Flatline compressor build - how to wire in a LED/LDR combo

[Spudoolica]

OK, this is my first post and only my third build of a stomp box. Oh and i'm a complete novice at electronics so please bear with me if this comes across as a simple question....anyway....

I'm building the Flatline compressor and though i've got the parts ect, i'm a bit confused with the LED/LDR combination using an optocoupler.

My question is, how are these parts (the LED and the Optocoupler) connected on the strip board ? I've searched on google but haevn't found exactly what I want to know.

I know its probably a simple enough thing to do but I just can not 'get it'. Just need one of you fab people to explain so the penny drops.

Well, thanx in advance for any help :-)

Great forum/site. I've got a lot out of this place, so for that, another BIG thanx

Dean

[alparent]

http://www.electronics-lab.com/blog/?p=657

Put the leads of the LDR to the points they need to go and do the same for the LED (watch the polarity).

Remember the LDR and LED are taped together so make sure your strip-board layout bring them close enough.

[Spudoolica]

Many thanx for that. I'm still a bit perplexed though. Heres the web addy for the stripboard layout... http://diy-layout.com/6

I'll try and explain what I see on the layout AND what the VTL5C2 optocoupler looks like.

I see 2 legss of the optocoupler going into the right cuts of the board and the 2 legs on the other side going into the 2 holes on the left of
the cuts (thus bridging the cuts). Then I see the two legs of the LED going into the 2 holes to the left of the cuts where the 2 legs of the optocouple are also located. Is that right.
Also (and I really hope this doesn't seem a silly thing to say), am I setting the LED a couple of mil (mm) away from the opto - almost touching.

I do apologize for asking what is probably a simple enough operation but it has stumped me a little

Thanx again guys

Dean

[Spudoolica]

Aha ! Now I think I get this.

Am I right in saying that the VTL5C2 optocoupler is actually an LED AND an LDR in one little package that I just solder into the board as directed.

I am sorry for this but it seems that i've been trying to explain how to make and fit and diy LED/LDR.

If someone could just confirm what i've said, that would be great :-)

D

[deadastronaut]

yes it is..

some people use an ldr/led combo...

but the vactrol is a faster/better response apparently..


welcome btw.

[alparent]

Exactly!
As Deadastronaut said. The LDR/LED is a home made replacement for the VTL5C2.
Depending on where you get your LDR. You can look at the datasheet of the VTL5C2 and try to get a LDR matching those specs.
But I just used what I had (from Tayda).

[Spudoolica]

Well, just goes to show what a bit of research across the net can achieve AND some great help from you guys in Forums such as this.

Thank you, thank you so very much guys, massive help.

I love this place......

Dean