Vico Vibe problem

[maurice]

I bradboarded the Vico Vibe using the layout at http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=42954&g2_serialNumber=2 and it worked great.  I matched all component aside from R9 (optional 1M)

I then moved onto a veroboard using the same layout and it has an odd problem...  The volume is fairly low and there's no tremolo effect.  However, when I turn the right hand pot it suddenly spikes and dies out again as if it wants to trem but can't.

I figured problem was a build error so I tested, cleaned and checked it to every way I could think off.  Eventually I built it all again on a new veroboard with new components... Same problem.

Any suggestions what could cause a problem like this?

[maurice]

I've uploaded some pics of the second build if anyone can spot any stupid mistakes... it's driving me nuts!

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/651/vico1.png/

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/805/vico2.png/

[LucifersTrip]

I breadboarded the Vico Vibe...I then moved onto a veroboard using the same layout and it has an odd problem...
Eventually I built it all again on a new veroboard with new components... Same problem.

i think the better idea is to breadboard it again (and assuming it works as before) carefully check the difference(s) between that and the vero....which there has to be.

Big tip: check the voltages when working on the breadboard and compare to voltages not working on the vero, to pinpoint error.

[tiges_ tendres]

A few of those solder joints look suspect too.

[deadastronaut]

A few of those solder joints look suspect too.

+1 resolder those 'half' connections...

when working with vero make sure your cuts are 'completely ' cut...sometimes there is a thinner than hair join still if your not careful.

watch for stray strands of wire too...

[saltysnail]

The thing only really produces audible tremolo with the intensity knob at least 85% up. Try it again with the intensity cranked all the way up. It doesn't do "subtle" at all. I found it pretty picky about component values as well. It's a simple build, but not a very good one, IMO. I spent a while trying to get it to do more subtle tremolo, but because its tremolo is a product of the switching of the 2nd transistor, the subtlety is really more dependent on how much of the signal is making its way toward the on/off transistor and I found that there is a trade-off between subtle and distorted. The resistor changes that give a less choppy, more "amplike" tremolo sound also lead to distortion in the effect, so the choppy sound is necessary for a clean signal.

[maurice]

I kind of feel like I'm almost there... but will probably go nuts befor eI figure this thing out!

Breadboard layout appears to be spot on so it HAS to be a solder issue right?

I've re-soldered where I can (I am terrible at soldering) and re-cut gaps in vero.  I now have signal but no trem.  Can a more experienced eye see any obvious errors?

New solder pic at http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/821/vico3.png/

[Skruffyhound]

Clip those long ends off.
Take a multimeter set to diode function so it bleeps if the probes are connected and use it to check that everything, that's supposed to be connected, is, and everything, that is not supposed to be connected, isn't.
Check all off board connections.
Run a craft knife blade along the gaps between the vero strips.
Hit it with a ball pein hammer.
Take the remnants outside pour petrol on them and set fire to them.
Dispose of dust and wire responsibly.
Try to forget all about it.
Start new project.

[timd]

+ (another) 1 on the solder. Usually when I debug my stuff, its 90% the wires! I try to have the hole completely covered with solder.

[maurice]

Turns out that three time's a charm.  Just re-built it with vastly improved soldering and it works great!

Cheers for the help fellas

[Colonel Angus]

Clip those long ends off.
Take a multimeter set to diode function so it bleeps if the probes are connected and use it to check that everything, that's supposed to be connected, is, and everything, that is not supposed to be connected, isn't.
Check all off board connections.
Run a craft knife blade along the gaps between the vero strips.
Hit it with a ball pein hammer.
Take the remnants outside pour petrol on them and set fire to them.
Dispose of dust and wire responsibly.
Try to forget all about it.
Start new project.

I read this three times and LOLd every tiem! Can we sticky that as the new Debug thread?

[Skruffyhound]

 

[Renegadrian]

Finally managed to build my own layout, strange thing is that works strangely, depth does almost nothing, rate is slow and there's a loud and annoying rhythmic thump the original doesn't have...grr...
Layout should be perfect, I checked it countless times against the schem...so it's somewhere else...

[duck_arse]

can we see your schem? the circuits I could find were not the best drawn, and looked like maybe a wrong placed resistor in the oscillator.

[edit :] it's the same phase shift osc like in the ea trem, et al.

[deadastronaut]

DA how vital is the 6v1 zener?...any other option as i haven't one?.

i'm just breading it for the crack..

schemo:
http://revolutiondeux.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/jordan-vico-vibe-tremolo.html

[armdnrdy]

I listened to the sound sample on revolution deux......it seems like the rate control is bunched up in the faster speeds.

A reverse audio pot might be more useful here.

[Renegadrian]

schem is this, it is verified, I also have an original mahoney (the jordan plugin type) and it uses the same values...

http://www.luciferstrip.com/fuzz/jordan-vico-vibe.jpg

the diode sends to ground all voltage above 6.8v - you should be able to have like 6.4/6.5v with a resistor but you have to find the correct value to get you in that ballpark...

[deadastronaut]

cheers adriano, i'll try some resistor values/trim later then..


i read about a volume drop on this?,

[Renegadrian]

using the mahoney one, fully working, there is no annoying volume drop to report...after all you just have two resistors between input and output, you might want to lower their value just in case, but I don't think there's that necessity.

[Renegadrian]

I know it would be overkill, but that would work the same
a 7806 with a 1N400* on the middle pin, that would give 6.7v circa