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DIY Stompboxes => Building your own stompbox => Topic started by: deadastronaut on November 10, 2011, 11:18:58 AM

Title: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 10, 2011, 11:18:58 AM
introducing the 'SPITFIRE' metal 'n' blues pedal....


http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/SPITFIRE%20LAYOUT.pdf

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/SPITFIRE%20PCB.pdf

enjoy.....\m/    :icon_twisted:   \m/

its been a lot of late nights, blood, sweat 'n' tantrums and lots of whisky drinking...but its done...(unverified as yet!..) ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: DavenPaget on November 10, 2011, 11:21:35 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on November 10, 2011, 11:18:58 AM
introducing the 'SPITFIRE' metal 'n' blues pedal....


http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/SPITFIRE%20LAYOUT.pdf

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/SPITFIRE%20PCB.pdf

enjoy.....\m/    :icon_twisted:   \m/

its been a lot of late nights, blood, sweat 'n' tantrums and lots of whisky drinking...but its done...(unverified as yet!..) ;)

Does it have a MERLIN transistor ( engine) in it ?  :icon_mrgreen:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 10, 2011, 11:22:11 AM
of course...merlin fets.. ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: therecordingart on November 10, 2011, 11:26:21 AM
Any sound samples?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: robmdall on November 10, 2011, 11:37:34 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on November 10, 2011, 11:18:58 AM

its been a lot of late nights, blood, sweat 'n' tantrums and lots of whisky drinking...but its done...(unverified as yet!..) ;)


Tantrums or Tantalums  :)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 10, 2011, 11:41:26 AM
@rob..both.. :)

clips

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/bsoab2.mp3         through marshall avt 275 clean channel...sh*t mic.. ::)

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/funkycapmod.mp3       ....through my crappy stereo..no amp... ::)

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/hillagefuzz1.mp3      ...through my crappy stereo again, no amp...but you get the idea... :icon_twisted:


Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: DavenPaget on November 10, 2011, 11:51:49 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on November 10, 2011, 11:22:11 AM
of course...merlin fets.. ;)
MN-201's ?  :icon_mrgreen:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: LaceSensor on November 10, 2011, 12:13:52 PM
sounds nice. What are the transistors?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 10, 2011, 12:17:16 PM
j201's.... :icon_twisted:

note: using an ibanez rg470....HSH
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: arawn on November 10, 2011, 12:32:37 PM
nice sounds very british to me, but i like it!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: crash415 on November 10, 2011, 08:02:54 PM
So what does the final schematic look like?  I'll probably vero it.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: John Lyons on November 10, 2011, 10:35:10 PM
Quote from: arawn on November 10, 2011, 12:32:37 PM
nice sounds very british to me, but i like it!

Yes, I'm willing to overlook the british part, as it sounds nice.  :D
Cool stuff Rob!
But is this for Slayer or Christian rock?  ??? :icon_lol:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: aron on November 10, 2011, 11:39:21 PM
Crunchy! Thanks!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Nasse on November 11, 2011, 12:34:20 AM
I hear Battler Britton! But like brand new engine and that´s holy blue smokin something!!!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on November 11, 2011, 04:23:43 AM
Great Rob! Thanks!
Have to build it this weekend... :icon_mrgreen:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 11, 2011, 05:35:50 AM
Quote from: John Lyons on November 10, 2011, 10:35:10 PM
Quote from: arawn on November 10, 2011, 12:32:37 PM
nice sounds very british to me, but i like it!

Yes, I'm willing to overlook the british part, as it sounds nice.  :D
Cool stuff Rob!
But is this for Slayer or Christian rock?  ??? :icon_lol:

@john: its only to be used for gay right wing disabled islamic extremist rock ...... ;D

@all, you racist anti English infidels. :(......... :D

@maik, go for it, i etched n drilled my pcb last night, got stuff to do today ::), but should have it up n running by the weekend...end.... ;)

oh yeah i'll sort the schemo out for you inferior veroboarder infidels..  :icon_mrgreen:..



edit: hold on, i think ive missed a switch connection...@#$%!...back i n a bit.. ::)


ok, pdf's above updated...all sorted ok.. ;)

heres the schemo... (switch 3 will be an (on/on/on.IIRC, so you have a setting on each.)

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/spitfieschematic.jpg)





Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: free electron on November 11, 2011, 07:58:54 AM
To make it more realistic i would add an accelerometer chip to cut out the output on negative Gs ;) Box it in a nice elliptic enclosure and put next to a yellow 109 Germanium overdrive ;) Nice sounds!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: markeebee on November 11, 2011, 11:15:31 AM
Yowsah!

All my life I've been searching for a Funk switch........
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on November 11, 2011, 01:28:35 PM
Does it make you funky even if your not?  ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on November 11, 2011, 01:34:50 PM
For some time around here, there has been a school of thought that is demonstrated by the switchable EQ concept.  It is, that the circuit used to produce the clipping isn't as important at the EQ.  Here we have one of the more popular clipping generators i.e. the dual mu-amp, with 2 separate EQ stages that are switchable that are specifically tweaked for 2 different types of sounds.  Very Cool.  ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 11, 2011, 01:44:57 PM
@wgtp: of course...but you must wear flares when you touch that toggle :icon_cool: .... edit:   thanks man,you helped point me in the right direction.....appreciate it!... ;)
and yep its all about EQ...

@mark:glad to oblige .

@anyone: i'm tinkering with getting the layout smaller width wise, ....its a bit of a filing squeeze into a 1590b....it does fit though, i'm just a fussy bugger.. ::)

i'm on it.... :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: slacker on November 13, 2011, 12:37:11 PM
Preliminary vero layout, looks Ok but might have some errors. The component numbering follows the schematic. Once I've built it I'll tidy it up and add the components values and stuff.

(http://www.eskimo.plus.com/fxstuff/spitfireboard.jpg)

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: cab42 on November 13, 2011, 12:43:21 PM
Quote from: slacker on November 13, 2011, 12:37:11 PM
Preliminary vero layout, looks Ok but might have some errors. The component numbering follows the schematic. Once I've built it I'll tidy it up and add the components values and stuff.


Very Nice. I spent an hour or so last night trying to convert Torchys BSIAB II vero to Spitfire specs. I think it will work, but yours are much better. Thanks

Regards

Carsten
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 13, 2011, 02:57:23 PM
good stuff guys... heres spitfire layout #2...fits a 1590b nicer...spaced it out a bit more.....widened the pads for the diode too......

i'm etching this now, will build tommorow..... ;)

@carsten: this was initially based off the bsiab-x russian extreme version....not the standard bsiab..



http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/SPITFIRE%232.pdf

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/SPITFIREPCB%232.pdf
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: cab42 on November 13, 2011, 04:11:31 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on November 13, 2011, 02:57:23 PM
good stuff guys... heres spitfire layout #2...fits a 1590b nicer...spaced it out a bit more.....widened the pads for the diode too......
@carsten: this was initially based off the bsiab-x russian extreme version....not the standard bsiab..

I know, but that was the vero layout i had :icon_smile: However, it would propably have been easier to start from scratch, like Slacker.

Carsten
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 14, 2011, 04:58:40 AM
etch , drilled, populated my pcb with exact breadboard components i was using... (layout #2) ...

wiring up today!.... 8)

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: soupbone on November 14, 2011, 05:38:17 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on November 10, 2011, 11:18:58 AM
introducing the 'SPITFIRE' metal 'n' blues pedal....


http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/SPITFIRE%20LAYOUT.pdf

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/SPITFIRE%20PCB.pdf

enjoy.....\m/    :icon_twisted:   \m/

its been a lot of late nights, blood, sweat 'n' tantrums and lots of whisky drinking...but its done...(unverified as yet!..) ;)

Nice one Rob!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: petemoore on November 14, 2011, 06:24:08 AM
  It's what I'd do, I think that's obvious ... lol... :icon_redface: :icon_razz:
   [redface razz]...if I was as inclined as you to design/build/retweek a dual Mu blues/metal monster !
  I have appreciation for the 'effeciency' of it...basically two kinds of pedals [dirty boost and metal, eq'd] in one !
    I also see you've incorporated the noiseless biasing [also makes neater board]...cool lookin' schematic...I haven't fell into temptation recently [soldering irons and mess put away], but this one's beconing me to drag out the pedalbuilding hardware once again !
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 15, 2011, 04:25:25 AM
^ blow the dust off that iron pete!... ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 15, 2011, 09:35:40 AM
ok i've built it...(layout#2)...it works ....but, i may have a problem with my switching,  its working but seems like its 'sucking', a bit like a fuzz,
it hasn't got the distortion/s punch and clarity like i had on breadboard...

the sustain switch isn't doing anything..that should connect/disconnect the C1 yes?..
modern/classic is doing something , but like i say its not distortion, just a muffled type of fuzz..


A: could someone please confirm which switches i should be using?..

B: here are my voltages: anything weird to you guys?...

Q1:  
G  0.00
S  0.28
D  4.95

Q2
G  4.32
S  4.95
D  9.10

Q3
G  4.14
S  4.95
D  9.10

Q4
G   0.00
S   0.37
D   4.95

Q5
G   4.95
S   5.00
D   9.11

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/spitfirejpeg.jpg)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: slacker on November 15, 2011, 01:06:38 PM
Not much help, but the layout looks correct to me, matches the schematic at any rate, and the voltages look like what I'd expect for the circuit.

For the switches you want a SPDT On/On for the modern/classic, that will give you 2 settings one for each cap.
For the Blues/funk/hicut/fuzz you  want a SPDT On/Off/On. One of the On settings connects C9 and the other connects C2, the middle position connects neither of them. I think that's how you want it to work anyway.

Just waiting for some J201s to arrive before I start mine.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 15, 2011, 01:10:39 PM
cheers ian, i'll have a poke around...ive triple checked the layout too, all seems ok..

and the switches i have..

i'll resolder a few joints and see how it goes...

it must be something on the pcb i think, as the tone is being weird too.....loud at one end, which i did resolve on the layout/bread etc...

cheers man!. 8)

p.s your c3 is a 1uf electro ;)




Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 15, 2011, 07:48:41 PM
VERIFIED!...WHOOOOOHOOOO....!!!!... ;D
(layout #2)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/th_smiley_emoticons_ozboss_gitarre3.gif)

@ian: i sorted it, there was a miniscule line of solder cutting across a trace....the usual @#$%er  eh!.. ;)
all working great now...its late now, but i'll do a video demo tomorrow through my amp!!!!....i can go to sleep happy now!.. :icon_twisted:

here she is in all her glory!...(prototype, i used a box i etched ages ago)... :icon_twisted:

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/P161111_00.22.jpg)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/P161111_00.19.jpg)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/P161111_00.19%5B01%5D.jpg)

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Suicufnoc on November 15, 2011, 09:59:45 PM
That enclosure is sick man... Guts!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 16, 2011, 01:21:36 PM
as promised...sorry no guts at the moment...will do asap... ;)



Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: pbard on November 16, 2011, 04:15:45 PM
Rob,

Any thoughts regarding the use of 2n5458 fets instead of yer 2n5457s?  I've got Vgs' ranging from 1.23 - to 1.89.  6 groups of 4 within that spread.

Thanks,

Adam
Albany, Oregon
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: paulyy on November 17, 2011, 03:35:40 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on November 16, 2011, 01:21:36 PM
as promised...sorry no guts at the moment...will do asap... ;)




Wow! :o I think you out did your self on this one. Sounds killer :icon_twisted: Great job Rob.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 17, 2011, 04:23:55 AM
@adam, i used j201's for all 5 fets..., i guess if you socket them you can try em...!..

@paully, cheers man, yeah a lot of work, but well worth it....i spent nearly 3 months on this @#$%er, trying out various tone controls, all the usual suspects
bmp,bax,endless tsc'ing etc etc...but i didn't like any of em..i wanted something that had that deepness there, but not 'flabby', and taking into account the bass that an actual amp 'n' cab gives too..
i like it better than my boogie now!...i did a comparison test and the spitfire has more sustain, and better feel under your fingers...more versatile too....very 8)
i like the way it makes even an ibanez HSH sound like a fender if you want it too...i love it!..

anyway...glad thats done...i'm off on my next mad project now!... :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on November 17, 2011, 01:11:52 PM
I've been messing with the Duncan Tonestack and trying to sim your final design, took me awhile to get my head around it.  If you use the BMP, set the Zsrc (impedance) at 1k, since the input of the stack is set by the output of the Jfet buffer in front of it.  Then set R2 at 100M to effectively be infinity and remove it from the circuit.  IIRC you indicated that C15 in your design rolled off the bass, so let's forget it for now and focus on the midrange and treble.  

It appears at one extreme to act as a low pass filter, removing most of the treble.  On the other extreme it has max treble with a 10db notch centered around 350Hz.  At 50% or 12 O'clock, it reduces the treble around 6db and the notch moves up to around 475Hz.  Does that sound about right?

That is for the Modern setting.  Using the 6.8n cap in the Classic setting produces a notch that is around 8 db and 100Hz lower.

I also used the James version with C15 and it came out the same, but that is more complicated to use.  I need to figure out some real sim software.  ;)

The cap values in the actual distortion also affect the feel and EQ, as well as the tone control settings on your amp.

Great Box.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on November 17, 2011, 01:26:39 PM
Mods.  For around 3db more notch, change C8 to 3.3n and R13 to 12k.

For even more notch change C8 to 2.2n and R13 to 17k.

As Aron always says, use sockets.   :icon_smile:

Thanks for the inspirational undertaking.  ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 18, 2011, 04:30:11 AM
@wgtp: i'm not too au fait with translating facts n figures into what i can/should hear as i'm just a tinkerer rather than any kind of EE, but it sounds like you've been a busy bee!...cool.

have you a comparison chart (pics of tsc sweeps) to compare before/after?.....or get ya breadboard out and give us some clippies of before after, (i don't have it on bread now)...... :icon_wink:

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: vendettav on November 18, 2011, 06:39:07 AM
Rob man, this is plain AWESOME! I wish I had time to build one though  :icon_cry:

but it really rocks! my fav clip was the second one :D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: cab42 on November 18, 2011, 09:00:36 AM
Quote from: slacker on November 13, 2011, 12:37:11 PM
Preliminary vero layout, looks Ok but might have some errors. The component numbering follows the schematic. Once I've built it I'll tidy it up and add the components values and stuff.

(http://www.eskimo.plus.com/fxstuff/spitfireboard.jpg)


Ian,

I just spent some time checking your vero. The layout seems fine, but I think that the labels on C2 and C4 are switched. Also a label for input is missing.

I am very impressed how compact it is.

Regards

Carsten
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on November 18, 2011, 01:16:49 PM
I haven't figured out how to post the Duncan Tonestack graphs on here, but it is easy to plug the values I listed into it.  ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 18, 2011, 01:20:32 PM
Quote from: WGTP on November 18, 2011, 01:16:49 PM
I haven't figured out how to post the Duncan Tonestack graphs on here, but it is easy to plug the values I listed into it.  ;)

cool, go for it... :icon_cool:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Ronan on November 18, 2011, 04:16:46 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on November 17, 2011, 04:23:55 AM
i like the way it makes even an ibanez HSH sound like a fender if you want it too...i love it!..

I could have sworn I heard a fender strat in there somewhere!
Sounds great, I really like that sound. A lot of detail from the guitar is coming through.
Definitely on my build list.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: slacker on November 19, 2011, 10:10:26 AM
Quote from: cab42 on November 18, 2011, 09:00:36 AM
I just spent some time checking your vero. The layout seems fine, but I think that the labels on C2 and C4 are switched. Also a label for input is missing.

Thanks for looking it over, yes you're right C2 and C4 are switched. I'll correct that and add the input.

Quote
I am very impressed how compact it is.

Thanks, I'm quite pleased with how it turned out. Hopefully I should get some time to build it next week.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 19, 2011, 04:38:28 PM
Quote from: Ronan on November 18, 2011, 04:16:46 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on November 17, 2011, 04:23:55 AM
i like the way it makes even an ibanez HSH sound like a fender if you want it too...i love it!..

I could have sworn I heard a fender strat in there somewhere!
Sounds great, I really like that sound. A lot of detail from the guitar is coming through.
Definitely on my build list.

yeah its definately got that fender-ish sound option in there even with humbuckers....go for it..you won't be disappointed... :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: slacker on November 20, 2011, 06:45:34 AM
Quick question Rob, I'm starting to put this together and I've just noticed C7 is a different value on the schematic and the latest layout, 2n2 versus 22n, could you just confirm which one is correct. Cheers.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 21, 2011, 02:08:32 AM
hi ian, yep C7 is a 2.2nf....

i'll sort it...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: slacker on November 21, 2011, 04:05:42 PM
Cheers Rob. Just finished building it, my layout is a bit tight but it works.

(http://www.eskimo.plus.com/fxstuff/spitfire.jpg)

Sounds fecking amazing  :icon_twisted:



Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: nexekho on November 21, 2011, 04:32:03 PM
I like that sound!  How does it sound with a Lightwah in front of it?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 21, 2011, 06:55:03 PM
@ian:  nice one!..  yeah its great!... :icon_twisted:....drilled ya box yet?.....edit: so you didn't use a C3 electrolytic 1uf then.!..

@james:  ive tried it with lightwah, morley classic  and a cry baby....all good!... :icon_cool:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: slacker on November 22, 2011, 12:40:17 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on November 21, 2011, 06:55:03 PM
....drilled ya box yet?.....edit: so you didn't use a C3 electrolytic 1uf then.!..

No box yet, just wanted to get it built to see what it sounded like and make sure the layout was Ok. I didn't have any 1uF electros so I used some 1uF ceramics that I had lying around, they're the two yellow caps.
Had to do the Classic/Modern differently as well because I didn't have any 6n8 caps, rewired it so the 4n7 is always in the circuit, the switch then puts a 2n2 in parallel with it for 6n8, well 6n9 but that's close enough for rock n roll :)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 23, 2011, 02:07:52 AM
Quote from: slacker on November 22, 2011, 12:40:17 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on November 21, 2011, 06:55:03 PM
....drilled ya box yet?.....edit: so you didn't use a C3 electrolytic 1uf then.!..

rewired it so the 4n7 is always in the circuit, the switch then puts a 2n2 in parallel with it for 6n8, well 6n9 but that's close enough for rock n roll :)

good idea!...now why didn't i think of that!... ::) ;)...cool glad it works ok...  \m/ :icon_twisted:  \m/
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 11, 2011, 07:55:23 AM
demo of the spitfire with cry baby GCB-95: straight into mixer..no amp:



Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Tony Forestiere on December 11, 2011, 09:54:49 AM
Damn, son! Hot playing (as usual)!  :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 12, 2011, 04:11:08 AM
:tony, cheers man, ....i love it.  i'll have to try a full tone stack on it too next!... :icon_twisted:..
Title: `
Post by: JebemMajke on December 12, 2011, 07:45:06 AM
Sounds great, my friends birthday is just around the corner I could build this one for him. Though I think he would like more gain. Would BF 245c transistors produce more gain than J201's? He is into Chris Broderick, Alex Skolnick and similar type of guitar players, but he also plays in a death metal band, could you give me an advice on how to get more gain out of this amazing pedal?
Title: Re: `
Post by: DavenPaget on December 12, 2011, 08:13:55 AM
Quote from: JebemMajke on December 12, 2011, 07:45:06 AM
Sounds great, my friends birthday is just around the corner I could build this one for him. Though I think he would like more gain. Would BF 245c transistors produce more gain than J201's? He is into Chris Broderick, Alex Skolnick and similar type of guitar players, but he also plays in a death metal band, could you give me an advice on how to get more gain out of this amazing pedal?
BF245 will not give more gain .
http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=94902.msg820158#msg820158 (http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=94902.msg820158#msg820158)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: JebemMajke on December 12, 2011, 09:00:11 AM
OK, no ups in gain with BF245. Since i don't have time to order and wait for j201 and I do have lots of BF245 (a,b,c) around can i just use them instead or would i have to bias it differently? And again the same question how to get more gain out of this pedal? :)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: DavenPaget on December 12, 2011, 09:39:13 AM
Quote from: JebemMajke on December 12, 2011, 09:00:11 AM
OK, no ups in gain with BF245. Since i don't have time to order and wait for j201 and I do have lots of BF245 (a,b,c) around can i just use them instead or would i have to bias it differently? And again the same question how to get more gain out of this pedal? :)
You could use the same bias , but the gain will drop 25% .
I'm afraid i don't know , J201 are the highest gain FETS i know ... i believe .
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on December 12, 2011, 01:52:26 PM
The Spitfire is tuned to have lots of treble boost thru the circuit and then roll it off at the end.  There isn't much left to boost the highs except the R6 change.  You can tweak the 2.2nf caps at the end for treble adjustment, but it won't effect the gain.  I would start with changing R6 to 100k as this should boost all frequencies.  Then try the others.  The others changes will mostly boost mids and lows. 

