[The Lamuki's Belch. Reports, logs, assistance]Tube Screamer clone w/mods [in pr

[JKowalski]

I guess I will join in.

A three position one pole rotary is the simple way. (SP3T, in switch terms) You can buy a rotary with more than one pole as well (easier to find), just leave the other poles unconnected. I assume by your pic you want to switch between three caps to ground.

You can also use a SPDT center off switch (on-off-on). You wire the smallest value capacitor end and ground to the middle lug, and the two higher sizes go on each outer pole. That way, with the toggle in the middle, you have the small value cap, with the switch on either side, you have the small value cap + the larger value cap on that side. It's not all nice and neat (it doesnt go from smallest to largest, rather medium -> small -> large) but it will work. I've used that trick a couple of times, I have a ton of center off switches from my dad's work trash bin that need to be given a home! 

With three caps, you cant use a DPDT - there's only two throw positions!

As for the mid range booster, it's your call. Do you want your midrange boosted? Try it out, if you think so - not too difficult if you have a decent parts supply at home and a B-board, but if you don't I guess you have a little bit more research to do beforehand.

[EARNEST]

Thanks for your input. Appreciate it. I am going to use a 4 way rotary switch for the capacitor mod, 3 different caps + 1 bypass.
I can buy some of your components if you can ship them to Malta (Europe)
I'd like to have an option either to cut or boost the mids. "Thrash" mod Not sure if it is a good idea for such pedal as TS
Thanks again. It is a good thing to have some new faces

[spaceace76]

Thanks again. It is a good thing to have some new faces

Right on! and a big +1 to everything JKowalski said.

Where do you get your parts anyway? if it's a website we can use it to provide part numbers, etc.

i'm not sure what you're doing with the diodes, shouldn't there be two? or are you going for asymmetrical clipping? the switch looks a bit different from the BYOC schematic. they have a variable resistor to ground, but i don't see it on yours. where you have the polarity diode is fine.

I've realised it was OK. 4.7K should go to Vr, not ground. need to re-draw. I don't know what you were talking about...

you're totally right! dunno what i was thinking there. somehow "+4.5v" meant ground at the time 
my apologies for the mixup.

[EARNEST]

Thanks again. It is a good thing to have some new faces

Right on! and a big +1 to everything JKowalski said.

Where do you get your parts anyway? if it's a website we can use it to provide part numbers, etc.

i'm not sure what you're doing with the diodes, shouldn't there be two? or are you going for asymmetrical clipping? the switch looks a bit different from the BYOC schematic. they have a variable resistor to ground, but i don't see it on yours. where you have the polarity diode is fine.

I've realised it was OK. 4.7K should go to Vr, not ground. need to re-draw. I don't know what you were talking about...

you're totally right! dunno what i was thinking there. somehow "+4.5v" meant ground at the time 
my apologies for the mixup.

I get parts from www.export.farnell.com
A great company.
Also, I thought the same about 4.5V :-) Maybe we were checking the wrong schematic.

[EARNEST]

Can you suggest what wire/cable I should use for input/output
http://export.farnell.com/ or here https://www.allelectronics.com
Thanks.

[spaceace76]

by input/output, you mean wires that run to the switch? standard hook-up wire, in 24 gauge will work great

http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/category/825450/Wire-/-Cable/Hook-Up-100-Rolls-/1.html

those are 100 foot rolls, so i'd say unless you have MANY more pedals planned just get one or two colors.

[EARNEST]

i meant shielded wire/cable,  sorry

[spaceace76]

do you mean for patch cables? shielded wire isn't necessary for inside stompboxes unless it's a notoriously noisy one, which the tubescreamer isn't. 
for 1/4" cables though i'd say George L's, but i have no clue where to get that in europe 

someone else have an idea?

