Best DIY Buffer Build for a noob? Wah/Fuzz Related

[Psychophonic]

My current mod project is on hold, awaiting parts delivery. In the meantime, I'd like to build a basic buffer for use with my wah and fuzz face clone. I'm still new to mods and such, so simple is good. I like the video tutorial below, but I would like to incorporate a stomp or toggle switch and an LED.
https://youtu.be/dMxwT7BT7oE

I really like the added tuning control on this one. Starts at 4:45.
https://youtu.be/1qflxn6jxXA

[Psychophonic]

Just discovered the beginner sub forum, I shouldve posted this topic over there. Regardless, I am both surprised and happy to report that I've got it working, minus the tuning pot. I am very surprised at what a difference this thing makes between the wah and fuzz pedals. Still curious about that tuning control and what exactly it does.

Do I really need the on/off switch for this application? I noticed that many of the buffer pedals I see for sale do not have a switch.

[duck_arse]

"READ THIS FIRST". no, leave this thread here, the beginners sub is for, well, you read that post, didn't you?

do you need a power switch? how would you use it? there's a reason you don't see them. also, so's I don't have to use all my month's data allowance, show the circuit dia with the tuning pot, please. I'm curious about tuning a buffer.

any messages?

[r080]

I assume the tuning control is to tune the input impedance. You could probably do that with just a 1M pot to ground at the input.

Are you talking about an on/off switch for power, or do you mean bypass? Many pedalboards have a buffer left always on to help take care of some signal degradation from the capacitance of lots of cables. In your case, it sounds like you specifically want your wah to work better with your fuzz pedal. You might want to see how you like the sound of your fuzz pedal with the buffer on, but no wah. Leaving the buffer always on before your fuzz pedal will probably make it impossible to do the best fuzz face trick - cleaning up with the guitar volume knob.

[Psychophonic]

I assume the tuning control is to tune the input impedance. You could probably do that with just a 1M pot to ground at the input.

Are you talking about an on/off switch for power, or do you mean bypass? Many pedalboards have a buffer left always on to help take care of some signal degradation from the capacitance of lots of cables. In your case, it sounds like you specifically want your wah to work better with your fuzz pedal. You might want to see how you like the sound of your fuzz pedal with the buffer on, but no wah. Leaving the buffer always on before your fuzz pedal will probably make it impossible to do the best fuzz face trick - cleaning up with the guitar volume knob.

Excellent, thank you. I will install the footswitch.

I don't have a 1M pot on hand, so I will order one and give that a try.

[r080]

I looked at some of the links on that video, and he may actually be referring to the output impedance of the buffer. I can't tell for sure.

[Psychophonic]

I looked at some of the links on that video, and he may actually be referring to the output impedance of the buffer. I can't tell for sure.

As demonstrated in the video, that knob seems quite useful, no?

[antonis]

Should we be bothersome in case of asking about that famous "tunning" buffer circuit..?? 

[Psychophonic]

I looked at some of the links on that video, and he may actually be referring to the output impedance of the buffer. I can't tell for sure.

I would definitely like to find out what it is.

I'm having issues. When I turn it on, I get nothing but a wall of white noise. The LED works. I have a thin piece of foam padding between the vero and the housing.

[r080]

Did it work before you put it in the box?

[Psychophonic]

Did it work before you put it in the box?

I had it working on the breadboard before transferring over to the vero. I've metered for continuity and haven't found any problems there. I'll probably just take it apart and start over. I'm obviously new to this stuff, but geez. The simplest build I could find, and I've still managed to blow it.

[r080]

If you can, certainly test it outside the box as well.

It would be helpful to post a picture of the back side of the board, as well as the vero layout you used.

When you say you tested for continuity, do you mean testing adjacent tracks? To me a wall of noise sounds more like an open circuit somewhere.

[duck_arse]

Should we be bothersome in case of asking about that famous "tunning" buffer circuit..?? 

reply #1 shows a ouija board, Antonis. I think consulting the spirits is our best bet. [ouzo and chinotto will do me.]

[antonis]

I'll follow your suggestion, Stephen..
(much more pleasant than brain hurting when guessing for a schematic..)

Cheers guys..!!

[Psychophonic]

If you can, certainly test it outside the box as well.

It would be helpful to post a picture of the back side of the board, as well as the vero layout you used.

When you say you tested for continuity, do you mean testing adjacent tracks? To me a wall of noise sounds more like an open circuit somewhere.

I tested it outside of the housing. Same problem, no difference.

For continuity, I tested everything I can think of. For example, from the ground pin on the chip to each ground point in the circuit. Same with power, I'm getting 9.65V from the power jack to the pin on the chip.

EDIT. I'm getting continuity on pins 2 and 3 of the chip. Looking at the diagram, to me it looks like that should not be happening.
EDIT. A-ha, sloppy soldering. On the vero, points F14 and F15 have solder across the copper pads. These are pins 2 and 3 on the chip. Upon sucking some solder, the continuity between those points is gone.

[11-90-an]

Cold solder joints? 

[Psychophonic]

Cold solder joints? 

Quite possible, I'm still learning. Figured this project would be good practice. I am going to undo some things and try again.

EDIT. After cleaning up the short between pins 2 and 3, it seems to be working.

[duck_arse]

I don't know how these pots are connected either, Antonis.

[antonis]

 

ΟΚ.. We now deserve a 10 days ban..!!