Help with my first build (Tonepad Mas Distortion)

[monstro]

It passes signal on bypass but is a mute pedal when engaged (which seems to be a common problem). I already checked for shorts with a multimeter but it didn't seem like anything was wrong. I'm guessing it's maybe the 9v tap or the jacks or the polarity of the caps, but I'm not sure. I'm not sure if the switch I'm using is the problem, either, but I don't think it is. If you could help me just by looking at these pictures I'd appreciate it: http://www.flickr.com/photos/metralhando

This is the schematic, though you're probably familiar with it: http://tonepad.com/getFileInfo.asp?id=115

[smallbearelec]

That looks like a home-made PC board. If you had asked, I think the residents here would have discouraged you from making a board for a first build; the learning curve for that is fairly steep. But we'll work with you from where you are.

You say that you have checked for shorts. OK, now check every connection for continuity: Print out the board layout drawing, and use the low-resistance scale of your meter to make sure that every pin of every component is actually conected to where the layout says it should connect. You may find an incomplete trace or a cold joint. Triple check all off-board wiring and jack connections. When you have all the problems out, the pedal will work.

SD

[kurtlives]

You could have killed the IC.

If your new at soldering it is very possible that you overheated it and killed it. Most people like socketing their ICs.

[monstro]

I tackled it. One of the wires wasn't soldered to the right end of the 9v tap. I was pretty surprised when it worked.

Thanks a lot for your help, folks. After this I'll be building more pedals for sure, so you'll probably hear more from me.