Suggestions to increase gain that will also alter the tonal balance.  They could also increase oscillation problems:

Change C6 to 68nf or 100nf - more bass
Change R6 to 100k or a 470pf/470k resistor network - more highs
Change C3 and/or C7 to 4.7/10uf - more mids and bass
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 13, 2011, 04:22:34 AM
^what dave and wgtp said:...

imo j201's are the best!...if using other fets you might wanna breadboard it, and experiment.


i think it has plenty of gain, its the eq adjustment like wgtp said really that'll make it 'seem' like theres more gain , and going by my lengthy experiments with different tone controls too i found that to be true!....
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: waltk on December 13, 2011, 10:41:32 AM
Question for Rob (or anyone else who knows)...

Why are R1 (560k) and R8 (1M) different?  Aren't they both there just hanging off of the 10k divider to bias Q1 and Q3 to 1/2 9V?

Edit: Also, why a 10k divider?  Wouldn't a 100k divider work here?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 13, 2011, 10:48:09 AM
i just went by the russian version setup..and altered the 510k to 560k....
http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=93909.msg808943#msg808943

no idea on the actual purpose though... :-\
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: waltk on December 13, 2011, 10:55:57 AM
Quotei just went by the russian version setup..and altered the 510k to 560k....

OK.  Anybody?  It wouldn't make much difference if they were both anywhere between 500k and 1M, right?  Are they even neccessary?  What effect would it have to remove them altogether and just bias directly off the voltage divider?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on December 13, 2011, 01:16:23 PM
This bias method is a Mod to the original Mu amp Jack Orman presented by R.G.  It is called "noiseless biasing".  IIRC R.G. used a 1 Meg, but I suspect your right that anything down to 500k would work.  I don't think you can leave that out, or R.G. wouldn't have used it, but I haven't tried it.  The Mu used a 1 Meg to +V and -V without a cap there.  Works fine, but may be more noisy.  ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: waltk on December 13, 2011, 06:53:56 PM
QuoteThis bias method is a Mod to the original Mu amp Jack Orman presented by R.G.  It is called "noiseless biasing".

Yep.  Thanks for the reminder.  The last time I saw that page, I didn't really understand it, but it makes more sense to me now.  If I understand it correctly, the two 10k resistors in the voltage divider contribute less thermal noise than larger ones would.  The 560k and 1M resistors going to the Q1 and Q3 gates could be just about any high value.

Rob - nice work on this.  Thanks for sharing.  I'm gonna build one. 
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 13, 2011, 06:59:54 PM
@walt:  cool, go for it!...you won't be disappointed...better than a standard bsiab imo..

i'm breadboarding another one just to have to tinker with, i'll try other stacks with it... :icon_cool:


tip: that fuzz mode/cap, socket it, its really sick with a 47-100n in there...really deep, almost octave down-ish...just a fun option... ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on December 14, 2011, 05:56:30 PM
I forgot.  Try it at 18v.  Use 2 batteries in series.  It's self biasing.  ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on December 14, 2011, 06:45:56 PM
Anyone who doesn't build this is a sissy girl! :'( This thing will knock yer nuts off :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 14, 2011, 07:06:57 PM
 yeah, you big girls blouse's... :icon_twisted:


i have this on breadboard again..much to the delight of my cat... ::)

anyway..

i'm doing another build, but with just the funk, setting...sustain on...and just one toggle for modern /classic....just for a simpler build...

tinkering at the mo with wgtp's mods...... ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on December 14, 2011, 08:10:54 PM
http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/WGTP/Sweet+16.jpg.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1

Apologies to Doug and everyone else.  I had the tone stack drawn wrong and didn't figure it out until I was simming it and couldn't get it to work right.  Try it again for a big scooped tone.  Sorry.   :icon_redface:  :icon_rolleyes: :icon_sad: :icon_eek: :icon_cool::
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 14, 2011, 08:29:52 PM
aha....i'll give this tone a go now then!......i'm sure you'll be forgiven.... ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on December 18, 2011, 02:49:27 PM
Hi Rob, I figured I would give this thread a bump since I think this is THE BEST pedal I have built yet, and I have built a few! I posted a tone sample on the DIY Stompboxes facebook page but since there is only 138 members on there and there are 23768 on here I figured I would post it here as well... As soon as I saw your youtube vid I started building it... First pedal I have built in a long time that I have just sat and played for hours without turning a knob or flippin a switch, just dailed in a tone that I liked and went into wonderland! Had to go deep into my electronics junk pile to find a couple of the parts but I was determined to get it done... The tone pot and a couple of the caps came out of a 1980's boombox stereo that I picked up at a yard sale for $2 that I got just for rippin the guts out of! :icon_twisted:  Keep in mind that I am playing on a guitar that is slightly out of tune and it's somewhat sloppy but, I think it has "THE TONE!" I recorded it with no mixing of any kind going direct into the USB interface (Line 6 GX) and I am using a software cab sim with celestion 30w impulses, some software delay and lite chorus. I have since really dialed it in and it sounds unbelievable! Best pedal I have built and probably the best pedal I have ever played, period! It can do thrash metal to bluesy Satriani stuff all day long..! It has "The Brown Sound" as in I just crapped in my jockeys when I played it! :o  So, put those op-amp to the side and build this mutha!!!  :icon_twisted:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11178619/Spitfire%20TEST1.mp3
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 18, 2011, 04:14:42 PM
@jok3rx

sounds really great man, ...nice clip n lick too......still got to check out that impulse lark..interesting stuff!.. :icon_cool:

glad you got it built...any pics?... :icon_cool:


ive been looking into a way of doing away with the toggles and converting the switching to rotary....bit of a nightmare though!...

ive leant mine to a good mate, he's trying it out on his amp/setup...he must be happy, i haven't heard from him... ;D :icon_twisted:

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on December 18, 2011, 07:34:00 PM
Thanks Rob..! No pics yet but I will get a few tonight... It's just the guts, I haven't boxed it up and given it a final resting place yet... Waiting for some good parts to come before I seal it up! And "THANK YOU" for stickin with this and getting it to where it is today!!! Great Job to you and all that helped!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 19, 2011, 05:32:57 AM
@cheers jok3rx  jim.. ;)  look forward to seeing it in its full glory!...

+1 on the guys that helped too.. :icon_cool:

i tried wgtp's modern mod on this.(as i have it breaded)..the 2.2n where the 4.7n on the modern stack is...its nice n punchy...and feels nice and tight under your hand.......its got to be added to it.......its just got too... :icon_twisted:

hence the need for a rotary switch......still trying to get my head around it switching wise...hmmmmm..nightmare!

so this would be the shopping list for switching options:

modern 1 & 2
classic
hi cut
blues
fuzz

and just doing away with the sustain switch..always on..

but here is the bit that's doing my head in..i want to be able to choose between modern 1 & 2  plus all other options too...and the same with the classic with all other options...arghhhhhhhh my head!!!!!!!!!!!...

i'm sure one of you guys would go about it a better way....ahem!.... ;)...i would need a 6 pole  ?  way rotary right?.... ::)

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: andymac1962 on December 19, 2011, 11:38:34 PM
no need for a rotary,   use a toggle   on - off - on
connect a 2n2 from the top of R11 to the top of the tone pot (effectively in parallel with teh switch & tone caps)
change C8 to 2n2,  and C10 to 4n7

in the top switch position the added 2n2 is in parallel with C8,  a total of 4n4   "modern 2"
in the center switch position we have teh added 2n2 only    "modern 1"
in the bottom switch position we have the added 2n2 in parallel with C10,   a total of 6n9   "classic"

i never worked out how to insert a picture into posts on here....
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: andymac1962 on December 19, 2011, 11:52:43 PM
can add 1 more switch,   a NOTCH DEPTH switch.
change R13 to 18K
in parallel with R13    fit a 22K in series with a switch.
when the switch is open, we have 18K & a larger Notch depth
when the switch is closed we have 18K in parallel with 22K (approx 10K) and a "standard" notch depth
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on December 20, 2011, 01:04:56 AM
Would a contour type knob be possible? Maybe a stupid question... :icon_redface:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 20, 2011, 04:44:53 AM
@andy: cool mods and use of the 4.7/2.2 to make the classic 6.8/9 too...nice.....but i just wanted rid of  toggles though...i'm a clumsy @#$%er..and just thought it'd be neater on the box too... ;D

btw sign up to http://www.dropbox.com/  its simple and free...for pic uploading... ;)

@jok3rx : arghhhhhhhhh more knobs...........i put a 47k pot before the 1uf in the tonestack and that was quite tweakable too...along with the 2.2n ...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 27, 2011, 05:11:08 PM
righto, i'm back on it after the xmas pissup... ::) anyway...hangover over...for now!..

ive been messing around with rotary switches...and getting confused as @#$%... :-\

i have a 2pole 6 way, a 1 pole 12way, and a 3pole 4way...now what i want to do is ....

modern 1   2.2n
modern 2   4.7n
classic       6.8n

but....heres where it does my head in..

i want to be able to select between those 3 options, plus add the hi cut/blues/fuzz options too each of the 3 options...get me?.......arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...my @#$%ing head!.. ;D

any suggestions?..
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: sundgist on December 27, 2011, 06:03:00 PM
You're not after all the possible options on the one rotary are you?  :o
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 27, 2011, 06:04:20 PM
yep!... ;D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: sundgist on December 27, 2011, 06:57:31 PM
Can't tell how many switches you've got at the mo, but....

Modern 1 / Modern 2 / Classic = 1p3t

Add Hicut / Blues / Fuzz to each of the above = 2p9t

Add any more to each of those? each switch = add a pole / multipy the throws

If it's just those above maybe find 3 of those permutations that are either similar enough or that you can live without and use the 2p6t.
Otherwise just adding a 1p2t to the above would require 18 positions.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: waltk on December 27, 2011, 07:00:55 PM
Quotei want to be able to select between those 3 options, plus add the hi cut/blues/fuzz options too each of the 3 options

If you want to have all the settings controlled with one rotary switch, then the number of unique combinations of settings determines how many "ways" (throws) the switch must have.  If you have 3 settings for modern1, modern2, and classic and 2 settings for hi-cut or fuzz, then you have 6 unique combinations:

Modern1-Fuzz
Modern2-Fuzz
Classic-Fuzz
Modern1-hi-cut
Modern2-hi-cut
Classic-hi-cut

So you need a 6-way switch.  Your 2P6T switch would be perfect for this.  One of the two common connectors in the middle of the switch goes to ground (to switch the fuzz/hi-cut caps).  Each of the fuzz/hi-cut caps connect to three of the twelve terminals around the outside of the switch  - so half of the 6 switch positions have the fuzz cap connected, and half have the hi-cut cap connected.  Every alternate connector around the outside of the switch should have one of the fuzz/hi-cut caps connected to it.

Similarly, the other terminal in the middle of the switch connects to the junction of Q5 and R11.  Each of the modern1/modern2/classic caps is connected to 2 of the remaining 6 connectors around the outside of the switch.

The end result is that  position of the 6-way switch is used to represent one of the 6 combinations of modern1/modern2/classic and fuzz/hi-cut.

...unless I completely misunderstood what your are trying to do - then all bets are off.

Edit: Uhhh... just recalled that the fuzz/hi-cut switch might need three positions (including off).   For that you would need a 2P9T - or an additional SPST switch.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 28, 2011, 05:49:00 AM
ahhhh walt, your solution was nearly there ..apart from that bloody off! which gives the fender-ish sound to it.....shame!.arghhhhh...

i think i'll just stick to 2 toggles in the end, its just more logical and instantly visible and selectable too....thanks for your ideas though chaps... :icon_cool: :)

i was just over-thinking a simple issue..and being a greedy bastard too.......still ya gotta aim high right!..... cheers guys. ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 30, 2011, 11:32:58 AM
andymac got me thinking.....

right, i'm going down the kiss (keep it simple stupid ) route...

ive done away with , sustain boost/cut switch..

and hi/cut blues fuzz switch.....just having blues on all time..

so..

left with one switch ok...

heres the idea to have modern 1 / modern 2 / classic..

using an on/on/on  spdt,  _ = lugs of switch.


_ 2.2n  modern 2

_ 2.2n  modern 1

_4.7n classic

shouldn't it?...the 2.2n being the middle lug on always.... and adds to the other 2.2n to make 4.4n.....and 2.2n adds to 4.7 to make 6.9....is that right?.. 2.2n

like this..

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/spitfire1switch.jpg)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perkla on December 30, 2011, 12:57:09 PM
This pedal is very interesting i think.. is this a clone of something ? is there a way to get more gain out of it ?, is the SPDT a mode selector with different sound patterns ?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 30, 2011, 01:06:09 PM
its based on a russian version of the bsiab called  bsiab-x , but with selectable tone controls....much better than a standard bsiab imo..

more gain?... :icon_eek: theres a lot on tap as it is imo..... :icon_twisted:....you may want to try the dr boogie instead then.. :icon_twisted:

yes the spdt is a tone selector..


alas i think ive messed up the caps, i need to readjust it, for series.. ::)...i'm working on it now on breadboard... ;)

report back later..


edit: right ive got it now...

_  6.8n  giving 4.6n  modern 1

_ 2.2n  giving modern 2

_10n.....giving 7.8n classic

sorted...i'll try it ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perkla on December 30, 2011, 01:40:38 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on December 30, 2011, 01:06:09 PM
its based on a russian version of the bsiab called  bsiab-x , but with selectable tone controls....much better than a standard bsiab imo..

more gain?... :icon_eek: theres a lot on tap as it is imo..... :icon_twisted:....you may want to try the dr boogie instead then.. :icon_twisted:

yes the spdt is a tone selector..


alas i think ive messed up the caps, i need to readjust it, for series.. ::)...i'm working on it now on breadboard... ;)

report back later..


edit: right ive got it now...

_  6.8n  giving 4.6n  modern 1

_ 2.2n  giving modern 2

_10n.....giving 7.8n classic

sorted...i'll try it ;)

I saw your video of the version number 2.. and i like that the most i think.. just cus it have alot of different modes... wich  one should i build.. ?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 30, 2011, 01:45:20 PM
go for version 2, its the same, i just squeezed the layout to fit a 1590b box easier...

this version 3 will just have 1 toggle instead of the 3...i'm just making things simpler for myself after a few weeks of playing through it

and finding the options that i want and actually need....its a great distortion man...build it you won't be disappointed i can assure you... :icon_twisted:


edit: you might want to wait for version 3...i'll have it up real soon... ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perkla on December 30, 2011, 01:53:51 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on December 30, 2011, 01:45:20 PM
go for version 2, its the same, i just squeezed the layout to fit a 1590b box easier...

this version 3 will just have 1 toggle instead of the 3...i'm just making things simpler for myself after a few weeks of playing through it

and finding the options that i want and actually need....its a great distortion man...build it you won't be disappointed i can assure you... :icon_twisted:


edit: you might want to wait for version 3...i'll have it up real soon... ;)

I just printed the wiring diagram to get a hang of what its all about, D1 could i use what ever i wanna ? 1N914, 1N4148 etc etc ?

What does VR1 100k lin means.. i only see 3 pots.. but the VR makes it 4.. ?

I have all the components but not the switches.. so i will order that and when i got them i will make a build of this.. :D

I have 1590B enclosures here.. and the PCB seems to fit just fine.. :D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 30, 2011, 02:01:17 PM
ignore the list go by the diagram ok......don't worry its only 3 pots ..   no trimmers etc........ ;)

the 1n4001 is just a polarity protection device just to stop damage in case of people plugging in a tip positive supply ok...it can be left out....

i just  prefer to put it in for other peoples use....you know what people are like...(like my mate who destroys stuff all the time.. ;D


edit:

1MA GAIN
47K LIN TONE
10K LIN VOLUME...

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perkla on December 30, 2011, 02:06:58 PM
I see.. well i dont destroy stuff at all.. or well i have been smashing the shit out of a couple of strats on stage when i was young.. but now i am old and vice :D

Anyway.. do u have a wiringdiagram how to hook up the 3PDT switch to this circuit as well as in and out on the circuit.. i dont think i can manage.. i am old remember.. :D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 30, 2011, 02:10:37 PM
ok you old bugger, here ya go.. :D....so am i btw.. ;)

http://gaussmarkov.net/wordpress/thoughts/wiring-up-a-1590b/


bookmark it.. ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perkla on December 30, 2011, 02:14:23 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on December 30, 2011, 02:10:37 PM
ok you old bugger, here ya go.. :D....so am i btw.. ;)

http://gaussmarkov.net/wordpress/thoughts/wiring-up-a-1590b/


bookmark it.. ;)

Hahahaha.. thanx.. that will do it.. and i belive i could ask u here when i am actualy building this.. :D

I am gona order some other components and enclosures to so i thought i order the things i need for this one as well.. and try it out :D...but.. i can not get 47k pot... will a 50k do the job as good ?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 30, 2011, 02:20:59 PM
yeah, it''l be fine...in uk we have 47k's..in usa etc  they have 50k's...

same as 470k/500k...etc...  just the way it is..

again you might wanna hold fire and wait for the version 3...less switches, and better imo...

i'll post it up later or tomorrow ok...i'm just trying to find a @#$%ing on on on switch arghhhhh...... :icon_rolleyes:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perkla on December 30, 2011, 02:23:43 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on December 30, 2011, 02:20:59 PM
yeah, it''l be fine...in uk we have 47k's..in usa etc  they have 50k's...

same as 470k/500k...etc...  just the way it is..

again you might wanna hold fire and wait for the version 3...less switches, and better imo...

i'll post it up later or tomorrow ok...i'm just trying to find a @#$%ing on on on switch arghhhhh...... :icon_rolleyes:

OK cool.. well, yes if u can provide a sound sample of the version number 3 maybe that is what i want to build.. i am gona order some stuff so.. just let me know what components it have and i order than at the same time.. :D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 30, 2011, 02:26:56 PM
get a on/on/on switch for sure....
i can't find one in my bitsbox..arghhhhhhhhhhhh....off to the shops tomorrow...if they are open.. ::)

all other components will be standard stuff...just one more cap ...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perkla on December 30, 2011, 02:38:38 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on December 30, 2011, 02:26:56 PM
get a on/on/on switch for sure....
i can't find one in my bitsbox..arghhhhhhhhhhhh....off to the shops tomorrow...if they are open.. ::)

all other components will be standard stuff...just one more cap ...


Ok i´ll get an on/on/on switch.. i have most of the standard stuff so i hope i have everrything else..

But would be cool to see a wiring diagram on the version 3.. just to have a look what it looks like.. :D, and hey.. btw, in the version two, isnt it possible to have an ON/ON switch for the VOL 1 bright and VOL 2 darker ? i mean so it could easy be switched between the both modes ? just a thought though..
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 30, 2011, 02:42:58 PM
you could do that yep...but when you build the pcb try both outs first to see which you prefer..

i'm all for the simple life.. :)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perkla on December 30, 2011, 02:48:25 PM
Yes.. ok.. thats what i had in mind, and i kind of like switches that change the sound, but i am all out on developer so i cant etch eny PCB´s now.. need to order that to :D

Well u mean that i could build both the version 2 and 3 ? or what did u have in mind ?  :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 30, 2011, 03:01:30 PM
i would build 3..., you'll still have both outs if you like too...optional.

i'll knock it up asap, my family have just turned up from miles away, so i'll have to squeeze it in when i can... ::)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perkla on December 30, 2011, 03:15:01 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on December 30, 2011, 03:01:30 PM
i would build 3..., you'll still have both outs if you like too...optional.

i'll knock it up asap, my family have just turned up from miles away, so i'll have to squeeze it in when i can... ::)

Thats awesome.. i´ll wait and see what happens..

What amp did u use in the demo of this pedal ?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 30, 2011, 03:16:48 PM
no amp, straight into a mixer... :icon_cool:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perkla on December 30, 2011, 03:35:24 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on December 30, 2011, 03:16:48 PM
no amp, straight into a mixer... :icon_cool:

Thats cool.. cus a amp sounds different to.. if i test a pedal in a music store that i like and i was playing it on a JCM 800 and comes home and hook it up to my Marshall MG15 ministack it will not sound the same..
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perkla on December 30, 2011, 05:17:53 PM
Ok so i am doing a little thing here.. the PCB will fit in to a B enclosure.. BUT with the 24mm pots and IF i wanna have 9 volt battery in it.. i am @#$%ed... it will not fit in to a B box.. impossible..or ?  have u checked this up anything ?

My attempt

(http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/401727_10150429175205964_606400963_8672170_1315722851_n.jpg)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 30, 2011, 05:23:31 PM
i never use batteries......and only use mono jacks..

and whoa!...those are big pots...i use 16mm pots..then the middle pot can face backwards...

you need room for a dc socket too..and a toggle switch.... :icon_eek:






Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perkla on December 30, 2011, 05:28:06 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on December 30, 2011, 05:23:31 PM
i never use batteries...

and whoa!...those are big pots...i use 16mm pots..then the middle pot can face backwards...



