Maestro FSH-1 (Tonepad v1) problems

[Golden_Sonic]

Hi, I'm new here and in the world of DIY fx pedals. I started as my first project the Maestro FSH-1 because my main aim is building only 2-3 pedals to complete my pedalboard and I tought that it would have been easy if I had simply followed the bill of materials. I downloaded the v.1 of the Maestro FSH-1 from tonepad.com (yes, V1 because there are many other posts and youtube video on this version but almost none on V2) and bought almost everything in a store except for some damn transistors and ICs because on tonepad docs there is no codename for some of them, simply called FET or Dual Opamp. Here's what I need:
- Q2: FET
- Q4 (this is neither called FET, there's nothing, what the hell is it?)
- Q5: FET
- Q6: FET
- IC2: Dual Opamp
- IC3: Dual Opamp
I need to know the codename of these parts (I mean, IC1 is LM13600 but IC2:?).
Second, is there a way to get only the PCB schematic from the tonepad doc? I bought a Press'n Peel sheet but it would be a waste to print it all, so I want to know if there's a way to take only the PCB layout from the pdf.
Third, I'd like to add a LED which lights on together with the pulse of the effect, how should I do? Does it need to be soldered to the RANGE or SPEED pots?
Yes, I'm a total n00b with almost none knowledge of electronic so I'm sorry if some of my requests seem stupid to someone's eyes. I hope to be helped. Thanks in advance.

[smallbearelec]

Possibly you have already figured this out: This is Not a good project for a beginner who has never built an effect, let alone a complex one. If you choose to go ahead, here are the parts you need:

Q2, Q5 and Q6 are BF245A
http://smallbear-electronics.mybigcommerce.com/transistor-fet-bf245a/

I agree that I don't see a Q4; I'll write to F Pena and ask.

The dual op-amps can be TL072
http://smallbear-electronics.mybigcommerce.com/ic-tl072cp/

An off-the-shelf 2N3904 may or may not work for Q1. It should be a device that has been selected to produce noise in Zener mode. I carry some silicon of this kind:
http://smallbear-electronics.mybigcommerce.com/2n2712-work-alike-noisemakers/

The pinout is different, but it will work if you pay attention to that.

Other people here have built this and may have a suggestion for adding an LED driver.

[Golden_Sonic]

Is there any alternative to the components that you named? because I have difficulty to find them on an unique site and I need to buy themon an european site for saving money on the shipping cost. So if there are alternatives to BF245A (I read that others used 2N5457), TL072 (other possible alternative could be JRC1458, TL082 or JRC4558?) and MAX1044 (that is IC4) would be great. And, is there any possibility that Q4 does not exist at all?

[chuckd666]

Here's a discussion on the matter!

http://www.madbeanpedals.com/forum/index.php?topic=5951.0

There's also some content in this madbean .pdf file regarding their version of the circuit called the Sharkfin:

http://www.madbeanpedals.com/projects/Sharkfin/Sharkfin_2015.pdf

[Mark Hammer]

Whether an FSH-1 or any other sample-and-hold module or noise source, the standard practice is to not be terribly specific about the transistor used for the noise source.  There may be some vague recommendations, but the best strategy is to simply install a socket and try out different transistors that are pinout compatible, and search forthe one with the most or "best" noise.

The GGG schematic indicates a 2N3904 for Q4, but again, don't feel hemmed in by that.

[Kevin Mitchell]

I've had this on my work bench for a while, haven't had the nerve or time to finish debugging. Usually I'm against discouraging others from stepping into new territory, but for this effect I advise you come back to it when you have a few notches on your belt and a more firm grasp on circuits, components and so on...

The opamps and fets are more about preferance or whatever you happen to have. This is so for most projects, but not all. TL072 is a very common dual opamp these days and I suggest you stock up. TL074 is the quad version. I also like LM358 and it's quad LM324.

The transistor is a standard NPN. I use 2N5088 or 2N3904, very common.

There are many alternatives to these parts. You MUST be mindful of pinout orientations since some are different - I had to flip the fets I had around for this project.

Allot to learn, come back to this one.

[Golden_Sonic]

Thank you very much for all the advices! Yes, I know that I should have started with something easier such as a boost etc. but I don't want to make pedals, just a couple. The only thing that I want to know now is if this Q4 is in this project because I can't see where it is located in the layout nor in the pcb scheme. If anyone were kind to check the V1.pdf of the Tonepad project, it would confirm what I think. I guess that this Q4 doesn't exist in this project (besides, in many other posts about the same Maestro FSH1 clone-project, nobody talks about a Q4, just Q2, 5 and 6).

[Kevin Mitchell]

It is true that in V1 and V2 the Q4 component is not found on the schematic. I'm confused to why I didn't notice it myself when I put the board together.

My guess would be that when changing the circuit from using two 3080 to using one LM13600 they've ommitted Q4 and in place used some of the leftover/unused section of the LM13600. Observe component names in the schematic.


It makes sense to me 

[Golden_Sonic]

ok but there is no place for Q4 on board, isn't it? Where is it?

[Kevin Mitchell]

What I was getting at was Q4 is still on the BOM (possible mistake) even though it has been omitted due to component changes.

That image in my previous post shows what I believe is substituting Q4 (as a part of the LM13600 IC).

Simple answer, forget about Q4. It doesn't exist. Move on with your life.

[bluebunny]

As Kevin has suggested, there isn't a Q4.  It's not in the BOM either (OK, it's blank).  But a blank BOM entry and a no-show on the layout and the schematic are rather telling.

Ha ha!  Simul-typing.   

[Golden_Sonic]

So, confirming that Q4 is omitted in this project, I have the possibility to buy the following parts:
3X 2N5457 for Q2, Q5 and Q6 (instead of BF245A)
2X TL072CP for IC2 and IC3 aka Dual opamps
Are they correct?
Besides, should I buy a MAX1044 or can I replace it with an LT1054CN8 or a TC1044SCPA? I read that MAX1044 is not so good for this pedal due to some voltage issues...

[Kevin Mitchell]

Those parts should be fine and are what I went with.

The LT1054 is a better alternative and can handle much better. When using that instead of the the MAX1044 you're going to have to remove the connection at pin number 1 "BD/SD" in the schematic so it will be not connected to anything. On the MAX it's a "boost" pin I think but is uneeded. Keeping this connected to V+ as the schematic and layout goes, when using the LT1054 it will not work as it should.

[Golden_Sonic]

n00b question: how can I omit the connection at pin n°1? Simply don't solding it, is it? Or should I modify the pcb layout?

[Kevin Mitchell]

Cut the traces, remove the pad, photoshop the connection out before printing your transfer.

Get creative without damaging anything.

[Kevin Mitchell]

Like magic

[Golden_Sonic]

thank you very much for your help, to everyone! I'll tell you if there is any problems

[idy]

If you have trouble and have the time take a break and read through some of the threads about this. I (think I) remember one of the issues was the pinout of the FETs.... Double check the PCB traces and the pinout of the FETs you choose, make sure you don't just follow the silkscreen and take the BOM for gospel.

Same thing, different (easier, pots and switch on pcb) layout: MadBean's Sharkfin.

This and the Meatsphere were the two that gave me the most trouble so far. But its a very cool filter when you get it working.