ANNOYING STATIC

[croonin]

I recently constructed a DIY Sustain stompbox that came in a kit. As well as sufficiently sustaining my notes (well... enough to be able to hear an audible difference), I found it also acts as a boost to my volume (this was just my theory, until I changed over to clean only to find it was distorted also!).

Anyway, my question: I've currently got a lot of unwanted static due to this sustain circuit. It's quite loud, erratic and annoying. It must be something with the grounding because when I touch the metal hardware of my guitar, it dampens the static somewhat.

Can anyone recommend anything to dampen this static? Whether it's something I need to do to my guitar or to the stompbox, I'd be grateful for any advice!

I've found that the circuit greatly improves my distorted tone, and I'd love to use it for gigging - the static is the only thing that is holding me back. I'm desperately seeking advice!

Thanks a tonne!

-- Tom!

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

By 'static', do you mean crackling, like an AM radio in a thunderstorm?
If so, it is usually a bad connection, either in a lead, or to a component, or IN a component. Try tapping everything with the end of a pen to see if it is worse somewhere(like localising a toothache).
Sounds like it might be in the ground connections somewhere.

[smoguzbenjamin]

It could be hiss prom a noisy opamp or something. Did you socket the IC's and transistors?

[croonin]

I'm sorry, I really should have posted this in the Beginner's Section.

Mods feel free to move it, I just assumed I'd get better help in the 'big boys' area.

I honestly have no idea how to socket an IC or a transistor, I assume it just offsets the component from the board?

Is there any 'sure-fire' way of grounding my circuit? I think it is a grounding problem.

I know there really isnt much you can do unless I post schematics etc, but thanks for the help anyway!

[smoguzbenjamin]

A socket is basically a holder that you solder to a PCB so you can switch IC's and transistors. I use them because I usually screw up and overheat IC's and it's easy to switch around parts.

[brett]

Given that providing an alternative earth (ie thru your body) seems to help, I'd agree that there's probably a missing earth link somewhere.

Assuming the negative side of the battery is connected to "earth", it might help to get some wire and electrically connect these 3 points; input socket earth, output socket earth, circuit board earth/negative.

Let us know how it goes.