Muff build: It aint looking good :(

TimmyDX · #1 03-10-2009, 08:16 AM

Ok so the soldering of the pcb on my GGG Green Big Muff Pi went nice and smoothly.....then when it came to putting it into the enclosure and wiring.....old hell broke loose

I drilled the holes reasonably well (the input output jack holes were a bit off so i had to clip the jacks a bit) wired it all up and when i test it, i get nothing when the effect is engaged, and sound when it is not, the bypass switch is working and power is definitely getting in (checked with my meter)

Most FAQ's say the following:

Quote:

Sound when bypassed, but not when engaged -

This can happen two ways. Either the bypass switch itself is broken, or the effects board is completely dead. Verify the operation of the bypass switch with an ohmmeter for mechanically switched bypasses, go to Completely Dead if it doesn't have a mechanical bypass or if the switch checks good.

Can anyone with GGG muff bulding experience tell me anything? I can hear the pot's wiping and get varied levels of noise when it's engaged.....but no muff noise....

excane · #2 03-10-2009, 08:20 AM

Mr. Pickles · #3 03-10-2009, 08:22 AM

Sorry to hear that

Can you post a pic of the guts and your wiring? Maybe
something will "jump out" to an experienced builder.

I just finished a BYOC Tremster and it didn't work. I took a break; when I reopened the enclosure, I noticed that I forgot to hook up a wire. It was a simple fix (thankfully).

Good luck

TimmyDX · #4 03-10-2009, 08:24 AM

thanks for the quick the replies and somewhat amusing picture

I'll try get a photo up tommorow morning, but ive checked all the wiring a good few times ill check under the pcb tommorow for shorts,

cheers

excane · #5 03-10-2009, 08:29 AM

You double checked the DC jack?

Couvy · #6 03-10-2009, 09:20 AM

Also, diode polarity is something that's easy to mess up.

B.C. · #7 03-10-2009, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimmyDX

Ok so the soldering of the pcb on my GGG Green Big Muff Pi went nice and smoothly.....then when it came to putting it into the enclosure and wiring.....old hell broke loose

I drilled the holes reasonably well (the input output jack holes were a bit off so i had to clip the jacks a bit) wired it all up and when i test it, i get nothing when the effect is engaged, and sound when it is not, the bypass switch is working and power is definitely getting in (checked with my meter)

Most FAQ's say the following:

Can anyone with GGG muff bulding experience tell me anything? I can hear the pot's wiping and get varied levels of noise when it's engaged.....but no muff noise....

Sometimes a board will become inneffective when the enclosure acts as a massive ground, ie the board is touching the enclosure usually on the solder side. So use electrical tape to layer over the bottom side of the pcb board or the back of the enclosure. This happens to me so often I can't even count

dannybuoy · #8 03-10-2009, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Couvy

Also, diode polarity is something that's easy to mess up.

Check your electrolytic caps too.

jucas · #9 03-10-2009, 10:17 AM

Yeah, double check the transistor pinouts too. I think that the audio probe from diystomboxes can be pretty good to help find where the problem is.
Just attach the sleeve connecton to the ground, and use the cap to touch connections in the circuit. Start at the begining and work your way through. (keep youramp at a LOW volume. There's going to be some pops and loud signals in some places.)

Otherwise check for solder briges, lifted pads on the PCB, and if you have a meter, votages on the transistors.

Did the circut work before you tried to box it up?

Also, double check the in/out jacks are on the right sides... I had an early build or two where I mixed them up because I forgot the pedal switched sides when you turn it back over.

TimmyDX · #10 03-10-2009, 04:37 PM

Cheers for all the replies

RE Diodes and Caps: Definitely right, checked three times when soldering and just checked again on your request

RE Case ground and insulation: Done, that's how i fixed no audio before i replied

RE Power: Yup double checked now

RE: Audio Jacks: yup, also checked again now

, Thanks for trying

rratajski · #11 03-10-2009, 04:45 PM

Audio Probe up, partner! At least you'll know where the signal dies out!

I feel your pain...

B.C. · #12 03-10-2009, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimmyDX

Cheers for all the replies

RE Diodes and Caps: Definitely right, checked three times when soldering and just checked again on your request

RE Case ground and insulation: Done, that's how i fixed no audio before i replied

RE Power: Yup double checked now

RE: Audio Jacks: yup, also checked again now

, Thanks for trying

Ok, check your transistors, some could have been damaged during soldering. This includes chips as well.

vin*tone · #13 03-10-2009, 06:54 PM

Try taking the PCB out and fire it up it again. Introduce the switch and other components like LED separately- its the best way to hone in on issues. If it still works mount it in the enclosure. Is the case metal? Are your jacks insulated or are the grounded to the case?

TimmyDX · #14 03-11-2009, 07:00 AM

i really don't know what to say lol

i just turned it on after work today.....and it worked

i guess it must have been the low volume i was working with at midnight haha.

Thanks again everyone for your replies

VERY BASSTASTIC CREAMY FUZZ to say the least.

Not quite as fuzzy as the catalyst but that's what i was after, its not as harsh but still has a nice synthy bassy tone. ill post pic's and clips once i get my new water clear led's and finish cutting and engraving the graphics for it, drilled that hole a bit big haha.

thanks again