Issues with some of my DIY pedals

[Gil]

Hi all.

I decided to replace the dodgy DPDT switches in my 12 DIY pedals (they all developed contact problems).

These pedals I built about 5 years ago, and I now find that some of them have some issues which have been developed over time...

- On two of the pedals the millennium LED light up constantly. The pedals are playing fine, while switching
take the effect in/out but doesn't shut down the led... They both use the Millennium 1 and a 3PDT now, wired as DPDT.

- Some of the pedals hum quite loudly. Not quite like any of the shelf pedals I got...


Any suggestions ?

[Gil]

ok, the led problem is solved simply by taking the millennium out and wiring the 3PDT to no-millennium configuration (standard 3PDT true bypass+led set up).

Any ideas as for the hum ? it is much noticable in the Orange Squeezer clone and the "May Queen" treble booster....

Thanks !

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

Perhaps the wart you are using has a dried out cap inside, and the store FX boxes are compensating for this with a large filter cap across the power.
Try a 500 or 1000uF electro across the power input to your pedals.

[Gil]

Well, replacing the 2200uf filter cap in the powersupply itself didn't help, but if I add another large cap across it then the hum almost disappears...

So I guess the powersupply is the one to blame. I'll try finding small 2200uf caps to place in my pedals - will that value be fine or is it too large ?

[aron]

I would purchase a one-spot and be done with the hum.

[foxfire]

Well, replacing the 2200uf filter cap in the powersupply itself didn't help, but if I add another large cap across it then the hum almost disappears...

So I guess the powersupply is the one to blame. I'll try finding small 2200uf caps to place in my pedals - will that value be fine or is it too large ?

like Paul was suggesting, you could try a 500 or 1000uF cap from 9vdc to ground.

[drewl]

I had a similiar WalWart problem that created hum with one of my wireless units.
I built a nice clean regulated supply that I used to use with pedals.
I prefer batteries since I don't use my pedals often.