[EARNEST]

I see, thanks.
In few days I will go to my friend's and print a layout. So soon I will start etching process. There are 4 obstacles till now:
1. Quality of actual PCB (tracks, pads etc)
2. Eyelets (I cannot find them, no ideas what exactly I would need)
3. To cut the PCB...I have a small hand saw, but I might break the board (i.e. cracks in some places)
4. Oxidization of tracks (how to tin it and so on) + I cannot find solder masking agent for "permanent" protection of tracks

[spaceace76]

i think we have some confusion on what we both consider eyelets. what are you referring to, exactly?

and for board cutting this page has some great techniques:
http://www.smallbearelec.com/HowTos/DirectPCBoards/DirectPCBoards.htm

as far as your quality of pcb, read all the info you can on it. there are lots of little tips that everyone who makes a photoessay will have. absorb them and do a test etch if you have to, keeping in mind all the things you've heard. one tip i can give, is that etching isn't necessarily just about getting a good etch, it's about developing a repeatable process that will work almost flawlessly every time. that way, the next time you etch you won't become discouraged or have to look up all the info again just to make sure you're doing things properly. develop a routine that works well, and stick to it.

i've never looked into solder masking, i'm not even sure it's necessary. that's worth discussing in a new topic, though. start one and see what people have to say.

[EARNEST]

I was referring to this http://www.intertronics.co.uk/products/eyelets.htm

[EARNEST]

[UPDATE, 85% PROGRESS]
---MORE INFO COMING SOON--
1. POSSIBLE REAL NAME IS "WILD BANSHEE"
2. GOING TO ETCH TONIGHT
3. TS808 LAYOUT IS READY...

[spaceace76]

I was referring to this http://www.intertronics.co.uk/products/eyelets.htm

ohhhhh. yeah that's not necessary either. i just use a drill press and a small sized bit. once you etch, the copper kind of guides the bit into the space that needs to be drilled, so precision isn't necessarily an issue. is there a reason you wanted to use eyelets?

[EARNEST]

to protect tracks and sh1t like that...extra protection
P.S. no success to transfer the layout to the board....some tracks break too easily

[EARNEST]

Transferring layout and etching = total B!?CH!!!!! I cannot succeed, damn it!

[EARNEST]

Is it Ok? I do not know how to make a PCB with better quality tracks Maybe PNP paper?

http://img98.imageshack.us/gal.php?g=16102009.jpg

P.S. super tired

[spaceace76]

what's your current transfer method? i've read here that you can use stuff like glossy magazine paper. i remember a few topics about alternatives, one that lots of people rave about is the paper stickers come on. get some sticker paper from an office supply store and try it out

[slandsaw]

I'm lovin' this thread. Space, Earnest I think you guys are doin' a bang up job. I just purchased a bunch of components myself (the entire parts list of the BYOC OD2) and am following this thread with much anticipation.

[EARNEST]

what's your current transfer method? i've read here that you can use stuff like glossy magazine paper. i remember a few topics about alternatives, one that lots of people rave about is the paper stickers come on. get some sticker paper from an office supply store and try it out

Laser printer -> Glossy and cheap magazine paper (or even standard A4 paper, it still worked for me) -> Iron + Paper + FR4 PCB -> Etch solution (I did not know the proportions, so I've mixed like a glass of hot water, maybe a bit more with like...dunno, 10 dessert spoons of FeCl3).
I will work on this board, since I've ruined it yesterday, that proved that I need a drill presser (stand) 100% + I'd need a really small drill bits. So after this, I will post a DETAILED report. Hopefully the board works, so I can re-make it (QUALITY OF TRACKS!!!! DAMN IT!!! NEED MORE HELP HERE PLS) and add some video files.
What are those paper stickers? Small memo papers?
Slandsaw, glad about it, dude! Check for some more info later on. This is my first project.
----
Also, I need to order more hardware parts. I do not have any switches, good cables, iron with small tip, drill press etc...
----
P.S. going to add "Wild Banshee" to the board and some more copyrights

[EARNEST]

beta prototype PCB
http://img34.imageshack.us/i/18102009001.jpg/
Brief report:
1. LOTS of rosin
2. I have a good solder iron (old school) but its tip is too big, that is why it is messy
3. Need more experience