Just built my 4th pedal (and learned my lesson with cheap irons!)

[Liaztraht]

Well, for my birthday, I decided to get more into pedal building, instead of mostly modding. I also decided to only clone vintage, mass produced, or pedals from people that messed up big time. In this case, I built a DE Hyperion.

But, of course, I cheaped out on my iron. I bought a cheap temp controlled iron off eBay that said its compatible with Weller st7 tips. Of course the tips that came with it were cheap too. I first used it building a WH10 wah, and the tip I was using started to collapse near the end of the build, but it worked fine. So when ordering parts, I picked up an st7 tip... Didn't fit  So I used the bigger tips that came with it. That was a mistake. With the iron set to only 200c, it was still too hot (temp controlled my arse) and started lifting tracks off the stripboard, so in the trash the first board went. That was with only the caps and resistors on it (all 9 parts) and that tip collapsed!

So, swap tips again, and now it's hard to melt 63/37 solder. This time I tried to avoid cleaning the the tip, and would just flick my wrist to get some build up off. That one collapsed, but the board was done! Took this time to order a Weller WP-25 for future use, as I used to use one in a previous job as a portable alternative to the solder stations we used.

Third tip time! For the off board I used the large flat/angled tip. It was collapsing before I even applied solder! But I got it to last until the off board was done 

For such a simple circuit, this was my toughest build yet. But I learned I really like solid core wire, and ordered myself a little birthday gift (a real iron).

And it fired up the first try, even with all the setbacks!

I used a green LED, and called it "Stone Thrower" as I built it for a stoner/doom project.
Also my first time using art on a pedal.

Forgot to get the solder side before putting it in
Also had a little slip of the drill. Need to invest in a file next, so I can correct slightly off holes.

[Rob Strand]

But, of course, I cheaped out on my iron. I bought a cheap temp controlled iron off eBay that said its compatible with Weller st7 tips. Of course the tips that came with it were cheap too. I first used it building a WH10 wah, and the tip I was using started to collapse near the end of the build, but it worked fine. So when ordering parts, I picked up an st7 tip... Didn't fit  So I used the bigger tips that came with it. That was a mistake. With the iron set to only 200c, it was still too hot (temp controlled my arse) and started lifting tracks off the stripboard, so in the trash the first board went. That was with only the caps and resistors on it (all 9 parts) and that tip collapsed!

Thanks for the feedback.

It doesn't matter what you buy the cheap stuff always has something wrong with it.   I've got a lot of respect for people that learn from their mistakes.

I bought a cheap digital vernier.   If you use it or not  it burns up the batteries inside of 6 months.   Now I only put the battery in when I use it.  The battery has lasted 5 years.    PITA.

[Liaztraht]

Thanks for the feedback.

It doesn't matter what you buy the cheap stuff always has something wrong with it.   I've got a lot of respect for people that learn from their mistakes.

I bought a cheap digital vernier.   If you use it or not  it burns up the batteries inside of 6 months.   Now I only put the battery in when I use it.  The battery has lasted 5 years.    PITA.

The first build with that iron was my best solder job, this one was my neatest wiring. So with a consistent iron, my next build will be ever better. I look forward to improving, and then tweaking my own takes on various circuits. Past couple weeks have been relearning how to read schematics. Now to decide the next one!

[Liaztraht]

Just to update, got my Weller in, and rebuilt the board. Proud enough to show it off now.
Also, the proper tip worked flawlessly, and shows no signs of collapsing or degradation. It was so much easier!

Only odd thing is for my single supply, when the pedal is on, the supply hisses loudly. It hisses a bit with my clone theory as well, but not as bad. Perhaps it's just a combo of cheap supply and high gain circuits? Double checked wiring, reflowed all off board joints etc. Might be the led as I did not wire the switch to ground the board, and its only when on. My DC brick is silent.