DIY Stomp box

[Kennethfaria]

I know, i know, its been asked a million times, and im looking to get into DIY pedal making Now i've taking a comp eng course, and i know a thing or two about gates circuits etc.
but i still have a few unanswered question.

1. How much would it cost for something simple. Im thinking a simple overdrive pedal.
2. Is it worth doing?

I've seen the BYOC's but i want to do it my self..kinda thing.
Thanks in advance.

[bongomania]

The simplest boost/drive circuits can cost maybe $.50 for the circuit components, $8 for the housing, and maybe $12 for the jacks, switches, and wire.

Visit diystompboxes.com for everything you could ever want to know, including a good simple overdrive project.

It's worth doing if you like it and have the spare $$$ to accumulate bins of parts.

[Mudfuzz]

Originally Posted by Kennethfaria

I know, i know, its been asked a million times, and im looking to get into DIY pedal making Now i've taking a comp eng course, and i know a thing or two about gates circuits etc.
but i still have a few unanswered question.

1. How much would it cost for something simple. Im thinking a simple overdrive pedal.
2. Is it worth doing?

I've seen the BYOC's but i want to do it my self..kinda thing.
Thanks in advance.

BYOC is a bit pricy to me, Look at GGG, not only do they sell kits and PCBs but they have a lot of good info in the project section.

Also yes it is worth it, in a fun/maddening sort of way, but there are some pedals [old and obscure ones] that are hard to come by and it can be more cost effective at times to do it your self.

[Kennethfaria]

http://diystompboxes.com/projects/intro.html
Are you talking about that?

if i use breadboard instead of the usual PCB do i have to solder anything?
In class we just used the breadboard and cables running from one to the other. but the bread board was attached to some sort of box with leds on the side to see if it was wired up correctly. Do the sell the board its self separately?

[Kennethfaria]

ah the thing about shipping form the us to canada is the cost of shipping and customs. that's why i try to avoid that situation and build from scratch (or radioshack lol) Speakeing of which radioshakc shold have all the parts correct?

[bongomania]

There are two different things commonly called "breadboard":

This kind:



Which does not require soldering, but it's only good for mockup, not installation in a housing; or this kind:



Which is just a sheet of fiberglass with holes in it, often with some solderable rings around the holes, and it does require soldering. I recommend getting both, as I use the first kind for getting the circuit right on a test basis, and the second kind for actually assembling it.

[bongomania]

Originally Posted by Kennethfaria

(or radioshack lol) Speakeing of which radioshakc shold have all the parts correct?

Radioshack does in fact = LOL. They will have many components, but not all of them; and the ones they do have will be low quality and way overpriced.

[rootshock]

check out tonepad

it's easier to buy one of their pcb for $10 and follow the mouser part list. I built an Orange Squeeze for $20, which would have cost me no less than $180 for a boutique (Analog Man, Keeley) OS of the same (or very similar) specs.

It's very easy and very cost effective. Just make sure you buy a quality soldering iron, with a small tip, and temp control, and a desoldering braid.

[James Hart]

http://www.pedalpartsplus.com/
http://www.tonepad.com/
http://www.mouser.com/

I spent about $40 on parts, circuitboard, finished & drilled box, knobs, etc for my Red Llama clone.

[Toasted]

Judging from your posts, a GGG or BYOC kit is probably the best place to start.

[Kennethfaria]

do you guys know of any canadian retailers?

also if i am building a clone it SHOLD Sound the same right? or similar if i've done everything correctly

[musicelectronix]

Originally Posted by bongomania

There are two different things commonly called "breadboard":

This kind:



Which does not require soldering, but it's only good for mockup, not installation in a housing; or this kind:



Which is just a sheet of fiberglass with holes in it, often with some solderable rings around the holes, and it does require soldering. I recommend getting both, as I use the first kind for getting the circuit right on a test basis, and the second kind for actually assembling it.

Just to clarify. The first one in the picture is called breadboard, but the second is actually called perfboard. Other than those, there is third kind called veroboard, which has line or similiar patterns on it for easy routing without being have to bend the component leads to establish contact with one another.

[musicelectronix]

Originally Posted by James Hart

http://www.pedalpartsplus.com/
http://www.tonepad.com/
http://www.mouser.com/

I spent about $40 on parts, circuitboard, finished & drilled box, knobs, etc for my Red Llama clone.

On top of those, there is effectsconnection.com , again a good place to buy components and I know the owner ships outside states.

[Kennethfaria]

the only problem i have with buying outside of canada is that ill have to pay customs,

[musicelectronix]

Originally Posted by Kennethfaria

the only problem i have with buying outside of canada is that ill have to pay customs,

Mention your concerns to John at effectsconnection dot com , I am sure you can work it out.

[Kennethfaria]

AHh ok thanks a lot man!

[Kennethfaria]

Does anyone know of easy overdriven/distortion type boxes?

And perfboard. is there any advantage over it. i mean does it conduct easier or something?
How do i get those design(bus) Inside the boards. why not use a cd cover and put holes in?

thanks.

[James Hart]

Originally Posted by Kennethfaria

Does anyone know of easy overdriven/distortion type boxes?

http://www.tonepad.com/project.asp?id=65

[Kennethfaria]

hey thanks. that tonepad site is great, and the PCB's they include in the PDF...are htey sized? like shold the PBS 2 inches by whatever?

[Kennethfaria]

Oh and i have a bunch of ol computers lying around, are they usefull for parts?