Need HELP! How can I use Meter to Debug?

[Mike Vilogi]

 

I am really stumped here. I have been trying to debug this pedal for two weeks now. It is an NPN style Fuzz Face w added tone circuit ( Fur Face from Smallbear). During the build all went well, with the exception of a few traces being schooched over alittle for room , The LED being moved over in its trace a few spots ( nothing that would effect its placement in circuit), and alittle practical repositioning of the pots for space.

I get that it is hard to help debug by eye for someone elses build. The point of my post is more so to ask "Other than testing for Continuity, What can I do with my meter to debug why my power isnt traveling properly?" Newb question, I know, but I am new at this.

I have been hitting myself over the head for two weeks trying to figure out why I cannot even get power to the LED, let alone Fuzz. I get clean bypass, but nothing when engaged. Any help would be greatly appreciated.  I have a meter handy , but am still new to this, so if any measurements are needed please bare with me as far as explaining how to best get them.

 I`ll load up these pics to start, but if they don`t work please let me know and I`ll try for a better shot ( my camera is terrible)

I realized that using the same color wire on the whole board was a terrible idea, but it was a lesson learned. However. I have made 100% sure that all of the in/outs and switch connections are correct. The error/s must be somewhere else...

In the one pic my C1 cap is improperly linked with the q1 trace, I figured this out and corrected that. I have gone over the layout/ board 4 times now, so I figured I would ask for help debugging. I am going to continue to go over it on my own, but I need any help I can get!

[facon]

Check the FAQ for power troubleshooting suggestions. Place your meter to check volts DC. Clip the negative (black) to a ground point, use the positive (red) to touch parts of the circuit. Check that you are getting 9VDC from the power connector. With a schematic handy, go through and check all points connected to 9V. Usually this is at the top of the schematic.

An LED Isn't usually ran through the rest of the circuit. So, if both your LED And FF circuit aren't receiving power, it's probably pretty early on. Verify that your power connector is wired properly too.

[cortezthekiller]

+1

From what I can tell it seems the adaptor connection wires are backwards.

[Mike Vilogi]

Just went over with meter. Was getting power to everything. Switched Power inputs= Right on the nose. Led is a go, so is Fuzz. Thanks a ton! I feel like a goof, but I still needed the practice in going over a schematic/ using meter piece by piece. Thanks a ton guys!

[cortezthekiller]

Glad you got it up and running.

[GibsonGM]

https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/how-to-use-a-multimeter

Try searching for "how to use multimeter" for many other tips!!  )