Feedback Loop and general new guy questions

[DallasoftheDead]

Hey all! First post on here, really excited to get into the world of DIY pedals. I have a few questions on one of my first builds though. I'm trying to build a feedback loop based on the designs here (http://experimentalistsanonymous.com/board/index.php?topic=134.0) except instead of a toggle switch I'd like to put in a momentary push switch. I'd also like to add an LED to the effects loop, and was possibly thinking of doing a bi-colored LED to show when the feedback was engaged as well just for fun if possible?

Some other questions I have regarding builds and components in general are:

1.) All three of the pots I've got for this build and a starter kit I have all have a little tab to make it so it doesn't sit flush with the casing. Is there a reason for this? It makes it pretty difficult to mount onto the case without being lopsided.

2.) A few connections require two wires to the same lug, especially in the feedback build. I have 18 AWG wire, which I believed was pretty standard, but it makes for an incredibly tight squeeze trying to get more than one strand in a lug.

3.) On a DPDT switch, or 3PDT switch, does the orientation matter? I been able to find any markings that denote that there's a starting or '1' lug.

Thank you very much for your time and answers in advance, I'm sure I'll be back on here fairly frequently with more novice questions!

[antonis]

except instead of a toggle switch I'd like to put in a momentary push switch. I'd also like to add an LED to the effects loop, and was possibly thinking of doing a bi-colored LED to show when the feedback was engaged as well just for fun if possible?

Post #2 in your link deals with that..

1.) All three of the pots I've got for this build and a starter kit I have all have a little tab to make it so it doesn't sit flush with the casing. Is there a reason for this? It makes it pretty difficult to mount onto the case without being lopsided.

The reason for tab excistence is for placing it in a seperate hole to avoid pot "turn" in case of loose mounting..
(it's rarely used and you can easily cut it or bend it to cut/break it..)

2.) A few connections require two wires to the same lug, especially in the feedback build. I have 18 AWG wire, which I believed was pretty standard, but it makes for an incredibly tight squeeze trying to get more than one strand in a lug.

You can solder one wire end through lug and the other on lug (top or side) or even on first wire edge (cut insulation a bit more..)
Better try with 21 AWG, which is more convenient for this kind of work...

3.) On a DPDT switch, or 3PDT switch, does the orientation matter? I been able to find any markings that denote that there's a starting or '1' lug.

You're right about several markings but orientation DOES matter only in the form of "Upper - Lower" poles..
Taking in mind that you need a middle pole (or a middle row of poles) for connect it (them) either "Up" or "Down" (depending on switch throw) you can use a continuity tester to check for right orientation - which action is always advisable for checking your switch good performance, before AND after soldering..)
(you dont want to solder and mount an already defective switch..)

If you don't have a multimeter or you are lazy enough, you can count on the fact that flat side of lugs "indicate" independed rows..
(meaning that Up - Middle - Down rows are parallel with lug flatness..)




Wellcome...!!

[DallasoftheDead]

Wellcome...!!
[/quote]

Thanks a lot for the info! Very helpful for a newbie. Glad to be dipping my toes into this crazy world.

[duck_arse]

Wellcome...!!

Thanks a lot for the info! Very helpful for a newbie. Glad to be dipping my toes into this crazy world.
[/quote]

really, Dallas, we are not so stingy with the greetings that you have to welcome yourself.

welcome to the forum.

[I personally always use the anti-rotate tabs, usually mounting pots on sub-panels.]

[blackieNYC]

You might not need an LED tell you you're stepping on a momentary switch, if I'm reading that right 

[DallasoftheDead]

You might not need an LED tell you you're stepping on a momentary switch, if I'm reading that right 

Yeah, it's definitely overkill, more for aesthetic purposes and to give myself a lesson in wiring up LEDs, haha. I like the idea of having it go from "everything is okay" green, to "feedback loop insanity" red.