Queen of Bone Pedal

[Big mike 1100]

Hi All,

I just build a Queen of Bone pedal and I'm a little stumped.  The pedal seems to work, but the issue has to do with the LEDs and the two 3PDT switches.  The LED lights always stay on and the pedal does what its supposed to.  The only way to turn off the LEDs and each side of the effect is to hold my foot on each 3PDT switch, almost like a "momentary switch"  I'm assuming its a short of some sort. 

Can someone give me a direction as to where to start the diagnosis?  Thanks!

[Slowpoke101]

Hi Mike,

Going to need a bit more info. Such as the circuit and layouts that you used.
Some pictures too - of course.
The problem is most likely a wiring error and nothing major.

[Big mike 1100]

Thanks, Ian.

Pics are on the way.  Here's the link to the build.  The schematic is on the last page.

https://www.rullywow.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Queen-of-Bone-v2-Build-Doc-REVISED-v2.pdf

[Big mike 1100]

[mth5044]

The build doc isn't opening for me, so I can't see if you were supposed to use momentary switches or not, but I'm guess not: Did you accidentally buy momentary 3PDT switches? Do they have the 'clunk' of a latching switch being actuated? Can you use your multimeter to determine connectivity of the lugs on the switch?

[Big mike 1100]

https://www.rullywow.com/product/queenofbone2/

This is another link that might be better- you can scroll down a bit to QOB build doc and it might open.

Interesting about the momentary switch.  They both look like the same blue 3pdt switches that I always buy, but one feels a little spongy.  it has the click, but maybe a little less clunky than the other.    I do have a multimeter and can definitely check out the lugs regarding connectivity.  What would I be looking for?

[antonis]

Just check for permanent continuity (short) between any upper or lower lug and respective middle lug of any vertical row, with push buttton free (not pressed).
e.g.: If lugs 1 & 2 are shorted, lugs 2 & 3 should be open and vice versa..
(same should also stand for lugs 4 & 5 and 7 & 8..)

In case of no short on either lug pair of the same vertical row, e.g. neither between 1 & 2  nor between 2 & 3 with push button released, you've got a momentary 3PDT switch


P.S.
In case of PCB mounted switch, check for continuity with your Ohmmeter and not with beeper..!!
(many DMM sound even with many tens of Ohms which can easily be the total resistance of whatever is connected between the switch lug pairs..)

[Big mike 1100]

Antonis- You might be onto something.  There is definitely something wonky happening with the lugs connectivity.  I'm thinking that there might be some solder bridges under the board, or there's an issue with the actual lug

There seems to be connectivity with Lugs 1,2&3 on both switches, regardless of whether the switch is clicked once or twice.  The others might be acting normally (1&3 showing connectivity)

Should I try and desolder the switches and try new ones, or could it still be a wiring issue?

[Slowpoke101]

Trying to desolder the stomp switches from a double sided circuit board is something that you really want to avoid. Visually check for any short circuits and try to fix them.
Remove the effect from the enclosure and test the switches again. You never know - an LED leg may be touching the case or you have a very sick stomp switch (internal breakdown).
On the subject of wiring - the stomp switch wiring is all done on the sub-board that the switches are mounted on. If there is an error with that wiring then it has been manufactured with the error....unlikely but possible.
Have a really good look. The issue appears that the Cathode side of the LEDs is finding an unwanted path to ground.

[Big mike 1100]

Thanks Ian.  I took the effect out of the enclosure with the same results.  I'll take a careful look at the board and see if there are bridges somewhere.

[Big mike 1100]

Problem solved, so I thought I'd post my mistake.  I accidentally ordered 3PDT MOMENTARY switches, as Antonis correctly stated!  I had 6 of them, tested them all, thought they were all broken, emailed Tayda ready to yell at them and quickly realized my mistake.  Lesson learned!

[pinkjimiphoton]

them momentary switches are extra funky, cuz wired one way, they are normally open, the other, normally closed. you can wire both closed and open at the same time even. can drive ya batchit crazy til ya figure it out.

i like momentarys for dirt boxes... great for doing quick STABS ... say yer playing rhythm and singing, and wanna interject a quick lead line.. just hold the switch down while ya need it.

so these switches DO have polarity... use your meter to find out which orientation is the proper one. usually on a dpdt, one side is normally open and one normally closed. not sure if 3pdt follows the same convention tho

[thermionix]

6 Burst Boxes it is!

[duck_arse]

6 Burst Boxes it is!

1 burst box, 6 amps.

[antonis]

6 "normal" stomboxes with FET latch switches..

[phaeton]

Add some more switches, build some tuned oscillators and you have a set of bass pedals.

[Big mike 1100]

So after coming to the conclusion that I put momentary switches in accidentally instead of normal 3pdt switches with the help of this forum, I finally got the correct ones installed.  Everything lights up and seems to work, but there are a few issues.  Side 2 (the left side of the pedal when it's put on the floor in position) seems to work ok- gets loud and distorted with minimal hiss/noise.  Side 1 (right side when put in position) when the switch is engaged, it's louder (hisser), but doesn't get nearly as loud volume-wise as side 1.  It actually sounds almost tinny/quiet/trebly.

Not sure where I should look first.  Any thoughts?

[Slowpoke101]

Unless there has been some changes to the documentation the first thing to check is the orientation of the TC1044 chip. You have it installed in the opposite direction as shown in the doco.
If you have, don't expect it to work. You may need to replace it.
I'll check the rest of the components against the doco and your picture (very good photo of the board) shortly.

[thermionix]

ZUI:

[Big mike 1100]

I soldered the unsoldered lug of the 3PDT and flipped the TC1044.  Works like a charm!!  Very quiet and might quickly become a favorite pedal.

Got lucky and didn't even have to replace the TC1044