Baffling signal issue that I'm SURE is embarrassingly obvious!

[nate77]

I put together a circuit last night (univox super-fuzz, but the circuit is moot it think) and I get no signal when the effect is engaged. Now here is the odd part; when I probe it with my audio probe, I get no signal anywhere. Repeat, ANYWHERE. I don't even get a signal at the input jack. Super weird. I obviously get a signal when bypassed at the input but as soon as I engage the effect, It disappears. At that point, it hasn't even gone to the 3dpt switch, so how could it disappear? I'm using the basic true bypass wiring setup as posted on guitar fx. Never had any issues with it and am quite comfortable with wiring so I'm at a loss. Thanks for any ideas guys. I've never experienced this kind of thing

[induction]

I would guess that your switch is connecting your input jack to ground. Post some pictures and we'll see what we can figure out.

[Govmnt_Lacky]

My guess is that, when the effect is engaged, you are gorunding out the input signal somehow.

EDIT: Beaten to the punch^^^

[nate77]

Man, you guys are fast!! I had to leave for work billy when I get back tonight I'll check that out and come up with some pics. Thanks guys. The switch I'm using is actually a reclaimed switch from an older project that had a few issues of its own, it's possible it's the switch itself, however........, in my experience its pretty much never the components, it's usually me! Thanks guys, as always, very much appreciated!

[nate77]

I just home after an unusually long day at work and took a peak at my build (out of enclosure, I used solid wire for the first time for about half of the wiring so out of the box it still has some shape!) and the wiring itself looks as it should. I'm replacing the switch right now because I think it may be faulty (and I'd rather it be a faulty component than my questionable skills...) and if that doesn't do it ill do the input jack, as those are the only 2 places that I could ground out the input signal. The jacks I currently have are the enclosed 1/4" stereo
Jacks with 5 solder points. I just clip off the extra 2 or 3 tabs depending on whether I'm using it for input or output and wire it up. I'm wondering if something is grounding out in my slightly "modified" jacks. I'll get back to you soon with the results!! If not, pics are next....

[MrStab]

i was gonna say this last night, but changed my mind because i thought it might not be helpful - but now you mention you're using enclosed jacks and clipped some of the contacts, i'm gonna suggest you check the jacks for the source of the short. just a weird gut feeling. it's only ever happened twice for me, once with enclosed jacks, but it's possible something's either bent, there's an irremovable splash of solder or a tiny strand of wire inside the jack. i can't even see what's wrong with my dead one (no clue why i've kept it, now i think about it...), but i did snap one of the connectors. i could be wrong, just worth a shot. use a multimeter to check continuity.

also, make sure you didn't clip the main signal contacts - maybe you clipped the ones that disconnect when you plug in!

[duck_arse]

I'll bet on the switch. it came from a troubled home, there is trouble in its new home. I've had a new switch half dead, led me a merry dance. figuratively. no reason a 3p won't go bad, or come bad for that.

[induction]

If it was a problem with the jack, I would expect the symptoms to be there in bypass as well. Which I gather is not the case.

It's probably either a bad switch or an unintended short in the switch wiring. Replacing the switch will probably fix it either way.

[nate77]

Well gentlemen, I replaced the switch first and no luck, then the jack and success, well sort of. I'm getting a signal while the effect is engaged but it is not distorted at all. So now I've fixed my input shorting issue, I've got to debug the board. I'm on my way to work again (I really need to become independently wealthy right away) but ill give this a look after work and see where I'm going wrong. It's basically the same signal as bypass (level and clarity) but the tone stack is affecting the tone, other than that it's the same. Thanks guys, I'll be back!