I was just curious about if its possible to have a battery in a B box when building a Spitfire..we maybe i can use a B box.. but no battery will fit in.. so it will only be 9 Volt DC possibility..
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perkla on December 30, 2011, 05:34:19 PM
The 16mm is not easy to ge my hands on over here.. :S in 99% of my builds are 24mm so thats why i almost only use them..
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on December 30, 2011, 07:29:26 PM
Looks like a magic trick getting a battery into that box...?  I use 125B 4.77" x 2.6" x 1.39" enclosures most of the time just because they are deeper and I don't like fighting to get all the guts inside, plus it's only like .25 cents more so... I am sure you could get it to fit inside but you will have to pull some slick mojo... I would just use a 9V external power jack like Rob said... Is there a reason why you want to put a battery inside? You know, you can always solder a 9v battery snap connector to a DC plugin connector and use it external if you have to use a battery. Anyway, you are gonna love this pedal!!

Rob - Nice job on the new layout :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perkla on December 30, 2011, 08:42:03 PM
Quote from: J0K3RX on December 30, 2011, 07:29:26 PM
Looks like a magic trick getting a battery into that box...?  I use 125B 4.77" x 2.6" x 1.39" enclosures most of the time just because they are deeper and I don't like fighting to get all the guts inside, plus it's only like .25 cents more so... I am sure you could get it to fit inside but you will have to pull some slick mojo... I would just use a 9V external power jack like Rob said... Is there a reason why you want to put a battery inside? You know, you can always solder a 9v battery snap connector to a DC plugin connector and use it external if you have to use a battery. Anyway, you are gonna love this pedal!!

Rob - Nice job on the new layout :icon_biggrin:

No.. no reason to use a B box.. just a tought if its possible, i will use a 125B enclosure for sure.. :D, Yes a external battery clip is possible.. :D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on January 02, 2012, 02:00:19 PM
Rob, I made a board transfer for your second rev. with 1 switch, hope you don't mind :icon_question: It's really large so if anybody wants it they can re-size... I left in the ground plain so you can get a little more out of your etching solution... Happy New Year!

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11178619/spitfire_1switch_transfer.JPG)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on January 02, 2012, 05:32:10 PM
I know it's late in the process, but the BSIAB II uses the 3rd jfet as a gain stage rather than a buffer.  So if you want more gain...  ;)

http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/pdf/ggg_bsiab2_sc.pdf?phpMyAdmin=78482479fd7e7fc3768044a841b3e85a
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on January 02, 2012, 06:09:54 PM
Quote from: WGTP on January 02, 2012, 05:32:10 PM
I know it's late in the process, but the BSIAB II uses the 3rd jfet as a gain stage rather than a buffer.  So if you want more gain...  ;)

http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/pdf/ggg_bsiab2_sc.pdf?phpMyAdmin=78482479fd7e7fc3768044a841b3e85a

WGTP

Does it have more gain than the spitfire? I have seen that one but have not built it, yet...

~ Jim
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 03, 2012, 12:14:10 PM
i built that bsiabII^ , i couldn't get on with it, it was too muddy imo, thats why i explored it further.... :)

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on January 04, 2012, 01:16:07 AM
I'm not sure how to measure or calculate the gain of the 2.  I think the bypass caps in the stage has allot to do with it, the resistance between stages and the number of stages.  For max gain, use big bypass caps, 22uf, minimize resistance between stages and use 3 of them.  That could present some problems with too much gain, not sure.  ;)

Here are some suggested gain mod to try.   :icon_twisted:

http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/WGTP/Spitfire+Mods.jpg.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Ronan on January 04, 2012, 02:39:59 AM
The problem with more gain is less definition, less of the guitar tone itself coming through. I think the Spitfire is a good balance. You could destroy what you got by adding more gain, or maybe not, depending on what your ears wanna hear.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on January 04, 2012, 03:54:04 PM
Yes, I'm not saying all those mod's will work, as apposed to creating an oscillating mess, those are standard methods of increasing gain.  Some designs produce 2 stages maxed out, others 3 stages with less gain in each stage, but about the same overall gain for the devices.  When designing for max gain, a point is usually reached at which additional gain will cause the device to be unusable.  ;)

I forgot to add that resistance can be added between stages to reduce gain.  This is commonly used int tube amps. :icon_mrgreen:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 05, 2012, 12:44:06 PM
right, heres version #3 . i kept it simple in the end......a bit like me.. :P

using an spdt on/on switch...to go between modern/classic...socket c10/c11 to taste.......

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/SPITFIREV3.pdf

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/SPITFIREV3PCB.pdf

pcb's available soon if anyone is interested, pm me ok.... ;)

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: euronymous0001 on January 06, 2012, 03:27:37 AM
hey rob,

the first link is dead ???
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 06, 2012, 08:59:51 AM
works fine for me?... :-\
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perkla on January 06, 2012, 09:11:51 AM
Looks great.. :D

Do u have a demo of this pedal ? on youtube maybe ?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 06, 2012, 09:17:07 AM
 :icon_eek:....its the same as this but with the sustain boost on permanent, and blues on permanent...

with just modern/classic as in the video.....simplified after a few weeks of using it... :)

from 7:33.

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perkla on January 06, 2012, 11:08:32 AM
U are a damn good guitar-player.. i must say, sound good.. :D

The V3 sounds awesome.. and less SPDT ´s than the V2.. :D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 07, 2012, 10:25:06 AM
cheers man!....yep kiss (keep it simple stupid)...is the way to go.. ;)

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 11, 2012, 07:53:12 AM
spam alert! :o

spitfire pcbs ready guys. (fits 1590b)  sorry for the wait, i was waiting on an etchant delivery.. ::)

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/spitfirepcbpic.jpg)

i found out the average airmail post worldwide is £1.50 +£6.00 per pcb.=  £7.50 GBP total.

paypal at deadastronaut@yahoo.co.uk if you would like one..

i'll post  orders out on saturday 14th jan...if ordered by friday 13th night ok..

any questions pm me .. ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perkla on January 11, 2012, 08:41:57 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on January 11, 2012, 07:53:12 AM
spam alert! :o

spitfire pcbs ready guys. (fits 1590b)  sorry for the wait, i was waiting on an etchant delivery.. ::)

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/spitfirepcbpic.jpg)

i found out the average airmail post worldwide is £1.50 +£6.00 per pcb.=  £7.50 GBP total.

paypal at deadastronaut@yahoo.co.uk if you would like one..

i'll post  orders out on saturday 14th jan...if ordered by friday 13th night ok..

any questions pm me .. ;)

Looks great, do u etch yours in a etching tank ? do u use OH and photopossitive copperlaminate ?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Govmnt_Lacky on January 11, 2012, 08:57:26 AM
Looks GREAT Rob but...

I'm gonna hold off until the 1590A version shows up  :icon_eek:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 11, 2012, 09:01:21 AM
i dont do 1590a's...i haven't got tiny feet... ;)

@perkla:  laser toner method:




Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on January 11, 2012, 12:15:57 PM
Rob ~ Nice looking etch and drill! I like using DIY Layout Creator, quick an easy... I like to leave as much copper as possible on mine just to save ferric chloride etching solution... I know some people don't like it if their solder skills are shaky and are prone to creating solder bridges/shorts etc... But I like it.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on January 11, 2012, 12:30:15 PM
Rob ~ Here is one I did  from your layout but with on-board pots.. less wire :icon_wink: I don't have the parts layout but it's pretty much the same as yours, a couple things have moved a little but nothing that somebody couldn't figure out... This was for my own personal use, not going to sell them!

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11178619/Spitfire%20v3.1.34%20transfer%20onboard%20pots.bmp
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 12, 2012, 06:25:36 AM
@jok3rx : nice work man!.

i like to have my pcbs a bit more open plan, for shaky dudes with dodgy eyes like me.... ;)



@Ian.W.B.  thanks. will post saturday with other orders ok.

edit:

@Al .S.  thanks. post saturday ok.

edit:

@R.V.  thanks. post saturday ok .




Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on January 12, 2012, 10:31:34 PM
Here is a shot of the frequency response of the tone control set at modern, with the 50k pot in the middle.  A 100k pot lowers the midrange notch down a little and cuts more of the treble.  ;)

http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/WGTP/Dead+Astro.jpg.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on January 12, 2012, 10:36:52 PM
Hope you don't mind me doing this Rob... I just love this pedal!!! :icon_biggrin:


layout with the onboard pot differences
See diagram below:
dl.dropbox.com/u/11178619/Spitfire%203%20%20onboard%20pots%20layout%20daigram.jpg (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11178619/Spitfire%203%20%20onboard%20pots%20layout%20daigram.jpg)

Standard Layout differences
See diagram below:
dl.dropbox.com/u/11178619/Spitfire%203%20Standard%20layout%20daigram.jpg (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11178619/Spitfire%203%20Standard%20layout%20daigram.jpg)

Board Transfers:
Onboard Pots - open layout without the ground plane for those with unsteady hands and poor eyesight
dl.dropbox.com/u/11178619/Spitfire%20v3%20onboard%20pots%20open.JPG (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11178619/Spitfire%20v3%20onboard%20pots%20open.JPG)

Onboard Pots - With ground plane fill to save etching solution
dl.dropbox.com/u/11178619/Spitfire%20v3%20onboard%20pots.JPG (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11178619/Spitfire%20v3%20onboard%20pots.JPG)

Standard layout no ground plane for the elderly...  :icon_razz:
dl.dropbox.com/u/11178619/Spitfire%20v3.1-1%20open.JPG (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11178619/Spitfire%20v3.1-1%20open.JPG)

Standard layout with ground plane fill to save etching solution
dl.dropbox.com/u/11178619/Spitfire%20v3.1-1%20transfer.bmp (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11178619/Spitfire%20v3.1-1%20transfer.bmp)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on January 12, 2012, 10:46:50 PM
Quote from: WGTP on January 12, 2012, 10:31:34 PM
Here is a shot of the frequency response of the tone control set at modern, with the 50k pot in the middle.  A 100k pot lowers the midrange notch down a little and cuts more of the treble.  ;)

http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/WGTP/Dead+Astro.jpg.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1
I will give that a try!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Jorge_S on January 13, 2012, 12:27:09 AM
I think it will be a good idea to move the design files to the wiki, with a "mods" section. This pedal is great!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 13, 2012, 04:48:51 AM
@wgtp:  nice, i'll try that too..just a 100k pot yeah instead of 47/50k?.....i have it on a designated breadboard still for any tweaking :icon_cool:


@jok3rx  ..linko not workingo.... :P    (for the elderly ha ha... :icon_mrgreen:)


@jorge pm'd





Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 13, 2012, 05:02:39 AM
pcb's sold out!... blimey they went quick...:icon_eek:

@jorge: thanks . 

i will post them all out today ok guys......


i spent last night designing my new box...its gonna be nice!!!... ;) :icon_cool: :icon_cool: :icon_cool:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on January 13, 2012, 05:13:43 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on January 13, 2012, 04:48:51 AM

@jok3rx  ..linko not workingo.... :P    (for the elderly ha ha... :icon_mrgreen:)

Try them now... I forgot to create hyperlink :icon_redface:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 13, 2012, 05:15:43 AM
@jok3rx:  nice work man, what prog are you using for those?...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on January 13, 2012, 08:00:09 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on January 13, 2012, 05:15:43 AM
@jok3rx:  nice work man, what prog are you using for those?...

Thanks.. I am using "Sprint Layout 5.0"  http://www.abacom-online.de/html/demoversionen.html (http://www.abacom-online.de/html/demoversionen.html)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 14, 2012, 06:36:14 PM
a sneaky peek preview of the spitfire v3..it'll have 3mm red/orange eyes like the original too... :icon_cool:. ;)

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/P140112_17.30%5B01%5D.jpg)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/P140112_17.31.jpg)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/P140112_17.34%5B02%5D.jpg)

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Jorge_S on January 14, 2012, 06:49:56 PM
Do you sell those enclosures too?  :icon_biggrin:

I want mine witth UV-Led  :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 14, 2012, 07:02:11 PM
hi jorge, nope sorry...too much work, but i like my ones etched...i'm just a fussy bugger, i dont like waterslides,stickers etc...

as for uv  ....hmmmm...get some sunglasses.. ;D

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on January 15, 2012, 12:44:51 AM
Rob ~ That looks Outstanding!!! Great design & etch job...! As compared to other retail/custom pedals this could easily be a $250 to $300 box!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 15, 2012, 05:49:01 AM
^ :icon_eek:

i dunno about that!..my concience wouldn't let me charge anywhere near that,  they usually go to friends and they say 'mate rates' which is considerably less than £100.00 believe me.......cheeky bastardo's ::)

but hey mates are mates eh!..even skint ones!... :)

got a day of drilling today...which i never look forward to as i don't have a press....just a block of wood, and my foot... ::)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on January 15, 2012, 08:31:17 AM
Hey Rob, nobody needs 2 feet to play guitar  ;D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 15, 2012, 09:49:15 AM
ha ha its come close a few times.... :P
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perkla on January 15, 2012, 12:59:33 PM
Quote from: Jorge_S on January 14, 2012, 06:49:56 PM
Do you sell those enclosures too?  :icon_biggrin:

I want mine witth UV-Led  :icon_twisted:

If u want to get blind i´d say UV is pretty good... if u want to be able to see for a little while longer...well then i´d say go for a normal LED... :D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on January 15, 2012, 01:39:02 PM
Quote from: Perkla on January 15, 2012, 12:59:33 PM
Quote from: Jorge_S on January 14, 2012, 06:49:56 PM
Do you sell those enclosures too?  :icon_biggrin:

I want mine witth UV-Led  :icon_twisted:

If u want to get blind i´d say UV is pretty good... if u want to be able to see for a little while longer...well then i´d say go for a normal LED... :D

I like laying in tanning beds with my eyes wide open! I'm a rebel... :o
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perkla on January 15, 2012, 01:59:12 PM
Quote from: J0K3RX on January 15, 2012, 01:39:02 PM
Quote from: Perkla on January 15, 2012, 12:59:33 PM
Quote from: Jorge_S on January 14, 2012, 06:49:56 PM
Do you sell those enclosures too?  :icon_biggrin:

I want mine witth UV-Led  :icon_twisted:

If u want to get blind i´d say UV is pretty good... if u want to be able to see for a little while longer...well then i´d say go for a normal LED... :D

I like laying in tanning beds with my eyes wide open! I'm a rebel... :o

U seem to be pretty hard core JOK3RX  :icon_eek:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: seedlings on January 15, 2012, 08:09:17 PM
This circuit made it off the to-do list and onto breadboard today!  One quick, then one thorough review of the 2N5457 GDS pinouts and it worked on the very third try.  I didn't want so many switches, and wanted slightly darker range of tones, so playing with some values I ended up
-removing the bright cap on the volume pot (C4)
-didn't need either C3, C5 or C12
-made C7 10uF
-settled on 4.7nF C8
-removed R7, C11
-used 100K pot with a 47K strapped C15 to R14 to reduce the range of HF on the tone knob

Awesome.  Thank you so much for your efforts on this circuit deadastronaut!

CHAD
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 16, 2012, 04:14:04 AM
good one chad....

the version 3 just has 1 switch now...

2n5457's eh!...less gain?.

yeah its a good idea to breadboard it, to get it to set it to suit your 'style' taste'.....cool.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: seedlings on January 16, 2012, 09:36:51 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on January 16, 2012, 04:14:04 AM
good one chad....

the version 3 just has 1 switch now...

2n5457's eh!...less gain?.

yeah its a good idea to breadboard it, to get it to set it to suit your 'style' taste'.....cool.

I didn't realize they had less gain than the j201... I'm a latecomer to the pedal-building party, but assumed since your schematic says 'J201 & 2N5457', that meant  they were similar.  But, still- great circuit.  Certainly doesn't need any more gain!  Oh, I also ended up removing the 680K R6 resistor, which perhaps added back some of the lost gain.

I have this pedal in mind for a hardcore 7-string friend.

CHAD
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on January 16, 2012, 02:04:04 PM
Quote from: seedlings on January 16, 2012, 09:36:51 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on January 16, 2012, 04:14:04 AM
good one chad....

the version 3 just has 1 switch now...

2n5457's eh!...less gain?.

yeah its a good idea to breadboard it, to get it to set it to suit your 'style' taste'.....cool.

I didn't realize they had less gain than the j201... I'm a latecomer to the pedal-building party, but assumed since your schematic says 'J201 & 2N5457', that meant  they were similar.  But, still- great circuit.  Certainly doesn't need any more gain!  Oh, I also ended up removing the 680K R6 resistor, which perhaps added back some of the lost gain.

I have this pedal in mind for a hardcore 7-string friend.

CHAD

Chad, I am very curious as to how this will sound with a 7 or 8 string? It has a very tight low end so I am expecting it to do very well...

~ Jim
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: seedlings on January 16, 2012, 02:43:24 PM
Quote from: J0K3RX on January 16, 2012, 02:04:04 PM
Quote from: seedlings on January 16, 2012, 09:36:51 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on January 16, 2012, 04:14:04 AM
good one chad....

the version 3 just has 1 switch now...

2n5457's eh!...less gain?.

yeah its a good idea to breadboard it, to get it to set it to suit your 'style' taste'.....cool.

I didn't realize they had less gain than the j201... I'm a latecomer to the pedal-building party, but assumed since your schematic says 'J201 & 2N5457', that meant  they were similar.  But, still- great circuit.  Certainly doesn't need any more gain!  Oh, I also ended up removing the 680K R6 resistor, which perhaps added back some of the lost gain.

I have this pedal in mind for a hardcore 7-string friend.

CHAD

Chad, I am very curious as to how this will sound with a 7 or 8 string? It has a very tight low end so I am expecting it to do very well...

~ Jim

Well, I'm not the 7-string player.  I did try it with dropped B and it growls nicely.  I was reading my post again and noticed a few other things I ended up changing.  Removed R14, R7, C18, C11 in favor of a .001uF strapped across the volume pot.  C6 and C2 are .05uF.  And then I played more and changed C7 again to .68uF, but added a 100uF cap in place of C3.  C8 / C10 is a .001uF.  Now the tone knob goes from 4x12 boom on one side to tight 10" sealed on the other side.

I totally understand why you put the switches !  I like just about everything.  Now to get my bud to come over and try it out. to see if it needs anything in the frequency range that bass guitarists hate.

CHAD
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: seedlings on January 16, 2012, 02:47:25 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on January 14, 2012, 06:36:14 PM
a sneaky peek preview of the spitfire v3..it'll have 3mm red/orange eyes like the original too... :icon_cool:. ;)

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/P140112_17.30%5B01%5D.jpg)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/P140112_17.31.jpg)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/P140112_17.34%5B02%5D.jpg)



Man that is off all the following:
The Chain
The Hook
The Charts

CHAD
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 17, 2012, 02:16:42 AM
 8)

i had detuning and standard tuning in mind with this from the beginning, its great drop tuned....in my video near the end its drop c#...

thats why i kept the higher end tone...so its a good all-rounder... ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on January 17, 2012, 06:20:35 PM
Quote from: seedlings on January 16, 2012, 02:43:24 PM
Quote from: J0K3RX on January 16, 2012, 02:04:04 PM
Quote from: seedlings on January 16, 2012, 09:36:51 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on January 16, 2012, 04:14:04 AM
good one chad....

the version 3 just has 1 switch now...

2n5457's eh!...less gain?.

yeah its a good idea to breadboard it, to get it to set it to suit your 'style' taste'.....cool.

I didn't realize they had less gain than the j201... I'm a latecomer to the pedal-building party, but assumed since your schematic says 'J201 & 2N5457', that meant  they were similar.  But, still- great circuit.  Certainly doesn't need any more gain!  Oh, I also ended up removing the 680K R6 resistor, which perhaps added back some of the lost gain.

I have this pedal in mind for a hardcore 7-string friend.

CHAD

Chad, I am very curious as to how this will sound with a 7 or 8 string? It has a very tight low end so I am expecting it to do very well...

~ Jim

Well, I'm not the 7-string player.  I did try it with dropped B and it growls nicely.  I was reading my post again and noticed a few other things I ended up changing.  Removed R14, R7, C18, C11 in favor of a .001uF strapped across the volume pot.  C6 and C2 are .05uF.  And then I played more and changed C7 again to .68uF, but added a 100uF cap in place of C3.  C8 / C10 is a .001uF.  Now the tone knob goes from 4x12 boom on one side to tight 10" sealed on the other side.

I totally understand why you put the switches !  I like just about everything.  Now to get my bud to come over and try it out. to see if it needs anything in the frequency range that bass guitarists hate.

CHAD

Seems like you have made quite a few changes... Got any sound clips?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: seedlings on January 17, 2012, 08:25:43 PM
Quote from: J0K3RX on January 17, 2012, 06:20:35 PM

Seems like you have made quite a few changes... Got any sound clips?

