how to insert a buffer into an Ernie Ball Volume pedal

[mordechai]

I built up a small buffer circuit that I want to install into my Ernie Ball volume pedal to combat the tone suck.  I understand that the buffer should go between the input jack and the pot...But I am having trouble deciphering the traces on the circuit board to determine where -- on the pin header where the pot wires are connected -- I should make the additions.  I've included the picture for the front and back of the circuitboard, and would appreciate any help.  The single jack on the board is the IN jack, the bottom jack on the side with two of them is the OUT jack.

[thermionix]

Okay I'm confused.  If you built this to go inside an existing pedal, why did you put jacks on it?  What is the third jack for?  Is it just two outputs in parallel?  Where are the active components?  I only see a switch and connectors.

[mordechai]

Oh no...I didn't **build** that circuitboard.  That's the circuit board that comes with the Ernie Ball volume pedal...I just removed it from the enclosure to see if someone could help me figure out how to hack in the buffer!

[thermionix]

Oh wait, duh, that's the board from the volume pedal, right?  I was thinking it was a board for the buffer circuit.  I wouldn't have expected a volume pedal to have a PCB, but some folks seem to go out of their way to stick them in anywhere they can (like newer Gibson guitars).

I would guess you need to determine which trace is the hot (tip) for the input jack, cut that trace with an exacto or something, and insert the buffer circuit in the resulting gap.

(Edit:  You replied while I was typing.)

[thermionix]

But now you've converted a passive pedal into an active pedal.  How is the buffer circuit going to be powered?  If you want to use a battery, you would want a stereo input jack so it doesn't stay on all the time.  I guess you have probably considered that and are planning on using an external power supply.

[Kipper4]

What a tool.......

This is my super duper jack socket tester, you just need a continuity tester and sharpie. Bosh

[ashcat_lt]

In the first picture, the "back" of the board where the jacks aren't, there is only one trace leading from the input jack.  That's the one you want.