First build - GGG Bosstone Kit - multimeter readings odd, maybe

[graylensman]

Greetings, all! Long-time lurker, finally taking the plunge! I bought a GGG Bosstone kit. Assembled it, and naturally it doesn't function.    I get guitar signal through bypass, but engaging the switch kills all sound.

So I did due diligence, studied the troubleshooting pages here on DIY Stompboxes, and a few other links. Took my digital multimeter, set to volts, started probing all the connections. Made notes in preparation for providing as much information as possible when I ask for help. HOWEVER - I noticed that the readings on one end of some components don't come close to matching the readings at the other end. For example, on a .022uF capacitor, one end reads 7.37, and the other 1.29.

Before I post up all my numbers, could somebody please tell me if this might be an expected result, or if I'm doing something wrong or stupid?

thanks in advance!!

[LucifersTrip]

if you had the same voltages on both sides of the component, it would be shorted (ie a normal wire)

the transistor voltages are where to start

edit: did you see ggg has sample voltages?


Q1
Collector
5.3v
Base
0.6v
Emitter
0v

Q2
Collector
0v
Base
5.3v
Emitter
5.9V

[graylensman]

thanks for the info. I didn't notice that data before; I shall investigate it further.

So, on a related note, then, if I'm getting the same values on both ends of a resistor, does that indicate a short someplace? (I'm trying to find out how much information is too much vs. not enough before I ask for specific help. Thanks for your understanding!)

[graylensman]

First, here is a link to the schematic: http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/pdf/ggg_jbt_sc.pdf?phpMyAdmin=78482479fd7e7fc3768044a841b3e85a
Here is a link to the board layout: http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/pdf/ggg_jbt_lo.pdf?phpMyAdmin=78482479fd7e7fc3768044a841b3e85a

I made no modifications to anything: I used all parts supplied and made no substitutions.

Okay, here are the readings:
Voltage at the circuit board end of the red battery lead = 8.11
Voltage at the circuit board end of the black battery lead = 0
Q1
C = 6.9  (expected voltage: 5.3)
B = 2.18 (expected voltage: 0.6)
E = 1.70 (expected voltage: 0)

Q2
C= 1.70 (expected voltage: 0)
B= 6.89 (expected voltage: 5.3)
E= 7.37 (expected voltage: 5.9)

D1
A (anode, the non-band end) = 1.29
K (cathode, the banded end) = 1.7

D2
A = 1.7
K = 1.29

Please help me learn what all this means, and what my next steps are in troubleshooting this! Thanks again!

[LucifersTrip]

E = 1.70 (expected voltage: 0)

this is the first thing you need to take care of. "0" means it's grounded, which yours isn't

....and Q2C is also grounded

[graylensman]

Thanks for helping me, Lucifer.

So... how do I then make those connections grounded? Do I need to unsolder and then resolder? Is there a break elsewhere in the circuit that I need to uncover? I'm not trying to be annoying... I really have no clue.

[graylensman]

Okay, with LucifersTrip suggestion, I embarked on solving my non-grounded transistors. I found a cheap-o magnifying lens and started looking over my board. I expected to find soldered connections touching where they shouldn't, but was pleasantly surprised to find all my joints clean and bright silvery... until I saw the connection for the ground wire on the board. THERE WAS NO SOLDER AT ALL! I had somehow missed that connection.

A quick minute later, an application of solder... and sweet sweet fuzztone!

So, maybe a noob problem, but I'm glad it wasn't anything more complicated.