I'll put one up, but it will be embarrassing.  Other clips are made by genuine players- I'm generally a 'color' guy over basic chord progressions, so sweet or fast licks aren't on tap.

CHAD
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on January 17, 2012, 09:34:52 PM
Here's a couple boards I made.. A few flaws but they are fixable. Now for the fun part, drilling :icon_rolleyes:

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11178619/Image1.jpg)

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11178619/Image2.jpg)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: seedlings on January 17, 2012, 10:32:42 PM
Quote from: J0K3RX on January 17, 2012, 06:20:35 PM
Quote from: seedlings on January 16, 2012, 02:43:24 PM
Quote from: J0K3RX on January 16, 2012, 02:04:04 PM
Quote from: seedlings on January 16, 2012, 09:36:51 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on January 16, 2012, 04:14:04 AM
good one chad....

the version 3 just has 1 switch now...

2n5457's eh!...less gain?.

yeah its a good idea to breadboard it, to get it to set it to suit your 'style' taste'.....cool.

I didn't realize they had less gain than the j201... I'm a latecomer to the pedal-building party, but assumed since your schematic says 'J201 & 2N5457', that meant  they were similar.  But, still- great circuit.  Certainly doesn't need any more gain!  Oh, I also ended up removing the 680K R6 resistor, which perhaps added back some of the lost gain.

I have this pedal in mind for a hardcore 7-string friend.

CHAD

Chad, I am very curious as to how this will sound with a 7 or 8 string? It has a very tight low end so I am expecting it to do very well...

~ Jim

Well, I'm not the 7-string player.  I did try it with dropped B and it growls nicely.  I was reading my post again and noticed a few other things I ended up changing.  Removed R14, R7, C18, C11 in favor of a .001uF strapped across the volume pot.  C6 and C2 are .05uF.  And then I played more and changed C7 again to .68uF, but added a 100uF cap in place of C3.  C8 / C10 is a .001uF.  Now the tone knob goes from 4x12 boom on one side to tight 10" sealed on the other side.

I totally understand why you put the switches !  I like just about everything.  Now to get my bud to come over and try it out. to see if it needs anything in the frequency range that bass guitarists hate.

CHAD

Seems like you have made quite a few changes... Got any sound clips?



No skills>
Parker fly deluxe bridge humbucker>
radioshack project board>
champ clone>
eminence wizard sealed>
sm57>
>iphone diy mic adapter

I think all the changes are correct.  I'll delete this schematic as fast as I can if you don't want it posted deadastronaut (or mods remove).
(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb54/seedlings/NOTspitfieschematic.jpg)
(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb54/seedlings/NOTspitfire.jpg)

CHAD
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on January 17, 2012, 10:53:06 PM
Parker Fly Deluxe!? You Suck!!! That was great man!!! You are like some kinda mad metal scientist in that room with all that sh!t :icon_mrgreen: I gotta get me one of those Radio Shack electronics learning labs! That was a really good demo and it sounded pretty damn good also..! Thanks for posting all this and great job man! I will PM you with my address so you can send me that Parker Fly :icon_lol:

Diggin your coffee vids too!  :icon_wink:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: seedlings on January 17, 2012, 11:06:27 PM
Quote from: J0K3RX on January 17, 2012, 10:53:06 PM
Parker Fly Deluxe!? You Suck!!! That was great man!!! You are like some kinda mad metal scientist in that room with all that sh!t :icon_mrgreen: I gotta get me one of those Radio Shack electronics learning labs! That was a really good demo and it sounded pretty damn good also..! Thanks for posting all this and great job man! I will PM you with my address so you can send me that Parker Fly :icon_lol:

If you read about the deluxe you'll find it's only for country music... :icon_eek: ...whatever. I did roll the guitar tone back just a wee bit because it is a bright guitar and the EMI Wizard is bright too.  You did add a lot of smileys, but I'll take the compliment anyway.  I figured if I stayed on D how bad could I screw up a demo?  Got that learning lab for the boy like 6 years ago when he was 9.  We made a light sensitive buzzer and put it in the bathroom to surprise sister.  It worked, then went back in the box till a few months ago when I remembered we had it and I wanted to make a pedal.

OH, I got a deal on the FLY.... essentially I bought it for the money I made selling my prized LTD EC-1000 w/EMGs.  Um... worked out well for me.

CHAD

*edit: Pfft!  Coffee is my other geek hobby  ::)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on January 18, 2012, 03:02:57 AM
Hey Chad, check out Reeves Gabrels with Bowie. That is no country... ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 18, 2012, 03:52:04 AM
@jok3rx: looking good... :icon_cool:

@chad:  sounds cool man....no worries on the schemo ok...its all about tweaking ok..!!!!!... ;)

those lab things are handy eh!!!...

finishing my build today, have had to do stuff for my bro the last few days...been frustrating the @#$% out of me not being able to get it done....

should be done by this afternoon...without interuptions ::)... :icon_twisted: :icon_twisted: :icon_twisted:

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 18, 2012, 01:01:05 PM
da da... :icon_twisted:


(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/P180112_17.18%5B01%5D.jpg)

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/P180112_17.17%5B01%5D.jpg)

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/P180112_17.21.jpg)

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on January 18, 2012, 01:28:29 PM
Great Stuff.  ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: seedlings on January 18, 2012, 02:28:19 PM
(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb54/seedlings/BeavisHeadBang.gif)

CHAD
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 18, 2012, 02:46:08 PM
 :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: iccaros on January 18, 2012, 02:50:00 PM
hay is that an etch or transfer?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 18, 2012, 02:50:46 PM
etch.... :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: seedlings on January 18, 2012, 03:21:41 PM
This pedal will probably be my first attempt at etching.  I'm thinking something like this:
(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb54/seedlings/jfet1mini.jpg)

CHAD
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 18, 2012, 04:26:10 PM
 :icon_twisted:


Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Jorge_S on January 18, 2012, 05:17:19 PM
Amazing! I love how it can go from a warm crunch to mean & spit-firing :icon_twisted:

This design has to be one of the best distortions in the diy world, thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: iccaros on January 18, 2012, 06:39:32 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on January 18, 2012, 04:26:10 PM
:icon_twisted:




ok..ok ..ok... I hate you, I will have no time to get my homework done and this pedal...... masters degree, pedal... master.. pedal.....  PEDAL............. :icon_evil: :icon_twisted: :icon_evil:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Jorge_S on January 18, 2012, 08:47:32 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on January 18, 2012, 04:26:10 PM
:icon_twisted:




Rob, can you tell us which kind of capacitors you used for the pedal at the demo? which ones ceramic, film, poly...?  :icon_eek:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: waltk on January 18, 2012, 09:19:23 PM
Awesome Video! (both the playing and the video production - you must have some nice software toys)

How about a gut shot?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on January 18, 2012, 10:09:38 PM
Quote from: waltk on January 18, 2012, 09:19:23 PM
How about a gut shot?

+1
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 19, 2012, 03:26:33 AM
@walt,  i used a mix of windows movie maker, and sony vegas pro for the logo space stuff...nice toys indeed..

heres the best i can do at the mo for an intestinal shot.....i hate gut shots, its tantamount to having to do games (P.E)  in your under pants at school..... :icon_redface: ;D

i used a mix of mono ceramic, ceramic's on this one...the next one i build will be film's etc....just as a personal experiment in 'differences' ,if any, in sound... ;)

not the neatest of wiring, but i had a lot of human+feline interference at the time... ::)

@walt: recognize that 1uf?... ;)

@steve H . do a masters degree in pedals!!! ;D

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/guts.jpg)

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on January 20, 2012, 03:19:56 AM
Here is mine!
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/2316/bilders2028.jpg  ;D
Tried something new. First sanding 120/300. Then spraying with a photo positive liquid, this one:
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/526/bilders2009.jpg
Then etching with HCL 30%, H2O2 30% and water (1:1:1).
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/7937/bilders2019.jpg
Thin lines got a little bit too thick, next time I cover the thin lines with a liquid frisket, this one:
http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/5163/bilders2024.jpg
Etching took ca 10 min...
This weekend I do the soldering, hope it sounds good  ;D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on January 20, 2012, 03:23:15 AM
Here's some guts for ya...

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11178619/DSCF0075-s.jpg)

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11178619/DSCF0076-s.jpg)

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11178619/DSCF0077-s.jpg)

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11178619/DSCF0078-s.jpg)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 20, 2012, 04:45:35 AM
@maik..  whooohoooo came out great man!...so that stuff worked fine!....cool...

one tip though...don't spray the paint in...dab it in by hand, so you don't fill any pits....looks great!...love those little mushrooms!.. and the duck! ;)


@jok3rx: that looks the nuts man!....very tidy indeed.!...love the black pcb, nice touch!...it'll make it sound meaner too... ;) :icon_cool:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on January 20, 2012, 04:49:03 AM
Thanks Rob.
Will do the paint with a brush.
And jip, the psylowichtel are great... ;D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 20, 2012, 05:03:45 AM
@maik: ha ha...are you putting 3mm led 'eyes' in for on/off....or 5mm led in the gun hole?..... :icon_cool: :icon_cool: :icon_cool:

and whats that in the ashtray?...tut tut...!!... ;D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on January 20, 2012, 05:10:56 AM
@ Rob: hupsi, wrong photo  :icon_mrgreen: :icon_twisted:

No LED-Plexiglass between box and bottom as a footlight with a red LED like this one
http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=66840.100 
Post Nr 9. This is how it will look, but in red 8)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 20, 2012, 05:13:54 AM
cool,yeah i like those, ive done a few too....

http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/chickpea/pedal+builds/P150610_21_36.jpg.html

i'd be tempted to do the eyes though too...just for eye candy!...

but i am addicted to leds... :D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on January 20, 2012, 01:17:15 PM
Check out this new ROG project called Ginger.  Notice the placement of LED's to prevent "hard" clipping of the Jfets.  I have placed 2 red ones between distortion stages and it has a nice affect, slightly altering the distortion character.  I bring it to your attention for that reason, but also the LEDs BLINK, getting brighter the harder you play and going dark when not playing.  ;) 

http://www.runoffgroove.com/ginger.html
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Ronan on January 31, 2012, 06:17:42 AM
The PCB arrived and I built it up on the table (meaning its not in a box yet). Very impressed, close to tube-like sound IMO, but different also.

I built the V3 sticking as close as possible to the spec'd parts using parts on hand. The tone control is a bit touchy but there is a sweet spot there for me. It made me keep playing. I think it needs a few hours to sound right, because it seems to get better and better with use.

One thing I did was put sockets in for the JFET's and found the 2N5457 to be a bit warmer in the lower position of each gain stage (Q1 and Q4 on the V3 pdf layout). I love it. I used 10n and 4n7 for the switch, it works great, both positions are good and useful. This circuit has heaps of gain if required.

For some reason the neck humbucker sounds a bit single coilish with this circuit, no idea why, but I like it. The 470pF bright capacitor on the gain pot got pulled in the first 5 minutes, just a bit too bright for me, sounds good without it.

I really like this one and it will probably become my #1 dirt pedal. It is unusual in that a lot of original tone from the guitar seems to be preserved rather than mashed up. 10 out of 10 Rob!

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 31, 2012, 06:40:22 AM
@ian: great stuff man,  :icon_cool:

yeah its good to mess with the fets, and the tone caps too...anywhere from 2.2n to 10 is great...tight to open..

and yeah even on my ibanez humbucker neck pup, its got that woody fenderesque sound...i love that too...goes from metal to funky-hendrixy slappy stuff....lovely tone!...

really nice....and still like you say preseves the guitars sound as well...its my #1 dirt for sure.....

i fancy i'll have a dig at the dr boogey next, ive built a few but never liked the tone controls on it...but at the end of the day, i like this best!!!...more versatile, i also love the way it cleans up

with the  guitar volume...great with a swell/volume pedal.... :icon_cool: :icon_cool: :icon_cool:

i look forward to seeing/hearing your build man... :)

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on February 07, 2012, 02:58:50 AM
Quote from: Ronan on January 31, 2012, 06:17:42 AM
The 470pF bright capacitor on the gain pot got pulled in the first 5 minutes, just a bit too bright for me, sounds good without it.

Jumper or just pulled?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 07, 2012, 03:02:21 AM
either i guess...

i just built another spitty, but i dropped my 'modern' cap 4.7n...to a 3.3n....makes it a little tighter for riffin... :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 07, 2012, 04:50:30 AM
whoops sorry maik,  pull it and jumper it.... ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Ronan on February 07, 2012, 05:45:01 AM
I just removed it, no jumper, since my bridge pickup is fairly high output, and I don't use full metal-type gains, so maybe that's why I noticed the brightness at low gain settings. If you don't use lower gain settings, you wouldn't hear the bright cap.

If you put a jumper in there where the 470p cap was, that would give a different sound again, I don't know what though.

Will try to get a sound clip going this Friday, any suggestions on where to host it?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 07, 2012, 05:46:58 AM
hi ian, use 'dropbox', its really easy to use...drag n drop...copy link..paste...and free.. ;)



Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on February 07, 2012, 10:31:36 AM
Parts arrived, so I will let the 470pF inside and if it's sound boring  :icon_mrgreen: I pull it out...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on February 07, 2012, 01:09:35 PM
You might try a 220pf or 100pf instead of the 470pf if it gets too bright. 

You guys are building some gorgeous pedals.  ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 10, 2012, 06:34:13 AM
just been tweaking a little...as the tone control goes too bright imo......

so i'm trying resistors across pin 3 -1 on the tone pot using my resistor sub box......very tweakable..as long as i don't lose any bass too.. :icon_cool:


@ian: i tried cutting one leg of the 470pf.. just to try that....didn't hear any noticable difference...soldered it back..


try the pot resistor mod ..very noticable........i'm not settled on a value just yet as there are a few possibilites.... :icon_twisted:  back later...i'm on it now!!!!... ;)


8.2k - 10k sounds pretty cool...


edit: 5.6 k seems to be best....btw i stuck with a 47k lin pot, and a 4.7n-6.8n cap selection..... :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on February 10, 2012, 01:45:42 PM
With the caps across the pot, it does nothing at max.  Turn it down 1/2 and you should be able to hear the treble boost effect that it creates.  470pf may be too much 100pf may be to little.  It's used in guitar amps as a bright switch typically.  ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Ronan on February 11, 2012, 01:59:31 AM
Here's a rough  sound clip  (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61170900/I%27m%20not%20effin%20joe%20satriani%201.mp3) with a digitech synth wah thrown in on top of the spitfire in the last few seconds. Sorry bout the guitar playing guys, best I could manage today ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 11, 2012, 04:21:01 AM
@wgtp..oh i see...

@ian.. cool,..not  effin satriani.. :D....don't apologise, sounds good man!....love that wah too... :icon_cool:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on February 11, 2012, 06:35:03 PM
Robert, I hope you don't mind.  After further study of Mu/Srpp gain stage behavior to cap/resistor changes, I refined my mods to add a little more SPIT and included a BSIAB2 mod (converting Q5 from a buffer to a gain stage)(in RED) to add some more FIRE.   :icon_twisted:

http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/WGTP/Spitfire-BSIAB+mod.jpg.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 12, 2012, 09:53:53 AM
@wgtp:  cool...i'm all  for more improvements.....any clips?... :)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Ronan on February 13, 2012, 06:18:56 AM
wgtp, Q5 still looks like a buffer, cap in wrong position maybe.

Rob, I tried the circuit with no tone control but left the dual 2K2 and 2n2 low pass filters in place. Sounded quite good, and maybe a bit strong in the mids. The original tone control has been put back now, but it made me wonder, what if a  simple mid cut control  (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61170900/Simple%20400Hz%20mid%20scoop%20filter%20passive.png) were used, as well as a straight treble cut aka  the Crunch Box  (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61170900/Crunch%20Box.GIF). The treble cut, or not cut, might give a balance between bass and treble, and the mid cut control would fill in the hole in the middle. Just ideas...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 13, 2012, 06:36:37 AM
yep thats very similar to what wgtp was suggesting early on with this project,

i did do a layout which was just the distortion with no tone at all, to be like a distortion module, that could have any tonestack added...(i wish i'd built that now just for experimental purposes...

i see what your saying.. ;)  i haven't got this on bread at the moment, as i'm working on other stuff, as soon as i finish that , i'll get it boarded again
and do some more experimenting!.. ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on February 13, 2012, 03:00:45 PM
Whoops, forgot to move the output of Q5 from the source to the drain.  Thanks.  It's fixed.  ;)

As a bonus, I added a FAT mod that boosts the mids and almost makes the tone control flat at the mid point.   :icon_lol:

Any cap size from 2.2n to 22n can be used there for varying the mids and action the control.  Pick the 2 values you like for the switch.   :icon_eek:

Replacing R13 with a 25-50k pot will function as a Bass/Mid control and should be very useful for many different tones.   :icon_smile:

Keep spitting fellow Dragons.   :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: seedlings on February 13, 2012, 04:43:37 PM
This project and it's threadspawn rule!

:icon_smile: :icon_twisted:

CHAD
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on February 13, 2012, 05:41:18 PM
Cool to watch it evolve.  ;)

More Tone Control Mods.   :icon_twisted:

http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/WGTP/Spitfire-BSIAB+mod.jpg.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: mr_deadmaxxx on February 15, 2012, 10:02:40 AM
Is this better than the dr. boogie?

Pretty simple schematic and no more trimmers for biasing.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 15, 2012, 10:18:14 AM
imo ...more versatile ;)

and yes, no bloody trimmers..yay!... ;D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: mr_deadmaxxx on February 15, 2012, 10:32:06 AM
so your spitfire V3 is better build than the original spitfire? schematic changed?  :icon_rolleyes:

thanks..
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 15, 2012, 10:36:23 AM
yes, less switches etc...more to the point!..

but people are suggesting mods  all the time too.... ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: mr_deadmaxxx on February 15, 2012, 10:38:51 AM
Can I please ask what are the changes in the original schematic to get the V3? I want to get that V3 sound on your Youtube video..

Thanks..
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 15, 2012, 10:45:04 AM
here ya go, v3 pdf's.. ;)  rock on...... :icon_twisted:

http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=94608.msg826603#msg826603
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: mr_deadmaxxx on February 15, 2012, 10:51:49 AM
oops! :o  ;D BTW, I assume this doesn't have the noise/hiss issue like the Dr. Boogie?

Thanks..

I wish I could have all that guitar skills you have on your demo videos.. ;D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on February 15, 2012, 01:18:17 PM
Can't say for sure about the noise since some is due to construction, but just looking at Dr. Boogie again and with all those resistors and gain stages the Spitfire is surely quieter and easier to build.  The basic design has been around awhile and is used in some of the most popular DIY boost overdrive/distortions.  

Check this out for some theory and Mu mod to SRPP for more gain.  Look for 7.7.01 article.  ;)

http://www.geofex.com/

SRPP mod (for more gain and lower output impedance) and Hiss Reduction, if needed.   :icon_twisted:  

http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/WGTP/Spitfire-BSIAB+mod.jpg.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1

Whoops, did I already suggest trying it at 18 volts with 2 - 9volt batteries.  No need to rebias.   :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on February 15, 2012, 07:44:48 PM
All these cool mods/updates... anybody gonna post any sound clips? :icon_rolleyes:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: mr_deadmaxxx on February 15, 2012, 10:12:47 PM
Quote from: WGTP on February 15, 2012, 01:18:17 PM
Can't say for sure about the noise since some is due to construction, but just looking at Dr. Boogie again and with all those resistors and gain stages the Spitfire is surely quieter and easier to build.  The basic design has been around awhile and is used in some of the most popular DIY boost overdrive/distortions.  

Check this out for some theory and Mu mod to SRPP for more gain.  Look for 7.7.01 article.  ;)

http://www.geofex.com/

SRPP mod (for more gain and lower output impedance) and Hiss Reduction, if needed.   :icon_twisted:  

http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/WGTP/Spitfire-BSIAB+mod.jpg.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1

Whoops, did I already suggest trying it at 18 volts with 2 - 9volt batteries.  No need to rebias.   :icon_twisted:

is that schematic verified already? :)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on February 16, 2012, 01:35:48 PM
The original schematic is, unless I have messed something up in the drawing, the mods should work.  Might start with the original and may not need mods.  ;)

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on February 16, 2012, 01:37:22 PM
For more mod ideas, check out the Okko Diablo at the other forum.  Also, the Catlinbread Formula 5.  Didn't realize there are so many dual Mu/Srpp designs around. 

Robert, I apologize for so many posts.  ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on February 17, 2012, 06:57:05 AM
pcb of this mod?  :icon_mrgreen: :icon_mrgreen: :icon_mrgreen:
http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/WGTP/Spitfire-BSIAB+mod.jpg.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on February 17, 2012, 06:19:04 PM
Quote from: Maik on February 17, 2012, 06:57:05 AM
pcb of this mod?  :icon_mrgreen: :icon_mrgreen: :icon_mrgreen:
http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/WGTP/Spitfire-BSIAB+mod.jpg.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1

Sure, I would like a pcb with this mod! How long will it take you to draw?  :icon_wink:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 18, 2012, 03:19:45 AM
@wgtp: don't apologise man!...its all good stuff!.... i take it thats an on/on/on for the cap switching!...

