Bixonix Expandora Question

[alteredsounds]

I use my Expandora all the time but would like to also build one in a 'proper' shaped box and maybe tinker with a few components along the way.  I've looked back through posts for this pedal but cant find any relating to a layout except for a schem is that around.  I've heard that it's also quite tricky but also that it's basically a Rat.

Any ideas?

Cheer,
Nick,

[WGTP]

It is basically a Rat with an "expanding" circuit built in.  Uses 2 LM308 and 1 4558 chips.  The problem is finding the Sharp PC145 opto thing.  I haven't been able to find one.  Let me know if you have any luck.  I havent seen a layout.   

[hank reynolds 3rd]

I built one using an led ldr and it seemed to work ok (it got nicked tho ...ggrrrr!!)

I've read somewhere on here that a H11F1 might work...I've got a hand drawn layout at home somewhere, and I'm planning on trying it with the H11F1,plus a 3 way switch for the different settings...

Cheers
Sam

[WGTP]

There are at least 2 versions.  1 has the dip/switches and one uses a pot to replace them.  It looks like a 5K pot would work.  Don't know about the extra bass on the newer version.  Does it sound different than a RAT???  I like the tune can.   

[MartyMart]

I had one for a couple of days recently, I thought it was quite "Ratty" but seemed to have
a kind of "TS-9" mid hump to the tone .... which was quite nice BTW
I liked it, but was not blown away and didn't feel the "urge" to try and clone it !
I own a similar pedal from Guyatone, its a distortion/sustainer, which is not bad
but when the "sustain" section is used at more than 10% or so ..... NOISE/HISS  !!

MM.

[alteredsounds]

Its def not a 'leave on all the time' pedal but also is different enough to warrant leaving on my board.  What does an LDR do in a pedal like this?  I can see it in things like comps etc but not what it does here?

[WGTP]

If I understand this, the Exapandora does the opposite of sustains and creates more dynamics.  The sustain circuit is in the feedback loop, so it works in reverse.   

[WGTP]

Since the Expandora is supposed to add dynamics to the pick attach, I'm wondering if a similiar result could be had by using LED's instead of of a single or double pair of SI diodes.  Of course you might loose some sustain...

Is the difference worth 2 extra op amps and the associated parts???