Parallel Universe Ver. 2 Vero layout errors.

[digi2t]

Hi all,

I just finished a v.2 PU on vero, but I noticed some errors on the 2 vero layouts I found on the net. First layout (one that I built http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=71502.0) has one error. R1 is listed as a 15K, it should be a 1K. Other that some parts missing from the parts list, this layout works. Get the parts list from the schem on EA's website. Great job Josh. Sidebar; I replaced the 2.2k starve resistor with a b5k pot. Just wire in the pot as a VR directly in place of the resistor. Hmmm.... maybe a jack out to an expression pedal... but I digress.

The other one is here;
http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/marmora/parallel+universe.jpg.html

I didn't build this one, but having gone over it, I noticed that some cuts are missing (or the parts are not transparent enough). There should be cuts beneath R2, R15, and anywhere between R21 and R24 on row "F". Also, this layout has no Starve circuit resistor.

Personally, I build everything on vero, and I prefer Josh's layout since I detest running jumpers under IC's.

If I errored in any claims I've made here, let me know. I'm getting near bifocal age now, but I'm pretty sure that's it.

Cheers all,
Dino

[marmora]

Thanks for giving the layout a look.
There are trace cuts under R2 and R15, but they are difficult to see.  As you found, I am missing the cut between R21 and R24.  Thanks for catching it!
I'll see if I can add a note or edit my image.

I left out the starve control intentionally because some people have a preference on how they do it (switch, pot, LM317)

How do you like the Parallel Universe?

Cheers!

[digi2t]

It's fantastic. Quickly becoming my fav. It's running neck and neck with my Skyripper right now. I did put the starve circuit into mine, but I used a b5k pot instead of the 2.2k resistor. Now I can vary between jumping octaves, all the way down to sputtering, and then DEATH 

I also built the effect loop into it, and ran a hard (square) tremolo through it. Think "Boulevard of Broken Dreams"... dead on.

I'm curious though... I'm a noob at this pedal building business, so I'm intrigued by the LM317 mention. What's that all about? If you don't mind teaching this old dog a new trick.

When I've got some time, I'll post some sound clips.

Thanks,
Dino

[marmora]

Here's more info on the LM317:
http://diyaudioprojects.com/Technical/Voltage-Regulator/

Thanks again for catching my goof.  I have a friend trying to build this and he's having some trouble.  The missing trace cut could be the answer.

Sounds like a very cool circuit!

[digi2t]

Wow!! I'm going to bed a little less stupid tonight! Thanks for the info. Niffty little setup that LM317. Thanks a ton for the info.

As for your friend, I truly hope that's the problem. I've been messing with this pedal for a week solid now, and I'm having lots of fun with it. I really like the starve feature, I'm glad I put it in. I can get zipper sounds out of it a la Skyripper. Maybe one day I'll add an expression pedal jack to control it, or better yet, a MIDI controlled pot since my whole rig is MIDI controlled.

Hope he solves it.

Cheers,
Dino

[lethargytartare]

Just closing the loop:  here, 2 years later, I did fish out the above referenced PU and got it working.  The missing cut was one thing, but the other was beyond stupid:  I had grabbed a random battery wire, and put it in backwards...so I had (-) going to the circuit...ah well...I can now verify the layout is accurate and works fine.  In fact, the thing is loud as hell, and crazy.  I'm gonna put it in a keeper box at some point.

[digi2t]

There is an added feature that should be included to the PUII; a pickup simulator at the front end.

If you're using any buffers before the PUII, you'll start to run into problems with oscillation section of the circuit. In most cases, the buffer will kill the ability of the PUII to go into self oscillation, effectively subtracting one of the great features of the pedal.

Using this scheme;



will adjust the impedance, allowing the circuit to achieve self oscillation.

I found that I had enough room on my vero to add the transformer, and cap. I simply added the single/hum switch and 25K pot to the unit.

If you have a big chain (like I do), with buffers, do yourself a favor and throw it in there. It'll save you a bunch of headaches.