might put something really simple together and post pics on here, see if anyone can spot the problem. I can't post any of my current bad builds because I have made a right mess of them while trying to figure them out. [/quote] It's a real shame you have no luck with IC, maybe kick off with a klon buffer ?

That looks cracking I bet you're excited about taking it out for a spin tonight.

[quote name='KingBollock' timestamp='1408764378' post='2533326'] It's just made from bare wooden bed slats with a small step for the pedals at the rear. But I will take a photo when I have finished making the leads for it. The plan was to use this: Because I have the parts, but I have put it together and I can't get it to work. There are others but they use either 4x TL071 or 2x TL072s, which I don't have. I'll probably have to take the schematic and try to knock it up in DIY Layout Creator. I seem to be struggling with even the most simple of circuits lately. My poor state of mind is causing me to miss even obvious things. Normally this would be where I would find my "Zen", but I appear to have misplaced it. [/quote] I've a clutch of TL072s - I may try and dig out a schematic for a paralooper that uses those instead - thanks for the info. I have runs of good projects and bad ones - my two attempts to design and build a blend box from scratch went totally arwy - I think down to the design rathert than the practical side. Take heart, I'm sure your zen will return. First tho, my LM386s just arrived, so next on the list is a variant of the Run Off Groove Grace Drive - I'm hoping for something along the lines of a Fuzzrocious 'Ram the Manparts' pedal...

[quote name='KingBollock' timestamp='1408668827' post='2532440'] I have built a temporary board to put my pedals on.... [/quote] Well, first of all, we need to see this board ! The dual loop pedal sounds really interesting. Which circuit do you use for the paralooper ?

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1408661541' post='2532407'] Have a look for a very layout of the Caitlinbread SFT.... if you look at the flipster as a version of the Portaflex... the SFT is a version of a SVT with transistors instead of tubes. Really cool bit of kit and a fun build. [/quote] I had an SFT for a while, but didn't really like it as an overdrive...but as a straight preamp, maybe. I've very much gone off the idea of the Alembic due to the limitations of the passive EQ.

Well, I succumbed to a bit of pedal geek snake oil this afternoon and replaced the OP07 chip in my RAT with a socket and an LM308...and dammit, I'm sure it sounds smoother, especially at lower gain settings - it crackes less as the distortion comes in. Did I do a before and after recording ? Nope...what a fool - I think I got a bit of flux frenzy when the chip arrived

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1408526772' post='2530978'] And stop looking on the internet for bands that's a passive activity. Be pro-active and get out there. [/quote] I'd say do both !

[quote name='bigd1' timestamp='1408524940' post='2530945'] Are they really that different to other guitars? [/quote] They're different to the ones you like, so play the ones you like. Next !

[quote name='bassist_lewis' timestamp='1408515166' post='2530827'] Hi all, bit of a moany post but I don't do them very often so grant me one. Most of the original bands I've been in have come about through gumtree and all have petered out fairly quickly (if they got going at all). Am I going about it the wrong way? Do I just pick the wrong people or should I stop trawling the net and just wait til a meet people in real life? Cheers guys [/quote] I think it can be tougher if you want to be make original music - finding people on the same wavelength can be hard, especially if you're trying to do something a bit unusual. All the orginals bands I've been in (I've never really been in any covers bands) have, quite naturally, come to and end after a while - people move away, their tastes change, the band has run its course, etc...all good reasons in the end. All I can say it keep at it - keep trawling gumtree and other sites where people advertise, get you own advert up and keep plugging away. It can be frustrating, especially during the summer, but try not to be disheartened.

Quite weird....but that might be the codeine-based pain relief I've been taking today.

That's brilliant Could the mystery bassist be from the house band ?

[quote name='KingBollock' timestamp='1408369198' post='2529466'] Thank you, that looks ideal. [/quote] It does....I think I'm going to give that a go. Excellent !

I was just searching for a video that explained the same thing !

[quote name='fumps' timestamp='1407828457' post='2524289'] I supose the thing we are missing here is the weekly/monthly payout of practice etc. ....It does burn into your pocket if your on a tight budget. [/quote] Very true.

[quote name='Beedster' timestamp='1407700360' post='2523188'] Tube(s) need replacing [/quote] Deffo the first thing to check - how long have the vales been in ?

[quote name='Andyjr1515' timestamp='1406201555' post='2509238'] Most of these have been posted before in various topics so tell me if you're getting bored [/quote] Lovely work on all of them. My hat is very much off to you

[quote name='kulabula' timestamp='1407597473' post='2522190'] It all seems to work fine, like I said, brand new. I'll put it down to Hot summer night. [/quote] Yes, so you did, sorry.

As an aside, I don't think the effects would have had much to do with it - sounds like a hot amp at a hot gig ! Go with Dad3353's excellent advice on giving the insides a good old clean out. Does the fan seem to shift a decent amount of air ? - if it's gunked up it could need replacing.