What To Build For First Etching Job?

[KerryF]

So I am thinking about finally getting into PCB Etching.  What pedal should I etch and build?  I have enough fuzzes, distortions, and overdrives.  I have a Bobtavia (Octave/Fuzz).  I have a nice boost.  I have a tube reverb in the working.  So I want something useful.  I was thinking something to enhance my clean.  Something like a Univibe, Chorus, Phaser, Tremolo, or Compressor.  I am open to pretty much anything, but I want some type of Modulation pedal so I can enhance the clean.  I was thinking about the DOD Compressor from Tonepad.  Anyone have a suggestion for a medium leveled project for this.

Also, I am using these two tutorials for etching:
http://www.5bears.com/pcb.htm
http://geocities.com/thetonegod/etch/etch.html (The Tone God's tutorial)

-Kerry

[markm]

I would suggest the Dyna/Ross over the DOD, the DOD can be a bit sluggish although there are some mods around here to help with that.
The Dyna/Ross comp from TonePad is real nice one or the plain old Dynacomp from ustomp.com.

[KerryF]

Ok so I got this little Ghirardelli box from my mom's work.  I sanded it and began to paint it.  Im going to use this for the project.  I will paint it the EVH 5150 style but with Hot Pink and a Dull Yellow.  It should turn out pretty cool if it works.  And the pink in the picture doesnt look as bright.







So what can I use this box for, and also etch the PCB.  Any other suggestions? 

[343 Salty Beans]

The DynaComp/Ross would both be okay in there. Approximately how deep and wide is the box? From the pic with your hand for reference, it looks plenty big for any 2 or 3 knob project, 4 or 5 if you can squeeze.

[KerryF]

Its a fairly large box.  I could fit just about anything in it.  I am debating the Compressor though at the moment.  I think I may want a Phaser.  Maybe the Phase 45.  Any other suggestions other than Tremolos and Compressors?

[343 Salty Beans]

Well, one of my favorite combinations is a good verb and chorus. If you wanted to continue your sexy clean, you could build a rebote 2.5 as well.

[lumpymusic]

Ok so I got this little Ghirardelli box from my mom's work.  I sanded it and began to paint it...

Nice job on the sanding!
How did you get the embossed areas around the letters/logo
to sand out so cleanly?

Lumpy

[Meanderthal]

 Yikes! What happens when you stomp on it? Cool shape, though!

[KerryF]

Yikes! What happens when you stomp on it? Cool shape, though!

Its pretty sturdy I guess, but whatever, its fine  .

Ok so I got this little Ghirardelli box from my mom's work.  I sanded it and began to paint it...

Nice job on the sanding!
How did you get the embossed areas around the letters/logo
to sand out so cleanly?

Lumpy

Well I am just a good sander I guess.  I took the time to get the embossed area out with some other tools and then sanded it for the sanded look.  But yea, I have done a few sanding jobs, and whenever I do it, it turns out great.  I use the Medium and Fine Grit Sanding Sponge from Home Depot.  Works pretty good for wet sanding too because you can get some water to absorb into it.

[KerryF]

Now, I want to do the Phase 45 on TonePad ( http://www.tonepad.com/getFile.asp?id=12 ).  For that 500k pot, it says 500k C.  Does this mean reverse taper?  Can I just use a regular linear tapered pot?  Also, a lot of people have said that much of the 500k pot isnt used and using a 100k pot should work better.

Also, I just saw Torchy's modded vero layout and schematic.  Can someone maybe draw me up a PCB layout for it please?  I would REALLY appreciate it. http://aronnelson.com/gallery/album28/MXR_Phase_45?full=1 .

Thanks!  Kerry.