Sample Rate Reducer: Bugcrusher Help

bluehevy75 · #1 08-19-2010, 07:52 PM

I have been working on trying to complete a bugcrusher pedal for use with bass: http://thesquarewaveparade.com/images/Bugcrusher-9v.gif

It is not working as advertised and I'm not sure why. Maybe someone can help me troubleshoot.

Here is what is happening:
1. When engaged it has only a gated fuzz sound.
2. The pot does not change the sound at all.
3. The sound is a little bit quiet.
4. I have to play very hard to get a normal sound.
5. Softer playing produces no audible sound at all.

Thanks for any help you can give.

bluehevy75 · #2 08-19-2010, 07:53 PM

I just remembered something. It calls for IC2 to be 40106n. I had a hard time finding that. The one I purchased from Newark says: CD40106BCN. I assumed they'd work the same as they are both Hex Schmitt Triggers but maybe I'm wrong. Ideas?

bigchiefbc · #3 08-19-2010, 08:10 PM

That layout looks like its using two separate power supplies, as its taking both +9V and -9V. Did you make this with 2 batteries?

bluehevy75 · #4 08-19-2010, 08:15 PM

Yes I did use two batteries.

KarateKid25 · #5 08-20-2010, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluehevy75

I just remembered something. It calls for IC2 to be 40106n. I had a hard time finding that. The one I purchased from Newark says: CD40106BCN. I assumed they'd work the same as they are both Hex Schmitt Triggers but maybe I'm wrong. Ideas?

I don't think there is any such thing as a 40106n as such. I think what they are meaning by that is that it is a 40106 IC, style N. The N means that it is a dual-in-line rather than SOIC. The one you have should be the correct one.

Have you double checked that all of your circuit layout is correct? No dodgy soldering etc?

Another thing to consider is that the ICs are MOS devices and particularly sensitive to static.... Hopefully you didn't zap anything!

It is pretty hard to help with troubleshooting... Sometimes it helps me to turn everything upside down and look over the circuit again from a different angle. You get used to staring at it one way all the time and sometimes look over obvious errors. Flipping it can give you a fresh perspective.

bluehevy75 · #6 08-20-2010, 07:10 AM

I feel like I spent some time with the board so I will order new IC's and try to put them in.

I've not had much experience with IC's nor a lot of luck either. This is the second pedal with IC's that was problematic for me.

What are some guidelines regarding heat, handling, etc.... If they are senstivive to static am I really supposed to handle them with gloves?

Thanks.