@maik:  go for it!...

anyone breaded it yet?... :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on February 18, 2012, 01:54:10 PM
No, the switching is pick the 2 you like best, but it could be done. ;)

Remember boys, use sockets in strategic locations.   :icon_twisted:

Sorry, I don't do pcb's, just breadboards and point to point.   :icon_rolleyes:  :o
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: mr_deadmaxxx on February 19, 2012, 12:06:46 AM
since it's posted on the schematic, will a 2N5457 work the same as J201's in the same pcb board as spitfire v3? less gain?

thanks..
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 19, 2012, 12:50:57 PM
yep, less gain though....socket em, and try a mix or just j201's.... :)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: mr_deadmaxxx on February 20, 2012, 01:13:37 AM
I read somewhere that a 2SK117 has much higher gain than J201? Different pin-outs though..
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on February 20, 2012, 07:54:37 AM
Quote from: J0K3RX on February 17, 2012, 06:19:04 PMSure, I would like a pcb with this mod! How long will it take you to draw?  :icon_wink:
Don´t know. Never done it before  :icon_mrgreen:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on February 20, 2012, 08:23:01 PM
Quote from: Maik on February 20, 2012, 07:54:37 AM
Quote from: J0K3RX on February 17, 2012, 06:19:04 PMSure, I would like a pcb with this mod! How long will it take you to draw?  :icon_wink:
Don´t know. Never done it before  :icon_mrgreen:

No worries... I was just joking with ya. I may try to draw it up if I get some time.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on February 21, 2012, 02:36:07 AM
Quote from: J0K3RX on February 20, 2012, 08:23:01 PM
No worries... I was just joking with ya. I may try to draw it up if I get some time.

:icon_mrgreen: :icon_mrgreen: :icon_mrgreen:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: mpv on February 23, 2012, 04:02:50 AM
Hi all,

I am planning to build Spitfire (probably the v1 with all switchable options).

Thinking of 2 separate Gain pots and they would be switchable using a footswitch (like I have in my Carl Martin PlexiTone).
Any suggestions where to put the switch in schematics?
Will there be any side-effects while operating the switch, like loud pops?

And what about 2 totally separate "channels" with Gain, Tone and Volume pots in the same box?
Is it easier to use 2 separate boards+pots and use a switch to select the outputs from them?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 23, 2012, 05:18:05 AM
hi mpv and welcome!... ;)

i did this to a dr boogie, i had 2 vol/ 2 gains...
heres how i wired that up...it would be pretty much the same...look at the gain pot switching..
http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/chickpea/twinboogie+wiring+guide.png.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1
http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/chickpea/pedal+builds/P240511_12_54.jpg.html


might i suggest just using a volume pedal with adjustable max/min vol pot.....it will then back off the drive or max it out.....thats what i do and it works fine...

this pedal cleans up really well just with guitar volume backed off....then full on distortion with guitar volume up...just my 2p... ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: mpv on February 23, 2012, 01:59:31 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on February 23, 2012, 05:18:05 AM

heres how i wired that up...it would be pretty much the same...look at the gain pot switching..
http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/chickpea/twinboogie+wiring+guide.png.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1
http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/chickpea/pedal+builds/P240511_12_54.jpg.html


Thanks for a fast response!

I will check those out when starting actually building the board...

Off the topic, does anyone know good links for infos on etching aluminium enclosures?
Those examples I found look really nice but I have never done it...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on February 24, 2012, 04:18:17 AM
http://www.scribd.com/doc/24250149/Making-a-Multicolor-Etching
But I think it is easier with HCL 30%, H2O2 30% and water mixed 1:1:1, but remember to fill in the water first.  :icon_mrgreen: No need to make it warm. But use safetyglasses and rubber gloves.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 24, 2012, 04:35:58 AM
just a quicky note about etching, i etched 2 boxes yesterday...the eddystone came out fine...but those rounded ones from the usa/hammond, didn't etch at all..diifferent blend of metals.....be warned. :)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on February 24, 2012, 05:16:08 AM
therefor I use HCL and H2O2...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 24, 2012, 05:21:50 AM
i'll have to give that a go one day... ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on February 24, 2012, 06:13:00 AM
Jip Rob, go for it! It etches more consistent. And it takes 4 to 8 min...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: mr_deadmaxxx on February 28, 2012, 05:30:20 AM
Ok so I gave this one a go on the breadboard awhile ago..and to my surprise, the pedal itself has its own delay with two repeats.. ;D ;D
Though there is an audible hiss in the background, and a volume drop as compared to the bypass signal.  ??? ???
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 28, 2012, 06:05:40 AM
delay ?   ???

less than unity?... theres something wrong there....i have massive volume on mine...much much more than unity...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: mr_deadmaxxx on February 28, 2012, 06:09:42 AM
yes a delay..it's like you connected an echo base with this with 2 repeats setting..i disconnected some capacitors but still the delay doesn't go away so I guess this is like an added feature? ???
i dunno about the volume drop..even at max volume and max gain, it's still less than unity..
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 28, 2012, 06:21:02 AM
WEIRD.... are you sure your soundcard on your pc is set right.!!!...thers no way it can delay!!!!... :icon_eek:
but am interested in 'how the f... you get delay on it... :icon_eek:

defo something wrong there....should be plenty of vol and gain

got a pic of breadboard...?....or soundclip?...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: mr_deadmaxxx on February 28, 2012, 06:32:52 AM
Oh by the way, I used my laptop as input signal. I just played a song in the media player and set it to repeat every time the song ends. That's where I noticed the delay. The last signal from the song was repeated like the circuit itself has it's own delay. I listened again to the original song(without the circuit) and definitely there's no delay at the end of it. And when I connected the circuit again, tada the built-in delay feature is back again. ;D ;D

Can't provide photos for now as I disassembled it for a moment. But mostly I used mylar and ceramic capacitors. I used 100k for the tone control. One thing I notice on the volume drop issue is that when I remove the mod caps and just shorted them, the signal is boosted a little, but still not on unity.. I tried placing another JFET stage at the end to recover the volume loss but all I got was weird distorted signal.  ???
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 28, 2012, 06:36:47 AM
sounds like you need to turn off 'monitoring' on your sound card!...i get delay if i have that on...

try unticking  a few settings on your laptop sound device!.. ;)


you shouldn't need a recovery at all....which version were you looking at v3?....its fine, ive built 3 of them.. :)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on February 28, 2012, 06:52:52 AM
Put a pot for delaytime and then it´s V4!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: mr_deadmaxxx on February 28, 2012, 06:54:43 AM
Yes, I was following the V3 layout on my breadboard..
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 28, 2012, 07:07:49 AM
talking of v4.. ;). i just knocked up a layout of WGTP'S mods...unverified,

not sure about how to switch between those caps either???......rotary?...what do you think?...

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/WGTPSPITFIREV4.pdf

from WGTP'S MOD schematic..
http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/WGTP/Spitfire-BSIAB+mod.jpg.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on February 28, 2012, 08:44:54 AM
Hm, rotary? Then it´s 5 knobs...
Couldn´t it be done with an on-on-on switch?
4 knobs and a switch looks better  :icon_mrgreen:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 28, 2012, 08:56:52 AM
yeah 4 knobs would be best...for 1590b...

i guess it could have a 0n/0n/0n...with a tweak of the cap values yes..!..

if we came off the 1uf then had a 6.8n  to a 6.8n = 3.4n

then the same 6.8n to a 10n= 5n ish..

the the same 6.8n to a .....hmmmm..... thats what i was thinking... ???
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: gigimarga on February 28, 2012, 12:31:11 PM
Hello all and many thanks for your fabulous work deadastronaut!
Spifire becames very fast one of my favorite distorsion pedal...I've built v2 and I want to upgrade it to v3, but I can't find any schematic of v3...have you posted one?

Best regards!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 28, 2012, 12:46:07 PM
hi gigimara, great, glad you built it and like it...nice one.. :icon_twisted:

here ya go!... ;) v3 is pretty much just the same, but simplified switching..more straight to the point!

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/SPITFIREV3.jpg


the pdf's are in my gallery (robert henry) ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on February 28, 2012, 01:53:44 PM
I'm glad your in London and I'm in Newcastle - Oklahoma, USA in case it doesn't work.  Wish I knew more about switching.   Might just use sockets on standard switch and pick the 2 values that work the best for you.  :icon_smile:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 28, 2012, 07:01:42 PM
ha ha...i'll find ya!!!!...  :D

i would bread it first anyway, but yeah thats probably best...just socket and choose.. ;)

did you bread your mod version?..
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on February 28, 2012, 07:53:15 PM
The Mu/SRPP stage is on the bread board, but is running into 2 Fetzer valve type Jfet stages after that with 2 LED's to ground from the input of the last Jfet.  I have tried the various mods I've posted.  Also simmed a lot of the tone control stuff.  Should work if I drew things correctly.   :icon_rolleyes:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Ronan on February 29, 2012, 03:16:49 AM
I've been thinking of getting some V3 PCB's made up, doublesided 1.4" x 1.2". The PCB's would mount/hang from 16mm gain and vol pots, with the tone pot and switch connected with wires. Any interest? And would this be OK with you Rob if I made some pocket money/hobby money from doing this? If not, that is fine, no problem. I've had this PCB drawn up for near 3 weeks but haven't pulled the trigger, maybe waiting for some new development, when in fact I like it just the way it is!
Here's a pic. (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61170900/Spitfire%20photoview3.GIF)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 29, 2012, 06:04:24 AM
@ian: hi man, looks good, go for it...i haven't any problem with that!... ;) as long as you verify your boards.. ;D

might i make one suggestion though, when i built mine i had the 3 pots in this way.... vol.. lugs facing down...tone pot lugs facing up...gain pot lugs down.. so they all aligned in a straight row...

so you could have all 3 pots on board...with careful measurements allowing for pcb/ lugs /component height (against pots) and pcb height in box/and  importantly knob spacing when fitted etc....

i was thinking about this the other day funnily enough, great minds and all that!.. :icon_cool:

there would even be room for a battery then if needed/wanted too...

i use my etching as my drill template, ive never done onboard pots, then drilled to fit etc.....so it would be interesting..and very neat and tidy too...cool. ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on February 29, 2012, 10:03:50 AM
Looks like you guys are coming up with some cool stuff! I sure wish there were some sound demos though... Doesn't have to be a youtube clip, just a simple mp3 on dropbox...maybe  :icon_question: I have reverted back to the original with the 3 switches, not because I like switches but because I am able to get the best tone from that build so far... :icon_wink:  Keep on tweakin!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 29, 2012, 10:07:47 AM
hmmmm... ive just built a spitv3,

but theres no bass in it...ive built it to usual spec, all traces are fine, switch is working fine, its just weird, (i have another with exact same parts to compare)

the tone (47kb) when fully anti clockwise is still bright but still working ok but not got that full bass......maybe ive toasted a cap is my guess, ::)

what would you guys swap out...

c8 - 470nf
or c12 - 1uf (np)
or the 2.2n's.....c14/15...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on February 29, 2012, 10:16:41 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on February 29, 2012, 10:07:47 AM
hmmmm... ive just built a spitv3,

but theres no bass in it...ive built it to usual spec, all traces are fine, switch is working fine, its just weird, (i have another with exact same parts to compare)

the tone (47kb) when fully anti clockwise is still bright but still working ok but not got that full bass......maybe ive toasted a cap is my guess, ::)

what would you guys swap out...

c8 - 470nf
or c12 - 1uf (np)
or the 2.2n's.....c14/15...

eeny meeny miny mo - try all three and let us know...  :icon_lol:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 29, 2012, 10:18:46 AM
yeah looks like i'll have too... ::) ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on February 29, 2012, 01:54:15 PM
The 2.2n's roll of the treble, so I wouldn't think they were the cause.  The other 2 could be, but there are lots of caps that could be affecting the bass.  C2, C6, C17.

Stick a small wire on the end of your output chord and start at the front of the circuit and touch the wire to various places in the signal path and see if you can hear where the bass drops out.  Audio Probe method.  ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: gigimarga on February 29, 2012, 03:51:42 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on February 28, 2012, 12:46:07 PM
hi gigimara, great, glad you built it and like it...nice one.. :icon_twisted:

here ya go!... ;) v3 is pretty much just the same, but simplified switching..more straight to the point!

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/SPITFIREV3.jpg


the pdf's are in my gallery (robert henry) ;)

Thank you very much!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on February 29, 2012, 08:31:27 PM
http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/WGTP/Spitfire+Gain+Mods.jpg.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1

Higher gain Mods that don't require a change to the layouts.  ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 01, 2012, 05:32:22 AM
cheers wgtp: i'll have a go at that....oh yeah facepalming myself on the 2.2n's..of course!.. :icon_redface:

i'll track this bugger down... :icon_twisted:

edit: ive a sneaking suspicion that its some new caps i bought!!....hmmmm,. :-\

edit 2 : swapped c2/c6 /c17 /c9/c15/c17.....still the same...weird!......@#$%ing @#$% @#$% @#$%er :icon_evil:




Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Ronan on March 03, 2012, 06:30:48 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on February 29, 2012, 06:04:24 AM
might i make one suggestion though, when i built mine i had the 3 pots in this way.... vol.. lugs facing down...tone pot lugs facing up...gain pot lugs down.. so they all aligned in a straight row...

Like this? (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61170900/Spit%20V3%20possible%20layout.GIF) This PCB would be 2.2" x 1.4", with 0.8" between pot centres. I was thinking of using  this pot here,  (http://www.smallbearelec.com/Detail.bok?no=692)they are out of stock on two of them at the moment though. The pots would mount on the back of the PCB.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on March 03, 2012, 03:41:16 PM
http://www.beavisaudio.com/techpages/Switches/

Switching info.   :icon_smile:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on March 04, 2012, 01:43:47 AM
Quote from: Ronan on March 03, 2012, 06:30:48 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on February 29, 2012, 06:04:24 AM
might i make one suggestion though, when i built mine i had the 3 pots in this way.... vol.. lugs facing down...tone pot lugs facing up...gain pot lugs down.. so they all aligned in a straight row...

Like this? (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61170900/Spit%20V3%20possible%20layout.GIF) This PCB would be 2.2" x 1.4", with 0.8" between pot centres. I was thinking of using  this pot here,  (http://www.smallbearelec.com/Detail.bok?no=692)they are out of stock on two of them at the moment though. The pots would mount on the back of the PCB.


They have those pots at Mammoth also.
http://www.mammothelectronics.com/category-s/46.htm
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 04, 2012, 12:23:24 PM
@ian, i meant still in a 'V' formation, with the pcb in the middle...like..

o   o
------
  o

top pots lugs facing down..'pcb style lugs'...bottom pot lugs facing up...if practical, and possible... :)

edit like this..so pcb is designed around an upstanding board...

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/pcbedge.jpg

edit: saying that , that would require a double sided pcb, so it may just be easier to wire the tone off board anyway....hmmmm..... just thinking aloud!.. ;)

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 04, 2012, 01:05:49 PM
edit again!...hmmmm

i just tried a pot attached to vero and an enclosure....it doesn't allow for much room...

8 holes high, including pots total.....not too practical imo....

probably better off using jokerx's or your (ian's) route....shame though would've been neat... :)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Ronan on March 05, 2012, 03:17:45 AM
Yes I see what you mean, there's not a lot of vertical height in a 1590B. It could be done easily though if the resistors were mounted vertically in the PCB itself, like most commercial stompboxes of the past. I layed the resistors flat since there was room enough to do it.

I put in an order for some PCB's last night, so if they work, there will be a few available if any new builders are interested. I have found if there is a PCB (or vero layout) available, I suddenly get a lot more enthusiastic to do a build!

The pots could still be arranged in a V formation but the tone control would have to be attached with wires. It's only just gonna fit sideways in a 1590B, if I'm lucky.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 05, 2012, 03:27:00 AM
cool, i look forward to seeing those!... :icon_cool:

i did try an upright layout last night, but it was just too damn small to be a comfortable build really....

busy today, some bastard tried breaking into my car and @#$%ed my lock......arghhhhhhhhhhhhhh...@#$%ing @#$% @#$%ers @#$%ing @#$%s...........@#$%s :icon_evil: :icon_evil: :icon_evil:

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on March 05, 2012, 05:07:03 AM
a pcb for the V4
http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/3168/spitfirev4.png
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 05, 2012, 05:28:25 AM
@maik:  no need to reverse the image..sorry i forgot to post the pcb pdf.. ;)

unverified:  you have been warned!... :icon_twisted:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/WGTPSPITFIREPCBV4.pdf

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/WGTPSPITFIREV4.pdf
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on March 05, 2012, 07:12:15 AM
@Rob  it´s reversed cause I put it on film
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 05, 2012, 07:20:36 AM
gotcha!.. ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on March 05, 2012, 08:22:45 AM
ups, now I´m dead :icon_mrgreen:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 05, 2012, 12:17:03 PM
@maik i just realised what your avatar is... invaders from mars!!!!.. brilliant film, i love an old sci-fi ufo flick!.... :icon_cool: :icon_cool: :icon_cool:

a classic quote from that film ' a spaceship?...from where?'........'from outer space!'...  ha ha...brilliant!.

you gotta love 0.31-0.33  :icon_mrgreen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ury5b-qtI1Y&feature=fvsr


rinaldi, always sticking his neck out... ;D


sorry guys back on topic.. ;)

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: texstrat on March 05, 2012, 02:08:48 PM
Rob:

Read through the posts and is this pedal more metal than blues? Some of your earlier sound clips, page 1-2, are dead links and what I have listened to later sound more in the metal genre, and it does sound good.

I am interested in building the pedal, but I would like to hear blues tone oozing from your pedal  :icon_mrgreen:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on March 05, 2012, 07:20:53 PM
Damn... everytime I blink my eyes you guys have a new mod..! Any audio clips of ver.4 yet? I have built a couple of these now and I still like ver.1 the best... I don't mind the extra switches because I usually just jumper two of them the way I like and use one switch anyway so no biggie... Version 4 looks interesting Rob, care to do a clip? :icon_lol: I really dig yer playing and it gives me a real good idea of what type of tone and sound I will be able to dail up...

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 06, 2012, 02:51:23 AM
@jok3rx, haven't tried it, i will breadboard it soon though...been busy bee lately....gotta sort my car out today!.. :icon_evil:


@textstrat, here is a demo of v3...check it out from 4:18..with volume backed off it cleans up nice for bluesy/funky stuff..

but you can get that by just turning gain down ok... ;)



Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on March 06, 2012, 03:22:11 AM
Hey Rob, 0:31 is great. Thats why everybody wants kids... :icon_mrgreen:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 06, 2012, 03:25:46 AM
@#$%ing right.. yeah!!!!!... ;D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on March 09, 2012, 05:40:35 AM
Hey Rob, can I do the switching with an on-on-on switch like this?
http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/8103/spitfireschalterononon.png
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 09, 2012, 11:18:33 AM
not sure!...rotary?..

thats unverified too, you've been warned ok.. ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Ronan on March 09, 2012, 04:04:22 PM
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61170900/3way%20switching%20with%207211%20DPDT.GIF

Newark/element14 sell these for around $5. One side switches then the other side switches, the two poles don't switch at the same time.
Just another option...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 09, 2012, 04:49:58 PM
hmmmm...isnt it an on/on/on from that switch out?...looking at it again ....hmmmmmm.... ..(terms & conditions apply as i'm on the vino though!).... :P

.....hic.........           
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on March 09, 2012, 08:57:02 PM
Hmmm.  Just looking at the schematic on page 1 and C7 - 2.2nf seems too small to do much but add hiss.  I wonder if it is supposed to be 2.2uf, or .22uf or 22uf, all of which would boost things with various levels of bass???  ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 10, 2012, 06:49:09 AM
on the v3 layout c7 is 22nf..
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on March 10, 2012, 07:16:42 AM
Figured it out. I take an on-off-on SPDT and put the caps on the switch, not at the pcb.
http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/2060/capswitching.jpg
Middle will be 3,3 and left 1,5 and right 6,8. This will give 4,8/3,3/10,1
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 10, 2012, 07:22:22 AM
cool...sorted, are you building the v4 then?..
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 10, 2012, 07:51:32 AM
@maik, wont that be halving the values...series?...or am i looking at that wrong?..

and a dpdt.. :)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on March 10, 2012, 09:20:57 AM
Hey Rob, I think its parallel (hope so :icon_mrgreen:). And a DPDT off course :icon_mrgreen:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on March 10, 2012, 02:15:22 PM
If C7 isn't at least 220n, I'm not sure you can here it's contribution.   :o
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 12, 2012, 10:56:27 AM
hmmmmm.....i'm hacking a spit 3 at the mo, (the one i built that didn't have any bass for some strange reason..)

i'll swap that 22n out for a 220n and see how it differs...cheers wgtp. ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on March 12, 2012, 11:57:04 AM
Quote from: Maik on March 10, 2012, 09:20:57 AM
Hey Rob, I think its parallel (hope so :icon_mrgreen:). And a DPDT off course :icon_mrgreen:

Edit: serial off course...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 12, 2012, 12:07:06 PM
ahh a 0:31 moment... ;D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ury5b-qtI1Y&feature=fvsr



; while hacking the spit 3, ive decided to go with 3.3n for the metal modern, its just that bit tighter...and 6.8n for classic..

