Help with MXR microamp (or just a build in general)

[vikingtyty]

After a ton of reading, I've decided to go with the MXR microamp for the clean boost.

I've found all the parts listed on general guitar gadgets, and I think I'm just about ready to go. BUT:



1. that doesn't look like all the parts listed on GGG
2. how do I know which ones to solder together?
3. the turqoise-ish lines..do they mean anything?
4. it says dc jack... does that mean i could just skip the battery part all together, and plug it in straight to the wall/power conditioner?
5. R11... the part connected to the LED. where does that go? does it just hang around inside the case?
6. the dc jack, the 500k pot, the switch, the input/output... what are they connected to?

I realize this is a lot to ask, and it's probably all stupid, but you've got to learn somehow...right?

[$uperpuma]

First of all, welcome to the board... probably what I'd recommend very first would be the beginner project on this board...it will start to work you through the very basics and you'll have a good working project. If you are dead set on doing the microamp project shown,   the turquoise lines are copper traces from an etched circuit board...you will put the component leads through the board and solder directly to the traces on the board.  You can probably order that board from GGG, or see if a nice forumite might etch one for ya for a couple bucks...PM ME if you need one done...

[vikingtyty]

so if i didn't order the ready to solder board, i'd have to etch that myself?

alright. well what about the other questions?

[vikingtyty]

also... has anyone tried both this booster and the beginner project on the forum? how do they compare?

[$uperpuma]

to my ears... this one was slightly darker sounding... could just be me...

The DC jack is so you can run it on a wall wart.

R11 goes inline with the LED as shown... its not soldered to the board, its to bring down the brightness of the LED alittle... I usually shrink wrap that one...

the pot, switch, and jacks connect to traces on the board and to each other as shown...

If you are set on doing this project, I'd recommend getting a board etched, or ordering one for GGG.

hope that helps,
-Nate

[vikingtyty]

so say i didn't want any modification of tone whatsoever, just a nice, solid, clean boost? should i go with the beginner project here? or maybe the amz mosfet boost?

[petemoore]

  The Beginner project is a great sounding boost. It is a fixed bias affair, 'wire 'n fire up', so to speak.
  For firsties a perfboard 'learns ya' and is linear/like the schematic, a Vero or PCB is more a paint by numbers task.
 

[burnt fingers]

Just an FYI, post the link to the schem next time.  Read the bottom where it says permission to post refused.

I say the beginner project is good. Jacks mosfet boost is good. I think there are a million an one booster projects in the gallery, it just depends on what you want to do.  I started with a vox treble booster then changed the input cap to make it more full range. 

Good luck and welcome to the world of DIY.

Scott

[vikingtyty]

thanks guys! i've decided to go with the project on this forum, as it seems way more simple than the microamp. will i need to order a "ready to solder" board for that one too?

[oldrocker]

I'm not sure if there is a ready to solder PCB board for thie beginner build or not.  Just go to Radio Shack and buy a piece of perf board.  It's the boards they sell with all the holes in it.  It's cheap and a small one should work for this project.  You'll will need to get your soldering skills refined to use it but it's not that hard to do.  Instead of those blue lines like in the ready to solder PCB you'll have to connect all the components with wire and or the bare metel wire strands that you cut off the components you install.  Also you can leave the long leads on the components after you solder them in and bend the excess leads  and solder them together to make your connections.  If you look around the beginners message board there are some step by step pictures of components being installed on perf board.  It's very helpful.

[aron]

You will have a good time with the beginner circuit. The MXR Micro amp is a fun circuit as well and it works well. I would try the beginner circuit first and then move "up" to the micro amp as a possible second choice.

Aron

[vikingtyty]

thanks guys. i should be ordering the stuff tomorrow. i'm sure i'll be bugging you then, too!