help debugging my tubescreamer build

Started by Kete13, August 14, 2006, 11:35:58 PM

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Kete13

Ok i started my first build with a tubescreamer clone project from general guitar gadgets.  I have the board all wired up and ready to go, but the effect doesn't work. 
Here's the list.

1. Name- Tubescreamer
2. Site - http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=90&Itemid=118
3. How I made it - Used PCB from site, and followed layout exactly.
4. Substituted Parts - 100pf capacitor for the 51pf capacitor.
5. Ground type.  Not sure, followed whatever the diagram was.
6. What it does - Led works, both battery power and 9v jack power work, bypass works, and effect makes little sound.  When the strings are played hard, the effect makes a barely audible scratchy sound.  Kind of a gating kind of sound.  The effect obviously isn't how its supposed to be.

OK here's the voltages.

Q1-(2N3904)
C-9.04
B-2.98
E-4.03

Q2 -(2N5088)
C-9.04
B-2.57
E-2.9

IC - 4558D
1- 4.5
2- 4.62
3- 4.42
4- 0
5- 4.5
6- 4.5
7- 4.51
8- 9.04

Diodes
1-1N914
A-4.62 C-4.51
2- 1N4148
A-4.51 C-4.62

Voltage at the battery is 9.04.
Voltage at the board is 9.04.

I'm pretty sure that the problem with the effect is the transistors, but I don't know where I should start to fix the problem.  I want to know what to do before I try to change anything done on it already.  Thanks for all the help.

fixr1984

According to GGG your IC voltages age good but the transistor volts are off.
Base should be around 3.5v on both Q's. and the Emitter should be about .5v less
than base.

Kete13

I know that the problem is in the transitor voltages.  I was wondering where I should start looking to fix that. Thanks.