(the bass mysteriously apeared after poking around.).. ::)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 12, 2012, 01:34:58 PM
this is with 3.3n/6.8n...

switching between..messing around n stuff...... :icon_twisted:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/3.3n6.8ncaps.mp3
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on March 13, 2012, 01:42:43 PM
So that's what your doing with this thing.  Sounds good.  ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on March 13, 2012, 11:14:59 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on March 12, 2012, 01:34:58 PM
this is with 3.3n/6.8n...

switching between..messing around n stuff...... :icon_twisted:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/3.3n6.8ncaps.mp3

I lean more towards the 2nd tone but I like the 1st tone also.... Sounds real damn good!!! Ok, now I am gonna have to make this thing again... This will be like the 5th board I have made of this pedal :icon_lol:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 14, 2012, 03:53:41 AM
yeah sounds great...i socketed those so i could mess around, i attached my cap sub box to it and went through all values...

but its definately best in the realms of 2.2.-10n........i settled for 3.3/6.8.... :icon_twisted: :icon_cool:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on March 14, 2012, 01:05:06 PM
I need to experiment with a 50k pot replacing the resistor in the tonestack.  ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 15, 2012, 04:05:06 AM
^ yeah i stuck with a 47k lin, i did experiment with different values across the outer lugs (croc clipping my sub box on)...had interesting results...

and different taper/range /tighter sounds too.. i kept it as standard in the end though.... :)


i fancy the next one i build/bread i'll try and tame that pots top end though..... :)


got a little angel on bread at mo....i'm after an alex lifeson sund out of the spit and la...  :icon_cool: :icon_cool: :icon_cool:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on March 18, 2012, 05:46:59 PM
Just looking at Xbananov stuff.  C7 should be 2.2uf, but anything from 4.7uf to .22uf will affect the "Body" of the circuit.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 18, 2012, 08:47:31 PM
i'm about to put this on bread again, just for future tinkering sake...so i'll give those values a try !! ;)... :icon_twisted:

edit: got it on bread again!.... :icon_twisted:   i wanted to attack that hi treble and tame it on the tone pot...sorted it.., instead of a 10k to the 1uf....try a 8.2-6.8-5.6k......

it puts the tone at 12oclock position on a 50k pot.... ;)....i'm getting mass oscillation due to breadboard, but its still great fun messing with this monster, i love the subtlety too...best of both worlds... :icon_cool:

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on March 19, 2012, 01:53:35 PM
Decreasing the R13 - 10k resistor will increase the low mids, reduce and raise the midrange notch to a higher frequency.  That is where I was talking about adding a 50k pot as a Low Mid/Body control.

Increasing the C7 cap to 1uf will also increase the mids in the distortion section.

For oscillation and taming the highs, try a 1n to 4.7n cap between R6 and Q4 and/or between Q3 and Q5.  Using a smaller cap in both places may be preferable to using 1 larger value cap in one place.  Keep spitting.  ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 20, 2012, 05:44:06 AM
Quote from: WGTP on March 19, 2012, 01:53:35 PM
Decreasing the R13 - 10k resistor will increase the low mids, reduce and raise the midrange notch to a higher frequency.  That is where I was talking about adding a 50k pot as a Low Mid/Body control.


i thought thats what you were talking about, i tried the anti-bread-oscillation tricks, but no joy, still sounds like the fat bloke on deliverance.. :D

maybe if i laid it out tighter/neater it might sort it out.... :)





Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on March 21, 2012, 09:33:42 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on March 20, 2012, 05:44:06 AM
Quote from: WGTP on March 19, 2012, 01:53:35 PM
Decreasing the R13 - 10k resistor will increase the low mids, reduce and raise the midrange notch to a higher frequency.  That is where I was talking about adding a 50k pot as a Low Mid/Body control.


still sounds like the fat bloke on deliverance.. :D


:icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol: Ha ha ha!!! Is ver 4 pretty stable? I am gonna give it a try... Anything new going on with it I should know about before I wade neck deep into this build? lol - Seems like there is always a couple mods right in the middle of it every time I etch a new board for this thing! It's a good thing, I just gotta get my timing right  :icon_wink:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 21, 2012, 09:41:04 PM
dunno on v4...never tried it..unverified...


ive been messing around right now with adding a 47n to ground on the left side of C15 (1uf)...tends to get a bit tighter....might be good for recording...

also ive twiddled around with that 10k (r13) at the same time with varying results..

i would suggest having a dedicated breadboard for this as its very tweakable....i have now! ::)..apart rom the @#$%ing squeeeeeellll piggy stuff... :icon_twisted:


edit:  heres a clip of the 3.3n modern, with the 47n cap to ground (thrash mod) ....then with just the 3.3n, then back to the (thrash mod) 47n...i really like it...
it feels nice under your hand... i had to keep the gain down (9'0clock) to hold back squeeeelllll but you get the idea!... :icon_twisted:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/modern1%262thrashmod.mp3

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/thrash1.jpg)


edit 2:  heres another clip,  riff 1=3.3n modern/ riff2:=3.3n modern with 47n mod/ riff 3:=6.8n/ riff4:=6.8n with 47n mod...

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/moderntests.mp3
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on March 22, 2012, 03:53:14 PM
Holy shit, I loose the second time! Don´t know why. Spitfire works for 2-3min, then it half the volume and the sound is thin.
When I hit the strings it starts as a normal distorted sound (with half volume) and then it sounds like "brrrrsssrrr". :icon_evil: Seems like the sound breaks.
Have 2 wonderfull boxes and nothing usable to put in. One is a gift... :-\
Must get them to work.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 22, 2012, 04:01:35 PM
sorry to hear your probs man....check the usual stuff, joints , cap orientation etc.....did you socket the fets?..did you toast one?...

i had a similar prob, but it turned out to be the worlds tiiniest bit of solder betweeen the tone caps...get the old magnifier out... ;)

meanwhile!...da da da da da da daaaaaaa..

:icon_twisted: SPITFIRE V5  :icon_twisted:
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/th_smiley_emoticons_ozboss_gitarre3.gif)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/SPITFIREV5.jpg)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on March 22, 2012, 08:11:01 PM
Hey Rob, that sounds real good man!! You gonna post the PCB? No biggie, I can redraw it myself if not.. But I will just use yours if I can?

Thanks,
Jim
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 22, 2012, 08:36:49 PM
whoops yes of course!...that would help eh!.. :P

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/SPITFIREV5THRASHER.pdf

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/SPITFIREV5PCB.pdf

for those that are interested in the fuzzy part of things heres a clip  using different caps,  22n/10n/4.7n/2.2n... :)
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/spit5fuzzcaps.mp3
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on March 23, 2012, 05:10:37 AM
I thought this morning: perhaps it´s the etching, a broken line. Have to test it today, also need to etch V5  :icon_mrgreen:
Some day I will have V3 to V....20?  :icon_mrgreen:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 23, 2012, 06:04:24 AM
good luck man, its really bugging when its nothing obvious....

and yes indeed v2000..... ;D

i'm looking into tonestacks again...so there may be the 'ULTIMATE SPITFIRE'.... :icon_mrgreen:

or V666 :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on March 23, 2012, 06:46:23 AM
OK then, lets do V666 :icon_mrgreen: :icon_mrgreen: :icon_mrgreen:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 23, 2012, 07:00:59 AM
 :icon_twisted: i'm on it... ;)

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on March 24, 2012, 01:38:59 PM
These might be cool lookin knobs on the Spitfire?

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11178619/bullet-guitar-knob-deluxe-set.jpg)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on March 24, 2012, 01:53:51 PM
Great knobs.  The Thrash mod lowers the midrange dip a little and with the 3.3n it also makes the dip larger.  Increasing C17 to 150n has a similar effect.

I've been looking at some of the Russian stuff and have tried replacing R9 and C7 with a GE or SI diode with the cathode to ground,  See what you think.  ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on March 24, 2012, 02:18:13 PM
Quote from: WGTP on March 24, 2012, 01:53:51 PM
Great knobs.  The Thrash mod lowers the midrange dip a little and with the 3.3n it also makes the dip larger.  Increasing C17 to 150n has a similar effect.

I've been looking at some of the Russian stuff and have tried replacing R9 and C7 with a GE or SI diode with the cathode to ground,  See what you think.  ;)

WGTP,

I am building it tonight... will try your suggestions.  Did you ever actually build your version 4 with 4 knobs? I would like to build that also...

Thanks
~Jim
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: texstrat on March 24, 2012, 03:43:25 PM
Regarding the PS to drive this creation, there were several mentions that 18V is optimal. Has anyone tried using a 12V PS? Also, what would the minimum mA requirement be for this pedal?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on March 25, 2012, 02:37:18 PM
I haven't built a pedal in several years.  It's all on the bread boards and simulations.  I have tried everything I post about, but haven't assembled it all at once.  Sort of makes me look like a fraud.  Most stuff is either standard stuff, or things I've found researching, or simulated.  Live I use an all tube amp with Celesion speakers.  That keeps me fresh on good tone. 

I been working with Tone Controls a lot lately since I figured out how to sim them in LTSpice.  It's cool to both see and hear what is going on.  Currently on the breadboard is a Vulcan Stage - SHO Stage - Mu Amp - Tone Control.  The values are constantly changing.

The 4th knob in the tone control adds lots of variation for mid-range flexibility.  Probably an audio taper would work best, depending on which way it is wired.  ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 25, 2012, 06:15:32 PM
Quote from: WGTP on March 24, 2012, 01:53:51 PM
R9 and C7 with a GE or SI diode with the cathode to ground,  See what you think.  ;)

i'll give that a go..

@jokerx: great knobs...just make sure those are blanks ha ha..BANG!! :P ;D

@textstrat: never tried it...i only have a 9v psu.. :)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on March 25, 2012, 08:03:38 PM
Quote from: WGTP on March 25, 2012, 02:37:18 PM
I haven't built a pedal in several years.  It's all on the bread boards and simulations.  I have tried everything I post about, but haven't assembled it all at once.  Sort of makes me look like a fraud.  Most stuff is either standard stuff, or things I've found researching, or simulated.  Live I use an all tube amp with Celesion speakers.  That keeps me fresh on good tone. 

I been working with Tone Controls a lot lately since I figured out how to sim them in LTSpice.  It's cool to both see and hear what is going on.  Currently on the breadboard is a Vulcan Stage - SHO Stage - Mu Amp - Tone Control.  The values are constantly changing.

The 4th knob in the tone control adds lots of variation for mid-range flexibility.  Probably an audio taper would work best, depending on which way it is wired.  ;)

WGTP - That's cool, keep doin what your doin man!! Bread boards and simulations work for me! I wasn't thinking of you as a fraud at all, more like somebody who really knows what he is doing... :icon_wink: I really wanted more tone control in this pedal to take down some of the highs and give it more mids etc.. When it's all on one knob you just don't get that control. You can eq it but I don't like doing that to make big tonal changes...  Anyway, I enjoy all of your input in this forum!!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 26, 2012, 06:20:51 AM
+1 to wgtp's input...its always welcome whether you build it or not is irrelevant as its well tried n tested theory/knowledge....far beyond mine thats for sure!..its all good stuff!  :icon_cool: :icon_cool: :icon_cool:

@jokerx: i have  bass and treble tone controls on a seperate breadboard at the moment that i'm tweaking in conjunction with
the thrash/cap mods  i started off with this 'middle one...its good as the bass/treble are independant of each other...unlike a few ive tried ::)....tweaking as we speak. :icon_cool:
i just want a bit more bass out of it.... :icon_twisted:

http://www.muzique.com/lab/atone.htm
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Earthscum on March 26, 2012, 09:43:39 AM
Quote from: WGTP on March 25, 2012, 02:37:18 PM
I haven't built a pedal in several years.  It's all on the bread boards and simulations.  I have tried everything I post about, but haven't assembled it all at once.  Sort of makes me look like a fraud. 

No way... a fraud is some kid who finds his dad's magazines, figure's that his dad is cool, so he's gonna try to be cool now after ignoring the stuff all his life. How does he try to be accepted and "Cool"? By mimicking Mark Hammer and scanning articles from magazines with his own "This is a great circuit! Here's my analysis" (and I obviously don't know what I'm talking about, but I'm gonna keep talking anyways) attached to the posting. Later, a REAL fraud will talk people into stealing software, and somehow seem to think that knowing which compressor is a REAL compressor is just basic electronics, and anyone who doesn't know should go back to school with their VCR's and stuff.  :icon_evil: :icon_evil: :icon_evil:

Lol... at least you own a breadboard and give some great ideas and input. You go much beyond that, but you at least experiment and research, not just assume your knowledge from a magazine article from the mid-80's.  :icon_biggrin:  We're all here to build, learn, share, and enjoy. I think of "frauds" to be the types that come on here and pretend just so they can just socialize. It's kind of understandable, since there's hardly a board out there without some kind of niche attached to it, but still, some people just have some issues they should get over so that they could lose the social retardedness and hang out with people normally. To me, it's all in the fakery, or sincerity.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 26, 2012, 10:25:52 AM
^well put!..


looking at tone controls etc..i guess what we ultimately would like/need is a bass / treble and a notch filter (which btw wgtp did suggest early on) to get as many tonal possibilites

out of it as possible....or parametric?......just thinking aloud!... :)

in laymans terms (which i understand) a bass / treble...with a moveable centre freq <> to cover everything.....possible?....i lack the knowledge to perform such endeavours though...

i can do the bass treble (standard controls) , but how would a moveable centre freq be wired?...any thoughts as i'm a dumbass... ;D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Earthscum on March 26, 2012, 10:44:44 AM
I've played around with a muff filter using a dual gang pot to move the center. That was accidental, I was actually trying to make a different mid control and hooked it up wrong. Only thing I ran into for a snag was that I couldn't quite get a smooth shift because I dropped and subsequentially tapered the value of one gang in half. The notch, according to DTS, was getting deeper and shallower through the sweep, which makes sense with one gang being tapered.
Food for thought.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 26, 2012, 01:22:40 PM
hmmm....say i have this graph, and i want to adjust the scoop section fully left/right (pot adjustable)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/tonesweep.jpg)

but using these simple tone controls (middle one)

http://www.muzique.com/lab/atone.htm

how would i add a pot to shift that?....sorry for the dumb ?'s.... :)


edit: passively, preferably... ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on March 26, 2012, 02:09:22 PM
Thanks guys.  What I was thinking was that I don't actually put the stuff in a box and use it on stage.  I (over) use a 40 year old Echoplex and that is about all I can manage and remember which song I'm playing.  ;)

OK how about this tone control I stumbled upon while simming the Spitfire tone control.  The mid-range dip of the Spitfire tone control moves forward and reduces as the Treble is reduced (similar to other tone controls).  It is basically a BMP with one of the resistor values set to infinity.  Using the switch for the different cap values allows you to sort of tweak the mids and treble content.

Adding a resistor between Q5 and the tone control may shift the bass treble balance towards the bass.  Start with 10k.

http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/WGTP/Tone+Control.jpg.html

This one is different in that the mid-range doesn't move in frequency when adjusted (I wanted to identify where I liked the mid notch the most  :icon_rolleyes:).  Replacing the 2 resistors with a dual gang pot should slide it up and down in frequency while the existing pot adjusts the Treble.  I haven't tried this one, since I just change the resistors on the breadboard.  A separate pot for each resistor would allow even more flexibility, but get a little crazy.  Doing much more than this will probably require active tone controls.   :icon_cool:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 26, 2012, 07:27:00 PM
@wgtp: cool, so are you adding this to the existing tone control?...or replacing it with this one after the mode caps?...

i'll give it a go on its own first... :)


heres a clip of the notch tone...with a 10k off Q5 to a 3.3n..then notch tone (6.8k's)

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/notchtone.mp3
doesn't seem to change much until a little treble bunched at the end, is this right?....or is it meant to be used in conjunction with the other tone?

i'll have a tinker.. ;)


Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on March 27, 2012, 01:15:13 AM
This would replace the existing tone control.  You could add the 2 resistors and caps on the end if you wanted to.  Unfortunately most of the change is at the end of the pot.  I'm not sure if an audio taper pot would help or make it worse. 
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Ronan on March 27, 2012, 03:54:18 AM
The PCB's arrived. Will try to get one built this weekend to verify.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61170900/SpitPCB1.JPG
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61170900/SpitPCB2.JPG

I was thinking of a Tonemender for another pedal, but it might might work well for this too. It has bass treb mid and gain controls. Maybe put both in the same box and see what happens :)
Switchable frequency for the midrange dip. Details here:
http://www.runoffgroove.com/tonemender.html

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61170900/Spit%20TonemenderPCBs1.JPG
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Seljer on March 27, 2012, 04:20:43 AM
Heres a moveable notch in the big muff tone control done with a dual gang log pot

(http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/9610/moveablenotch.jpg)

There is however some interactivity between the two controls, however it has a pretty good range
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on March 27, 2012, 04:38:00 AM
Here is version 5 with onboard pots... :icon_wink: The layout is pretty much the same as Rob's but there are 2 added jumper wires on the Vol and Gain... No parts diag so you will have to flex your brain muscle :icon_eek:

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11178619/Spitfire%20V5%20Onboard%20Pots%201.jpg)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 27, 2012, 06:23:44 AM
wow you guys have been busy!...

@wgtp:  gotcha, i got it to sound nice last night, but yeah it still bunches up at the end. more tinkering i guess.

@ian: very nice indeed. very pro. :icon_cool: as f.../  i might lift that stack and try it passively tacked on the end.....hmmmmm...i think after all we are going to need/demand good tonal tweakability..

@simon: thats an interesting one...i 'll give that a go with 2 pots...(havent got a dual)

@jokerx: another cool layout!.. ;) let us know if those mods work ok.. ;)

@rob: stop drinking tea and get the @#$% on with it... ;D

cheers guys appreciate all your input... ;).........looks likely that this is going to end up 1590bb. ::)
Title: Re: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on March 27, 2012, 06:34:36 AM
No d'astro, the Enclosure is called 1590A.
Title: Re: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 27, 2012, 06:37:38 AM
Quote from: Perrow on March 27, 2012, 06:34:36 AM
No d'astro, the Enclosure is called 1590A.

erm...i'll let you do that one!...let me know how you get on.. :D
Title: Re: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on March 27, 2012, 07:48:17 AM
Guess it's time to order some 9mm pots and fire up diylc :D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 27, 2012, 07:54:34 AM
@pelle:yeah ha ha...that'd be cool....   ;)


@ian: i like the look of that tonemender, with switching caps etc... i have a passive version on bread at the moment, but the mid lug1 has got me puzzled

because its passive....hmmmm...i'll mess around, the treble seems nice though as is, sounds a bit like satch/saraceno/ not harsh at all.....hmmmmm.....possibilities

may need a buffer on the end though...


edit: sussed it, i'm using the 'fender' stack from the calculator....its quite good actually.....i'll tweak some values and whack a clip up later...busy today...got to sort out a mates poxy pc.... ::)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on March 27, 2012, 04:33:26 PM
Your original tone control has a Fenderish notch to it when rotated CCW.  I have thought about using the Marshal with the Bass and Mid either fixed, or with trim pots and using the Treble as the tone control on the outside of the box.   :icon_cool:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on March 28, 2012, 12:51:44 AM
http://gtlab.net/gtlab2/readarticle.php?article_id=33

Something a little different to try.  X bananov seems to know his stuff.   :icon_cool:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Ronan on March 28, 2012, 03:37:14 AM
I can see where this is going...bass mid treb seems to work for most guitarists...it will fit in a 1590B, if not like this,  (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61170900/guvnorclone3.JPG) then with all knobs on top. One and 2 knob eq's are a compromise IMO, so is a 3 knob, but much less so. The Marshall guvnor tone stack works well too (on a guvnor). The single tone and trimpot "presence" control on a crunch box work well, would like to give that a go this wkd too. I've found that with a 3 knob tone control, most of the parts can be mounted on the pots themselves and the rest air-wired if necessary, don't really need a PCB.

The Q5 is a buffer so it should drive the tone controls no worries, but a buffer or gain stage on the end might be needed, which you did mention Rob.

