Component types

[Mgt280y]

Might be over thinking this as its all a bit new to me, but I'm trying to source all parts for my chasm build. In terms resistors there are a few types but looks like metal film are the preference over carbon. When it comes to caps there are loads of types is there a right a wrong choice or better for pedals just seem to be getting swamped in options 

[GibsonGM]

Hi Mgt, Welcome!

Don't worry, it's not that complicated. You are just seeing a lot of choices, but it comes down to just a few in reality for most projects.

I like Small Bear for pedal parts: http://smallbear-electronics.mybigcommerce.com/  Steve is associated with this forum, and is around to ask questions of...I have had nothing but good service from them over the years.

A whole set of 1/4 watt carbon film resistors is great to have for this hobby!  Just get 'em all, put 'em in a box...inexpensive, nothing fancy, they're all ya need.  Metal film are "better" but will not make a difference in audible terms.

A set of small value caps is nice to have....   .001uF to 1uF in whatever increments are offered.  Poly film is my choice...they're low noise, easy to get, good price.

For values above 1uF, you will probably get electrolytic caps...they are bigger in physical size, are aluminum with a gel dielectric inside.  I like non=polarized types when I can get them ("NP").   If they are polarized, you need to watch which end the "-" band goes to. 

In my world, unless a design specifically calls for something else, this is all you need in terms of R's and C's.   I do encourage anyone interested in the hobby to get "kits" of Rs and Cs, so you have about 10 each of common values.  Nothing is worse than not having the R or C you need at midnight when the build is almost done!!!

Electrolytics, I just keep a handful of  like 1u, 2.2u, 10u, 22u, 47u, 68u, 100u around as eventually the dielectric gel dries up and they can get 'dodgy' after some years.  For special builds I order any oddballs. 

Hope this helps

[deadastronaut]

+1 ''Nothing is worse than not having the R or C you need at midnight when the build is almost done!!!''


having to nip to craplins for 1 cap lol....been there...never again...

[Mgt280y]

Right I'm getting somewhere ordered most of the parts the list says I need 2 x 2n5457 but I can't find them anywhere any ideas thanks in advance dan

[PRR]

All the classic pedals were built with the cheapest carbon-composition resistors. They hiss and drift and outright fail, but usually serve fine for decades. They were good enough for table radios, they good enough for pedals.

In fact CC resistors are now obsolete specialties. Carbon Film got cheaper, is better, and really very-very-fine for nearly any audio use.

Caps.... rather than re-teach a puddle of vague suggestions, just shop at *pedal* part suppliers. They know what is good for what you are doing. There may be few "electrically wrong" choices, but there are a lot of strange caps with features you don't need and may not even want.

[Mgt280y]

While I'm on my learning questions what does "CLR" mean when is on a resistor in a diagram  , oh and I found the 2n5457 

[deadastronaut]

current limiting resistor...

for led...usually 4.7k..

depending on led and required brightness.. or 

[nick d]

     CLR = Current Limiting Resistor . Usually for LEDs . That's what I figured , please correct me if I'm wrong !

[Mgt280y]

Oh right so no different to a normal resistor but but might need to change value depending on what type, colour /how many led are used

[suncrush]

Oh, so I wrote a Python script to calculate CLR's.

https://sites.google.com/site/unclejscience/home

[GibsonGM]

Vs-Vled/I led

Supply voltage - led forward voltage drop /  current you wish to run the LED at.