Show your pedal guts!

[johnk]

mostly, I added a booster to the output so I could get it past unity if I want to. I think I also made a slight mod to make it track a little better.

[johnk]

just finished etching this PCB (Ampeg Sub Blaster)and built it up for testing. it works perfect, but i'm going to add a 3db booster to kick up the output a little before I box it up:

[Sensei Tim]

Johnk, your builds look amazing.

Question for you:  how do you mount and secure your circuit boards in place? I don't see any signs of glue or standoffs...

[johnk]

usually with two layers of high strength double stick tape (called 'glue dots') to the back of the pots. other times with clear silicon glue or hot glue.

[Travis]

DAM Ezekiel that I modded with 2 extra clipping modes. Squeezed all into a 1590B and I even managed to include a battery. This was a super tight fit.. I'm not a wizard like Javi so this was challenging for me. Sounds amazing though, I love it

[rocket88]

Travis what's a great build, but there's something wrong with you and I, as this was my next build.

*shakes fist"

How the hell do we have such similar tastes and things in common? I mean seriously.

[Travis]

That's funny! It was only a matter of time before we made this  I still need to do the Sonic Titan and Meathead Deluxe.

This pedal fucking rules. Like "holy shit" it is awesome.

[Chris60601]

Another nicely done build, Travis! Outstanding!

While I can't show the guts just yet, I am presenting the shell of an OD I'm working on and second try at swirl painting.

[johnk]

nice paintjob!

[johnk]

sub blaster completed with 10db booster and true bypass relay.

[Travis]

Thanks Chris. That enclosure looks sweet! To me it has that hair metal 80s vibe. What circuit are you putting in?

[rocket88]

agreed, that enclosure looks awesome.

[rocket88]

Here it finally is. After nothing but problems, here is my version of the batw blacksheep. I've changed a few caps, both in the main circuit and those attached to the input selector, and after trying nearly every transistor type I own I've picked what I think makes it sound fantastic. The beebaa is definitely a circuit that is transitor picky, with the wrong ones it gets farty sounding and has an awful decay, which was one of my biggest issues with the blacksheep.





First etched enclosure I've ever done, well second if you count the first one that looked the same, but had a side explode while being drilled. Tried to keep it simple, so it's reverse etched, painted gloss black, cleared, sanded to revel the image in bare aluminum, then cleared again. Each coat was baked on too. I'm pretty happy with it.

[Silver Blues]

Dude that's awesome.

[Travis]

Damn rocket! That looks fucking sick! Love the graphics, love the handwritten font

Not only does the enclosure look amazing, but dare I say those are probably the tidiest guts I've seen from you. Bravo sir. Your hard work shows!

I want to do some etching too. I see my local frys has a legit looking kit for about $50. What etchant are you using?

[rocket88]

Thanks guys, glad it gets the seal of approval.

I used the pcb etching solution from RadioShack, which I believe is ferric chloride. I tried using various methods for putting the graphics on, like photo paper (kept melting while being printed on), glossy presentation paper (either smudged or didn't transfer completely), so I broke down and used the blue press n' peel which worked amazingly. I've got a few more up my sleeves that will hopefully be done soon., and I've got to rebuild a few just to have an enclosure that's finished in something other then a coat of paint. Oh, and I have to find a better clear, the enamel one I used is ok, not the best yet.

Thanks for the compliments on the neatness, I figure if I'm going to spend some more time building a business building and selling I need to do whatever I can to get it neater and neater. So far I've been pretty happy with the neatness of my builds since the move, and especially since getting my soldering station. Some of my builds using PNP Ge's will get a lot neater, because I'm going to change the board from having a charge pump as a daughterboard to all being on one board.

I'm not too happy with the board placement actually, because the board is just narrow enough to wedge where I want it, so when I start selling these I need to place things differently. The wires were super easy to hid, as with the board in the center and the pots on top, all the wires can be hidden right under the board, and it's a mind trick. You wouldn't want to look under it.

Btw, anyone catch the company name and it's reference?

[Beaker]

Nice work Zach!

The outside looks awesome, and the inside looks pretty neat to me too. anything with a rotary is problematic, as you can't just stick the board to the back of the pots.

If it was me though, I would tempted to put the footswitch on the left side of the enclosure, freeing up an acre of space on the right (under your company logo) for the board. It right need your graphics re-jigging though.

Champion City rings a bell - is from Mystery Men? That's pretty cool as long as you are not The Shpleeen!

[rocket88]

I was thinking the same after building it. Unfortunately, the vector layout images I use doesn't have an image for the rotary switch and that was the big issue while putting it together. I literally sat there for a second thinking I a was going to be fucked. Also, I was thinking thinking of putting the LED in the eye, and changing from top mount jacks to side mount for space savings. Easy fixes, as this is #1 and for me, so it will be retooled for sale, so thanks for the suggestions.

Btw, you got it!!!!! I can't believe you got it. Thankfully if I'm anyone from the movie I would be Mr. Furious. I'M ABOUT TO EXPLODE!!! Such a funny, underrated movie. I've been thinking for awhile what to call the company, and I was watching the movie and it just clicked.

[dbat69]

Zach, that is one awsome looking pedal bud.

The time and effort you've put in perfecting the etching has worked out - its a top class finish and looks cool.  

I sometimes think when you can get the inside looking good too, its a shame you can't see into the pedal.  I keep thinking of making a see through pedal

But seriously mate, that is a fricking superb finish

[Chris60601]

Crap dude!
That looks F'in nice. Really nice work on the etching!
That's the way I plan on going very soon. Once the temps stay steady and I can work in the garage.
As usual, the board is tidy too.

Good luck with the new biz!
I strive to do the same but have a long long way to go!

Well done!