I'll see what I can build this wkd, speculating gets me nowhere.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 28, 2012, 04:07:50 AM
@wgtp: cool, of course the xbananaanananananaov stuff.....where the whole thing started....full circle eh!... ;)

i'll give that  mid/hi/lo a go and see how it sounds....cheers!.


@ian: yeah BMT is ideal i guess, as long as there isn't too much interactivity with each pot affecting each other....which this fender one does somewhat....

but it has the foundation of a pretty good stack....if tweaked..

cool stuff guys!!!.... :)

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Seljer on March 28, 2012, 04:33:13 AM
Quote from: Ronan on March 28, 2012, 03:37:14 AM
I can see where this is going...bass mid treb seems to work for most guitarists...it will fit in a 1590B, if not like this,  (http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61170900/guvnorclone3.JPG) then with all knobs on top. One and 2 knob eq's are a compromise IMO, so is a 3 knob, but much less so. The Marshall guvnor tone stack works well too (on a guvnor). The single tone and trimpot "presence" control on a crunch box work well, would like to give that a go this wkd too. I've found that with a 3 knob tone control, most of the parts can be mounted on the pots themselves and the rest air-wired if necessary, don't really need a PCB.

The Q5 is a buffer so it should drive the tone controls no worries, but a buffer or gain stage on the end might be needed, which you did mention Rob.

I'll see what I can build this wkd, speculating gets me nowhere.

If you've only got two controls that can both cut and boost, you can get the effect of boosting the third one by cutting the first two and adjusting the overall volume to fit and vice versa. Kind of like what you have to do to get mid scoop sound with a bandaxall tonestack -> boost the bass and treble and you're left with a smiley face.
Title: Re: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on March 29, 2012, 04:41:57 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on March 27, 2012, 06:37:38 AM
Quote from: Perrow on March 27, 2012, 06:34:36 AM
No d'astro, the Enclosure is called 1590A.

erm...i'll let you do that one!...let me know how you get on.. :D

Ok, this should be 1590A'able. Go for small pots and submini switches and place the jacks high and the stompswitch far down, watch for height of components (may I suggest going for multi layer ceramic caps?).

The layout follows version five (http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=94608.msg840843#msg840843) quite well, wiring should be "easy" looking at that layout.

(http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz249/Perrow_MLP/Builds/Layouts%20and%20transfers/Spitfire1590A.png)

Nota bene: Not verified :)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Ronan on March 31, 2012, 10:18:53 AM
Some pics, progress has been made, despite missing some minor parts like a stereo input jack, knobs, paint job, etc...
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61170900/DSCF0896.JPG
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61170900/DSCF0899.JPG
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61170900/DSCF0901.JPG
I do like the 100K for tone control. Sound is very good, but I have a hum problem when not playing that I can look forward to in the morning. Nite all. :)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 02, 2012, 04:45:17 AM
@ian: looking good man!... :icon_cool:
Title: Re: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on April 02, 2012, 07:11:49 AM
I'll repost my slightly improved, but still unverified, layout this evening :)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on April 08, 2012, 12:07:18 AM
The Valve Jr. I play thru doens't have tone controls, so I simmed this one until I got this tone control to mimic the Treble control of the Marshall stack, as well as the mid-range dip.  It's a little flatter than the standard one, so it should have some more mid-range to it.  

C8   3.3n
C10 5.6n
C17 10n

R13 100k

Title: Re: Re: Re: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on April 08, 2012, 04:15:56 AM
Quote from: Perrow on April 02, 2012, 07:11:49 AM
I'll repost my slightly improved, but still unverified, layout this evening :)

The days are sooooo long now :P
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 11, 2012, 07:49:17 AM
yay!...i'm back from my week away...now i can crack on again..i missed my breadboard big time... ;)

ive been swayed by jim to try the amt cab sim on this....i'll give it a crack later!!!!..

i'll try those wgtp mods to0 as i still have a spitty breadboarded....back soon....ish!..

@perrow: stop being lazy.... :icon_mrgreen:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on April 11, 2012, 07:54:40 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on April 11, 2012, 07:49:17 AM
stop being lazy.... :icon_mrgreen:

OK

(http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz249/Perrow_MLP/Builds/Layouts%20and%20transfers/Spitfire1590A-1.png)

Still unverified, and the extra solder pad still hasn't appeared on the layout (just on the transfer). Now D'Astro, go buy some 1590A's and start building  :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 11, 2012, 07:58:05 AM
 :icon_mrgreen:

ive got 2 1590a's...one is for an amp....and the other?...hmmm maybe!... ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on April 11, 2012, 07:18:52 PM
I've got 6 1590BB's so don't be afraid to get big :icon_wink:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 12, 2012, 07:43:12 AM
^ indeed i won't...

full stack , cab sim etc..(which i'm breading right now!)......for the ultimate spitty... :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on April 12, 2012, 07:56:57 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on April 12, 2012, 07:43:12 AM
^ indeed i won't...

full stack , cab sim etc..(which i'm breading right now!)......for the ultimate spitty... :icon_twisted:

Excited! :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: mr_deadmaxxx on April 19, 2012, 08:38:38 AM
can i use spitfire as a preamp for a diy solid state amp?  :icon_biggrin:
would this be able to emulate some tube-like sounds?
or respond to picking intensity?

thanks.. ;D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 19, 2012, 08:45:16 AM
i don't see why not.. :)...it sounds great through an amp/cab..more ballsy

i was going to build a SIMPLE small amp (for camping) with the spit in it...you may want to explore tonestacks if your going to build it in an amp though..

while i'm here ,ive been looking at cab sims with jokerx, but so far haven't got it to work.. :'(
http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=97072.0

maybe someone with more knowledge could chime in on that...anyone?.. ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: mr_deadmaxxx on April 19, 2012, 08:52:53 AM
another preamp? or works like a power amp?
would it be better as a closed cab? or an open one?  ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 19, 2012, 09:00:19 AM
spit----then clean amp...just like normal pedal-amp

not sure on the cab question, depends on a lot of variables....

you can always stick a removable panel on the back and have both.. ;) 

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: JebemMajke on April 19, 2012, 09:46:12 AM
Hi i like Spitfire, the name really suits it. Can u post schematic pls?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 19, 2012, 09:52:00 AM
in my gallery... ;)

http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/chickpea/SPITFIREV3.jpg.html

also a pcb and layout pdf's ok...for the v3.

have fun. :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: JebemMajke on April 19, 2012, 09:55:27 AM
Cool, thnx. I suck when it comes to reading layouts, i get easily lost there. Is there a big difference between v3 and v5?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 19, 2012, 10:02:05 AM
v3 is the bog standard good all rounder..

v5 has more bells n whistles..fuzz/tone caps switching...

breadboard it and try em out...see if you like it..

i use the v3 all the time now...can be subtle, to heavy with just your volume.... :)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: JebemMajke on April 19, 2012, 10:54:10 AM
How it reacts with guitar volume/strings/harder picks/picking?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 19, 2012, 10:59:44 AM
Quote from: JebemMajke on April 19, 2012, 10:54:10 AM
How it reacts with guitar volume/strings/harder picks/picking?

its good...check out the demo of volume on guitar lowered...its got good tonal character...

ive been playing 32 years and its fine for vaious styles..heavy blues/metal etc etc.....on this pedal i had it switching between 4.7 and 6.8 caps..

on the one i have now its 3.3 and 6.8... the 3.3 just tightens up the metal mode more... :icon_twisted:

demo is not through an amp, just a mixer ok...bear that in mind.......i'll do an amp demo one day... ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQ1y8gikPqQ
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: JebemMajke on April 19, 2012, 11:08:29 AM
Ok, I will check it out.
Btw here are some speaker simulators, it's a Russian site, but still electronics are the same no matter the language.
http://www.guitar-gear.ru/index.php?p=proj&id=40
http://www.guitar-gear.ru/index.php?p=proj&id=47
http://www.guitar-gear.ru/index.php?p=proj&id=59
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 19, 2012, 11:24:38 AM
cheers man, i'll check those out...thanks a lot!... ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on April 19, 2012, 02:43:44 PM
I'm finding the the by-pass caps can be smaller than usual to reduce bass and in effect get more treble.  100n to 470n are cool. 

I'm going to stick an SHO in front or maybe the middle and reduce the gain elsewhere.   :icon_twisted:

Has anyone tried replacing the 2.2k source resistors to ground with GE or SI diodes.  I'm interested in what you think.  ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on April 20, 2012, 12:22:33 AM
Quote from: mr_deadmaxxx on April 19, 2012, 08:38:38 AM
can i use spitfire as a preamp for a diy solid state amp?  :icon_biggrin:
would this be able to emulate some tube-like sounds?
or respond to picking intensity?

thanks.. ;D


Don - Phil. - Just fyi, I use the Spitfire v3 as a preamp all the time and in my opinion it is where it really shines!!! I have used it running right into my B.K. Butler MosValve power amp and it sounds insanely good!!! From the pedal I run into a delay pedal into a stereo chorus pedal then splits into stereo into the right and left channels of the power amp then runs into a 4x12 cab that I wired for stereo. The high end of the tone knob that has somewhat too much treble is totally usable in this setup! Sounds like the a hot rodded Marshall - Brown Sound early VanHalen I,II sound! Really good tube sound, better than most actual tube amps! I also run it direct into my DAW and I use Marshall - Celestion G12M 25 watt Greenbacks 8 Ohm 4x12 Cab impulses.... Sounds amazing!!! So, yeah you can absolutely use it as a preamp!  The only thing that I wish was different is the tone stack... needs a bass/mid/treble stack for better preamp type tone shaping.. not a real big deal but would be nice and not something I have seen in hardly any BSIAB variants...

Edit: I have also run it into the FX return of my brothers 5150 II thus bypassing the amps preamp and going into the power section of the amp... Guess what? Killer!!! :icon_twisted:  

Edit Again: Damn Rob, we gotta get a good cab sim for this thing!!!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 20, 2012, 02:30:41 AM
@wgtp: i'll give those diodes a go today.... and report back ok... ;)

@jim: sounds like a good setup you have going there....nice!...

ive tried a few stacks on it, but it tends to lose its 'thick' tubey character when replacing the original tone....(which i worked on for ages) ::)

a full stack is going to need more than a few tweaks in the tsc or other stacks ive tried to get that the same and adjustable........we'll get there in the end i'm sure!... ;)


@wgtp: any ideas on splitting the tone control into its seperate BMT parts freq wise?....mr tonemeister ;).....that'd be cool... :)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Ronan on April 20, 2012, 03:15:45 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on April 20, 2012, 02:30:41 AM
any ideas on splitting the tone control into its seperate BMT parts freq wise?....mr tonemeister ;).....that'd be cool... :)

Craig Anderton's super tone control (http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/7786/andertonsupertonecontrozr1.gif) can do that. Tried and proven circuit, very versatile, also has adjustable freq and resonance. Capable of very good results.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 20, 2012, 03:19:41 AM
^ looks cool...have you built that?.. :icon_cool:

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: mr_deadmaxxx on April 20, 2012, 05:06:23 AM
Quote from: J0K3RX on April 20, 2012, 12:22:33 AM


Don - Phil. - Just fyi, I use the Spitfire v3 as a preamp all the time and in my opinion it is where it really shines!!! I have used it running right into my B.K. Butler MosValve power amp and it sounds insanely good!!! From the pedal I run into a delay pedal into a stereo chorus pedal then splits into stereo into the right and left channels of the power amp then runs into a 4x12 cab that I wired for stereo. The high end of the tone knob that has somewhat too much treble is totally usable in this setup! Sounds like the a hot rodded Marshall - Brown Sound early VanHalen I,II sound! Really good tube sound, better than most actual tube amps! I also run it direct into my DAW and I use Marshall - Celestion G12M 25 watt Greenbacks 8 Ohm 4x12 Cab impulses.... Sounds amazing!!! So, yeah you can absolutely use it as a preamp!  The only thing that I wish was different is the tone stack... needs a bass/mid/treble stack for better preamp type tone shaping.. not a real big deal but would be nice and not something I have seen in hardly any BSIAB variants...

Edit: I have also run it into the FX return of my brothers 5150 II thus bypassing the amps preamp and going into the power section of the amp... Guess what? Killer!!! :icon_twisted: 

Edit Again: Damn Rob, we gotta get a good cab sim for this thing!!!


hey, thanks for sharing man.. :D

about the tonestack, this could work perhaps..
the one in "0p" is actually "10p" and the ICs are Dual Opamps.

Quote from: mr_deadmaxxx on August 07, 2011, 09:23:01 PM


(http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/636/61876921.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/109/61876921.jpg/)


Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WGTP on April 20, 2012, 01:05:55 PM
I'm not aware of anything new and wonderful with passive circuits.  There is the standard Fender, Marshal and Vox stacks modeled with the Duncan Tone Stack or the Baxandall which might be good to have if your already using the standard ones in your amp.  Some people "scale" them for less resistance.  ROG has a couple of interesting things.  The one above looks good.  You almost have to go active to get very "detailed" tone control.  ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 20, 2012, 04:21:06 PM
hmmm...so that tonestack above needs a voltage divider...say 9v-100k-100k-ground ...

and between the 100ks connected to the 1/2 v's...

i take it the freq is a dual 47k pot...or is it best as 2 seperate 47k's..?..just curious.. :)

best on 2 opamps rather than a quad too i guess...


:don:  wtf is that avatar?... ;D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: mr_deadmaxxx on April 20, 2012, 11:41:36 PM
yep.. a dual 47k pot.. though i'm not really sure if it's good when separated.

also i'm thinking of quad instead of dual opamps..
it would depend on which layout is more or less flexible.  ::)

does this schematic need to be "scaled" too?  ???

i'm not sure though where to connect this tonestack to the current V3 schematic.
i think right after the last JFET would do it but i also want that modern/classic cap mod.. ???

:i found this avatar funny though.. ;D

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on April 25, 2012, 03:33:26 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on March 22, 2012, 04:01:35 PM
sorry to hear your probs man....check the usual stuff, joints , cap orientation etc.....did you socket the fets?..did you toast one?...

i had a similar prob, but it turned out to be the worlds tiiniest bit of solder betweeen the tone caps...get the old magnifier out... ;)

meanwhile!...da da da da da da daaaaaaa..

:icon_twisted: SPITFIRE V5  :icon_twisted:
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/th_smiley_emoticons_ozboss_gitarre3.gif)
(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/SPITFIREV5.jpg)

I'm beginning to suspect that you haven't verified this layout.

Looking at Q1, "D" is connected to three different caps, i.e. no DC on that one and can also be shorted to ground with the Fuzz switch, "S" is only connected to ground, via one resistor and a cap. I was trying to mentally follow the signal on my 1590A layout and got stumped, so I had to check your layout and couldn't find anything that differed, went back to page one and to V3 and they're Q1s are connected quite differently, so how should V5 look?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 26, 2012, 02:32:08 AM
hi pelle: ive built the page 1 version, and the v3 version all ok......check this schemo as a reference.... ;)
http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/chickpea/SPITFIREV3.jpg.html    (schemo)
http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/chickpea/SPITFIREV3.pdf.html

and yep that 'fuzz' cap does go to ground (socket to taste)....haven't built v5 as yet, but looks ok.....
Title: Re: Re: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on April 26, 2012, 02:42:12 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on April 26, 2012, 02:32:08 AM
but looks ok.....

But Q1 isn't powered!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 26, 2012, 02:46:58 AM
correcto!..Q1's drain is connected to Q2's  source!......oh hold on i'll check again...
http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/chickpea/SPITFIREV3.jpg.html


ahhh isee what you mean..on v5  that fuzz cap .....hmmm....yeah it should be connected to the source of Q2....then the switch under it...

give me a bit i'll sort it ok......well spotted. ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 26, 2012, 02:57:59 AM
here ya go ...sorted...good catch man!.. ;)

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/SPITFIREV5THRASHER.pdf

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/SPITFIREV5PCB.pdf
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on April 26, 2012, 07:24:01 AM
And the still unverified 1590A Layout.

(http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz249/Perrow_MLP/Builds/Layouts%20and%20transfers/Spitfire1590A-2.png)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 26, 2012, 07:28:48 AM
full of curly mojo..... ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on April 26, 2012, 08:02:36 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on April 26, 2012, 02:57:59 AM
here ya go ...sorted...good catch man!.. ;)

Sadly I didn't spot it before etching and stuffing the board, I'm still a few capacitors short of completing it so I haven't tried it yet.

Quote from: deadastronaut on April 26, 2012, 07:28:48 AM
full of curly mojo..... ;)

Always  :icon_mrgreen:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: bonaventura on May 26, 2012, 07:59:18 AM
@perow hey...thats a spitfire. bet it adds to the mojo factor.

never noticed that before, nice touch  ;D

just got my J201s and on to the breadboard!

after the baby sleeps...

cant work at all with a 2 yr old ard.

arrrgh...the wait!
Title: Re: Sv: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on May 26, 2012, 10:55:32 AM
Try it with a two year old AND a five year old ;D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: bonaventura on May 27, 2012, 08:52:09 AM
wow this thing rules!

i'll have to order more caps to do mods and hear what you guys been talking abt.

i do need an advise.

im having difficult time finding log pot (for the gain) locally.i learned fm geofex how to hack a linear pot to mimic log taper.however the largest pot i can find is 1Mohm and RG advised that the load the hack gives is only 20% of the pot value (200Kohm only).

im not sure but can the first stage drive this kind of load?

will i lose some highs if i employ this hack with my 1Mohm pot?

is there a way to get around this with what i have?

much appreciate your advise.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on May 28, 2012, 03:48:58 AM
hi bon:

do you mean you have a 1M linear pot?...

i wouldn't bother hacking a lin to be a log..

the only difference i think you'll get is the actual travel  'sweep' action  as you turn it...but you will still have full gain on max!.. :icon_twisted:


Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: bonaventura on May 28, 2012, 07:24:51 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on May 28, 2012, 03:48:58 AM
hi bon:

do you mean you have a 1M linear pot?...

i wouldn't bother hacking a lin to be a log..

the only difference i think you'll get is the actual travel  'sweep' action  as you turn it...but you will still have full gain on max!.. :icon_twisted:


high gain is good,  but every little now and then, we all need some blues  :icon_mrgreen:

which btw, i think the low gain stuff this pedal offers is also great!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on May 28, 2012, 07:36:44 AM
yep sure is!... :icon_cool:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: ANDYEFFECT on November 13, 2012, 02:26:48 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on April 26, 2012, 02:57:59 AM
here ya go ...sorted...good catch man!.. ;)

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/SPITFIREV5THRASHER.pdf

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/SPITFIREV5PCB.pdf

where C2 in this layout?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on November 13, 2012, 03:50:21 PM
There never was a C2 in this layout!  :icon_mrgreen:
C2 was from outer space...  :icon_mrgreen:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Crontox102098 on November 13, 2012, 05:57:29 PM
Quote from: Perrow on April 26, 2012, 07:24:01 AM
And the still unverified 1590A Layout.

(http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz249/Perrow_MLP/Builds/Layouts%20and%20transfers/Spitfire1590A-2.png)

The layout looks great, which is the software?
Title: Re: Sv: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on November 13, 2012, 06:13:07 PM
Quote from: Crontox102098 on November 13, 2012, 05:57:29 PM
The layout looks great, which is the software?

Diylc V3.
Title: Re: Sv: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Crontox102098 on November 13, 2012, 06:15:02 PM
Quote from: Perrow on November 13, 2012, 06:13:07 PM
Quote from: Crontox102098 on November 13, 2012, 05:57:29 PM
The layout looks great, which is the software?

Diylc V3.

But how do the curves? look great ..
Title: Re: Sv: Re: Sv: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on November 14, 2012, 02:33:28 AM
Quote from: Crontox102098 on November 13, 2012, 06:15:02 PM
But how do the curves? look great ..

I've gotten that question before, maybe it's time to write a "how to" on "Perrow style DIYLC" ;D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: waltk on November 14, 2012, 07:53:31 AM
QuoteI've gotten that question before, maybe it's time to write a "how to" on "Perrow style DIYLC"

Please do.  You're layouts are beautiful - like eye-candy.
Title: Re: Sv: Re: Sv: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Crontox102098 on November 14, 2012, 11:14:09 AM
Quote from: Perrow on November 14, 2012, 02:33:28 AM
Quote from: Crontox102098 on November 13, 2012, 06:15:02 PM
But how do the curves? look great ..

I've gotten that question before, maybe it's time to write a "how to" on "Perrow style DIYLC" ;D

Yeah man, please how to?
Title: Re: Sv: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on November 15, 2012, 08:23:12 AM
The how to is up on the wiki, I'll provide a link as soon as I'm not on the phone.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on November 15, 2012, 09:58:49 AM
Quote from: Perrow on April 26, 2012, 07:24:01 AM
And the still unverified 1590A Layout.

(http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz249/Perrow_MLP/Builds/Layouts%20and%20transfers/Spitfire1590A-2.png)

What size has the pcb?
Title: Re: Sv: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on November 15, 2012, 11:51:20 AM
Quote from: Maik on November 15, 2012, 09:58:49 AM
What size has the pcb?

.1 inch pitch, count rows and columns and multiply. The image should print correctly at 300 dpi.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on November 15, 2012, 03:31:10 PM
http://rumbust.net/Perrow+Style+DIYLC+PCBs (http://rumbust.net/Perrow+Style+DIYLC+PCBs)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on November 15, 2012, 06:10:04 PM
Quote from: Perrow on November 15, 2012, 03:31:10 PM
http://rumbust.net/Perrow+Style+DIYLC+PCBs (http://rumbust.net/Perrow+Style+DIYLC+PCBs)

I am gonna have to try this! Great job and thanks for sharing that... I don't know why I never tried to use curved traces? Your boards really are very cool!!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 17, 2012, 05:19:41 AM
nice one perrow: 8)

btw guys, the chorus is verified too... ;)


@maiik, if perrow did the layout, you can be sure it works!!!.. ;)

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on November 17, 2012, 05:23:22 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on November 17, 2012, 05:19:41 AM
@maiik, if perrow did the layout, you can be sure it works!!!.. ;)

How I wish that was true  :icon_cry:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 17, 2012, 05:26:13 AM
i'm sure it is...don't be modest!.. ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: psychedelicfish on December 18, 2012, 02:45:19 AM
So I built the spitfire on slacker's vero layout, and after I had soldered everything up, I noticed cab42's comment that C2 and C4 were switched. I had plugged it in to my amp, and with a bit of debugging (such as finding out my expensive footswitch was buggered) I got a clean, and rather tube-ish sound, with a bit of nice sounding distortion (a family member commented that it sounded like fleetwood mac). Having C2 and C4 switched wouldn't lower the gain that much would it? I am also using 2n5485 jfets instead of j201s, which i am unable to buy here in NZ, but that shouldn't lower the gain too much either. Any thoughts?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 18, 2012, 02:58:50 AM
slackers vero layout?...link?

the spitty v3 should go from cleanish overdrive to full on metalness..but still retain that tubey type sound...





Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Ronan on December 18, 2012, 05:41:54 AM
I still have a few V3 pcb's lying around here not doing anything, if anyone wants one.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61170900/SpitPCB1.JPG
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61170900/SpitPCB2.JPG

No beautiful curves, like what Pelle does, I do like those curves.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 18, 2012, 06:06:06 AM
^ nice,  very posh... 8)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: psychedelicfish on December 18, 2012, 10:00:35 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on December 18, 2012, 02:58:50 AM
slackers vero layout?...link?
The one on page 2
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: psychedelicfish on January 03, 2013, 02:38:56 AM
Stuff veroboard, I think it's time to buy some j201s from small bear, and a decent metal box, and also try making a PCB. Do you have any PCBs left Ronan?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: nomorebetts on January 03, 2013, 03:49:12 AM
Quote from: Ronan on December 18, 2012, 05:41:54 AM
I still have a few V3 pcb's lying around here not doing anything, if anyone wants one.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61170900/SpitPCB1.JPG
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61170900/SpitPCB2.JPG

No beautiful curves, like what Pelle does, I do like those curves.


PCB arrived today.  Looks great!  Cheers!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 03, 2013, 04:05:39 AM
^ cool glad to see someone else building this.

not sure on ronans layout, but on my pdf
http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=47087

c16 is a 100uf. ok.


c10/11 are the caps for modern/classic switch.   i settled on 3.3n/6.8n......you may want to socket those to taste.

have fun. :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: nomorebetts on January 03, 2013, 04:24:01 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on January 03, 2013, 04:05:39 AM
^ cool glad to see someone else building this.

not sure on ronans layout, but on my pdf
http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=47087

c16 is a 100uf. ok.


c10/11 are the caps for modern/classic switch.   i settled on 3.3n/6.8n......you may want to socket those to taste.

have fun. :icon_twisted:

Awesome! thanks for a great circuit!  I'm looking forward to this one  ;D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Ronan on January 03, 2013, 04:42:28 AM
Looks like 4.7n/6.8n on my layout, but anything that will fit can go in there.
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/61170900/Spitfire%20build%20overlay.GIF

Here's the schematic for V3:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/SPITFIREV3.jpg

Edward, still have some pcb's, just send me a pm if you want one. It's the version 3 schematic.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 03, 2013, 04:50:57 AM
ian, thats a nice layout you did there,  :icon_cool:

@nomorebetts:  before you whack it in a box experiment with the tone pot value , try 25k - 50 - 100k.

i tried a 22k on it and it seemed to squeeze it nicely....depends on your taste/style i guess , but its good either way.. :icon_twisted:



i must get round to a full tone stack versionof the spitty one day.......one day. ;)
Title: Re: Sv: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on January 03, 2013, 06:03:01 AM
Must get around to etch a new board from my layout and try to verify it, then order 9mm pots and start squeezing it into a 1590A ;D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 03, 2013, 07:07:27 AM
^ why do your posts add 'Sv' to the title? ???
Title: Re: Sv: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on January 03, 2013, 08:25:40 AM
Swedish for "Re:" :) guess it's a setting in Tapatalk, I've noticed it before and was slightly annoyed with it, I'll see if I can "fix" it.

Edit: no, no setting for language in Tapatalk, you'll have to learn to live with it.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on March 26, 2013, 04:18:26 AM
just for wanking...my new Spitfire V5.
Etched and colored

http://imageshack.us/a/img716/3489/030tvr.jpg
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 26, 2013, 04:55:52 AM
just for what?.... :icon_eek:


looks sick.. 8).....looks like a silk screen


you do know thats never been verified don't you?.....should be  ok though. ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on March 28, 2013, 05:23:22 AM
Damn Rob. I made a second box right now...
But I think it will work after somebody found the mistake with the Fuzz-Condensator.
Will tell you after veryfing...
Happy eastern
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 28, 2013, 05:30:29 AM
0:29-0:32 ;D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ury5b-qtI1Y


condensator?

eastern?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on March 28, 2013, 06:50:08 AM
 ;D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Kipper4 on March 31, 2013, 04:23:29 PM
Hey Rob i made the board tonight.
I'll solder up the switch and pots tommorow .
I know i've gone wrong somewhere already but hopefully i'll be able to debug it.
Looking forward to hearing it
Rich
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 31, 2013, 04:33:20 PM
hi Rich, great, its well worth a build...

hopefully you'll love it, i use mine all the time now..

look forward to seeing/hearing your build man.. 8)


with mine i socketed C10/11....for the modern i suggest 3.3n, classic 6.8-10n..



Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Kipper4 on March 31, 2013, 06:38:25 PM
What a doufuss i forgot to socket those even though i read it earlier.
Anyway i'll have to debug in the morning now it's getting late again and i know it doesnt pass audio i. I just put it on the test rig and ziltch,nada not a peep.
Oh well i should be used to it by now.
i'll let you know how i get on.
I'm gonna look up the voltages page now.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 31, 2013, 06:59:13 PM
lol...

remeber C16 is 100uf.. ;)

i must remember to update the pdf.. ::)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Kipper4 on March 31, 2013, 07:45:52 PM
i've just changed that or i wont sleep the same thanks
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on March 31, 2013, 09:06:34 PM


Rob, I gotta build this again! This is the main pedal that got me mad obsessed with the whole high gain thing!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: SmoothAction on March 31, 2013, 09:30:14 PM
Just started building V3 after I finally got some very nicely matched J201s. Very excited, just need some other minor bits to finish it. This thread and Jok3rx's (engl is on the list...) high gain threads are great. High as FK gain for life. Big ups to deadastronaught on this. I've listened to the demo for too long to not build it. Thank you man. I'll do a demo no doubt, my high gain sound needs some serious work in my newer rig.

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 31, 2013, 09:31:39 PM
hi jim, yeah you should man, the mu amp setup is nice n quiet (noiseless biasing) ..you should try that out on your hi gainers.....stick a nice (carvin maybe)  stack on it and your away...

ive just been looking at 'active' stacks actually...i'm looking for ''independent' control over bass/mid/treble..instead of the same old

interactive stacks...they always 'lack' something ...too much interactivity,

with these hi gainers its all in the EQ imo...

i now have one of my breadboards dedicated to messing with tone controls...i'm going to try out a carvin BMTP in a bit...looks interesting.

then i'll attack some active stuff and see how it goes...

@smooth, go for it man... :icon_twisted:..look forward to the demo too... :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on March 31, 2013, 09:44:55 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on March 31, 2013, 09:31:39 PM
hi jim, yeah you should man, the mu amp setup is nice n quiet (noiseless biasing) ..you should try that out on your hi gainers.....stick a nice (carvin maybe)  stack on it and your away...

ive just been looking at 'active' stacks actually...i'm looking for ''independent' control over bass/mid/treble..instead of the same old

interactive stacks...they always 'lack' something ...too much interactivity,

with these hi gainers its all in the EQ imo...

i now have one of my breadboards dedicated to messing with tone controls...i'm going to try out a carvin BMTP in a bit...looks interesting.

then i'll attack some active stuff and see how it goes...

@smooth, go for it man... :icon_twisted:..look forward to the demo too... :icon_twisted:


Yeah, I was looking at some sort of sansamp active eq... You know on actual tube amps the eq really does next to nothing the louder you get so it's kinda universal in that sense... There are a few stacks that I am interested in - Blackstar, Framus Cobra, and Carvin... Carvin looks really interesting!
(http://gr1ng0.tripod.com/Leegazzy/Calvin_Layupe.jpg)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 31, 2013, 09:52:15 PM
yep thats the one i was checking out... 8)

then i found this....interesting .. :icon_idea:

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/carvin2.png)

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on March 31, 2013, 10:03:38 PM
what is that from? Looks similar to the sansamp active but there are obviously differences... The Spitfire would be totally awesome'r with a real good tone control!!! Not that it isn't already totally awesome but it would just be that much more awesome, ya know! I need something better for the stuff I am working on also!

Have you seen this one?
http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=71716.0
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 31, 2013, 10:16:44 PM
i lifted it from on here somewhere..no link sorry..but looks worth a try.

that one looks cool going by the write up too..


yeah the spitty could do with a revamp...i always kept it simple, but a nice full 'proper' stack would be brilliant..

ive got the stack from the bass preamp after it at the mo just for the hell of it, , and makes it tighter/punchier instantly...

but loses the flow of the lead sound though i find...as is the problem with hi gain punchy sounds, great for riffin, but feels a bit stiff for leads sometimes..

its just getting the balance right i guess...those stacks are on my list anyway... ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Kipper4 on April 01, 2013, 10:13:31 AM
Rob did you post the voltages. I thought i'd seen them somewhere but i can seem to find them now. Despite trawling through all 23 pages.
Can you pm me a latest v3 thats had the componants (C16) updated if you have a link pls
I still cant get mine to work.
thanks
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Kipper4 on April 01, 2013, 02:12:17 PM
I've got it working i had a bridge at R6. me and my blobby soldering.
It sounds amazing.
That tone stack is so effective.
I might have to rip that one of for use in my piglet.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Kipper4 on April 01, 2013, 02:28:59 PM
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7ma9n53c5jqdgsr/d-0TvwYXDL#f:Spitfire%20tone%20stack.jpg

Is this the tone stack or have i included some bit that are not needed? if it was transposed to a differant circuit.?
thanks
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 01, 2013, 02:40:47 PM
hi rich, glad you got it working ok...nice one.

yep that's the tone control...cool init!!.. 8)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Kipper4 on April 01, 2013, 03:32:18 PM
Very ccol mate where did that one come from does it have a name? The tone stack.

It's one heck of a good sound lots of gain. (it's making the amp squeel when in my test box , not ideal test box)
lots of useable sounds from the dark and manacing to biting, responsive, treble screaming and lots of crunch between.

Good job. Thanks again to you Rob and everyone else who helped you.

I like that there arent too many parts. I treid it with 2n5457s but i prefer it with J201s.
Come to think of it it only squeeled when i put the j201s in in the sockets. mmmmm
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 01, 2013, 03:37:16 PM
i made up the stack as i went along..i tried the usual BMP  and others, but was never happy with em....they always lost the chunk, but this one retains most of the chunk even when adding treble..

if you shield the input you shouldn't have any squeel at all..and should be near silent too..... :icon_twisted:

yep j201's definately... :icon_twisted:

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Kipper4 on April 01, 2013, 04:00:24 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on April 01, 2013, 03:37:16 PM
i made up the stack as i went along..i tried the usual BMP  and others, but was never happy with em....they always lost the chunk, but this one retains most of the chunk even when adding treble..

Well done sir excellant work.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: ggedamed on April 01, 2013, 06:05:09 PM
The tone stack from the Carvin amp is a variation of the James tone control. The active version of the James tone control is the Baxandall tone control. Rob's tone control is a version of the Baxandall tone control. Pretty interesting one also.
You can use the famous Duncan's Tone Stack Calculator (http://www.duncanamps.com/tsc/) to play with the values.

I saw quite a few threads on this topic, from which the main idea seems to be that James/Baxandall tone control is better suited for lower gain, especially when we're talking amps.

BUT Rob's version doesn't have the usual two shelving filters and it is behaving more like an graphic equalizer with 4 wide bands around 60Hz (bass), 700Hz (mid), 5kHz (treble) and 10kHz (presence). The simulation looks like this:

(http://s22.postimg.org/una5y1qm9/rob_tone_stack_animated.gif)

The separation, though, doesn't look that good (bass - blue, mid - green, treble - pink, presence - red):

(http://s22.postimg.org/bjguhpds1/rob_tone_stack_overlay.gif)


Maybe you wanna try a gyrator circuit a la Metal Zone. Aron has a Gyrator Filter Calculator (http://www.muzique.com/lab/gyrator.htm) that you can use to tune it to your needs.

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Kipper4 on April 11, 2013, 02:54:32 PM
Mine sounded great but i had to do some mods as it made my rig squeel when the tone and gain were maxed out.
I changed the gain pot 1meg for a 100k and its reigned it in a bit and the gain range is a lot more useful now for my needs.
Please say if you think i could do some harm to the circuit with this mod.
I also put 2N5457 in the place of 3 of the transistors.
Someone please explain "Merlin fets" to me too
thanks
Rich
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 12, 2013, 03:06:07 AM
cool, i think i ended up using 47k-100k..

i have my tone at around 9-10 oclock..

'merlin fets'  have to be used on this....= spitfire planes  have merlin engines.. ;)

i still don't understand why you get squeel 'if' you sheilded the input from the 3pdt to the pcb you should be pretty quiet :)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: stallik on May 30, 2013, 02:59:28 PM
I've built my first spitfire based on the original layout. It's been on my list for some time & I'd downloaded the layout ages ago, then didn't bother to read the full thread before starting...
It sounds pretty good straight off ( actually, it's pretty amazing-thanks Rob)  but I intend to swap a couple of caps to 'tune' the channels. Before I do, I've one problem to sort first. Oscillation. Faint and tuneable using various switch combinations but it only occurs a second or so after I switch the distortion off. I can get rid of it by rotating the gain but the circuit is not in the signal path??
I'm switching both input and output of the circuit so I don't believe I'm loading the output on bypass. I've tried disconnecting the led, it happens with battery and ps but the effect goes when the board is unpowered.
Any ideas where I should look?

I hope it's not a problem with the skew gear......
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: stallik on May 30, 2013, 06:14:51 PM
Ahh. Seems I've sorted my own problem. Turns out that an electrolytic was causing the noise. Put my finger within an inch of it and it went quiet. Had a bit of a theremin thing going on. Quiet now but it's late so won't start swapping caps now.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on May 31, 2013, 06:24:49 AM
ok, cool...glad you spotted the possible problem..

love the pics on the pics thread btw... 8)

i think your the first to build the 'spitfire v5' ..

'maik' etched his boxes for the v5 but i never saw the final result...


i have the spitfire v3 on breadboard at the mo, (amongst other projects)  and am modding the tone to be a better 'modern' tighter , punchier one...... :icon_twisted:

so there may be a spitfire v6 soon.. ;)





Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: stallik on May 31, 2013, 06:54:41 AM
Fraid not on the v5. Mine's a v1! but rest assured - I will be building the newer versions. It would be mad not to and spitfires always looked good in formation
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: paulyy on May 31, 2013, 07:46:04 AM
Just built the spitfire v5 and it works great. Its the best JFET distortion I've built yet. Thanks deadastronaut  for this great project. I have a few questions about adding more gain but need to get some sleep right now.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: paulyy on May 31, 2013, 07:40:11 PM
So does this make me the first one to build the v5? :icon_mrgreen: Anyways, I was messing with it today and put acouple overdrives in front of it and sounds really good. The mods come in handy as well. I'm also running it at 18V's. The 18V's seems to tighten it up some. Either way. 18V or 9V. It still sounds good. I left the cap values the same on the layout. I'll mess with them when I get more time. The fuzz is really cool too.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on June 04, 2013, 07:32:17 AM
Mine is just 90% ready. Have to make it 100%. Build V3 and it sound great. Rob made a fine thing!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on June 04, 2013, 03:02:25 PM
cool 2 x V5 builds...nice one guys..we must have demo's by law.. ;D

today i finally dragged my marshall into my lair....at long last. :icon_twisted:

and have the breadboarded V3 through it so i can mess with the tone again...ive been comparing marshalls (AVT275) distortion with the V3,

and the v3 is way better....the marshallls distortion is 'thick and flabby' and lacks definition, the sound is 'around' the note if you get me...and is the hissiest thing

on the planet...nasty...that always pissed me off.

..anyway ive been messing around and getting some nice 'variations'  ' varitone'  stuff going on. (much to the annoyance of Rert the cat.)

the V3 is sounding even better now....i'll go through  few 'varitones' and settle on a handfull then sort a full stack out around them  fav's hopefully...


(glad to see the forums back to normal)... 8)



Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on June 05, 2013, 02:51:33 AM
Sounds interesting Rob.
When V5 is ready and my new software (Torpedo WOS) is here-then there will be a demo...
Shame on me that it took so long :icon_redface:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: stallik on June 14, 2013, 07:41:54 PM
Interesting problem with my recently built mk1 spitfire.. Did not have the right switches when I put it together so the modern/classic has a neutral in the centre and the sustain boost/cut works as boost/cut/boost. Also, I really want to try different values for C15. I have the components ready but each time I plug the pedal in to check the current sound, I play a bit, then a bit more and after a couple of hours, the components are still sitting on the side and I've run out of time..... Wish every pedal I've made was this addictive
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Dysfunction on June 26, 2013, 10:58:05 PM
Does anybody or can anyone, please convert the original and or v3 to a vero layout???

or am i going to have to get not connected vero boards and wire every little link?
but i really love the sound of this thing.

thx  :)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on June 27, 2013, 04:31:24 AM
@dys: no vero version as far as i know..

which country are you in?...

if your in the UK i have a pcb up for grabs  (5.00 to UK)  (£6.00 GBP. to USA )

if your in the USA i think 'Ronan' may have some pcb's too..
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Dysfunction on June 27, 2013, 05:11:24 AM
In Australia :( would take forever to arrive.

i'll put my brain to work and see how i go.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on June 27, 2013, 05:15:19 AM
ok..
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on June 27, 2013, 06:35:15 AM
@dys
aks him for a vero, perhaps he does it for you (normaly he does).
http://tagboardeffects.blogspot.be
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: jymaze on June 27, 2013, 08:24:02 AM
I always make my own veros. You become intimate with the schematic more than working with a premade PCB, and you are less prone to have errors compared to following someone else's vero.

It is a very good mental exercise! You just have to make sure you plan ahead a little and mark where your cuts will be right when you think of it, before your forget.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: bluebunny on June 27, 2013, 02:10:19 PM
Quote from: Dysfunction on June 27, 2013, 05:11:24 AM
In Australia :( would take forever to arrive.

Got my board from Ronan.  Didn't take very long to get to the UK from Oz.  Less than a week.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Dysfunction on June 28, 2013, 05:24:11 PM
hmmm tempting to buy , but i may just have a crack at print n peel.
thought probably cheeper if i paid either of the guys selling them.

Live and learn i say ..
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: psychedelicfish on July 13, 2013, 05:03:05 AM
Quote from: Perrow on April 26, 2012, 07:24:01 AM
And the still unverified 1590A Layout.

(http://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz249/Perrow_MLP/Builds/Layouts%20and%20transfers/Spitfire1590A-2.png)
Would it be possible to upload the DIYLC file to dropbox or the like? I'm thinking of trying your layout, had a good check over it and it seems ok, however I'm having a few issues with scaling it correctly.
Title: Re: Sv: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on July 13, 2013, 06:23:15 PM
It's 300 dpi, won't see my computer for about a week.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on July 13, 2013, 06:41:57 PM
^ ahhh another fan of the pelle's 'curly' stuff... 8)

in case you cant wait....

http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/chickpea/SPITFIREV3PCB.pdf.html
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: psychedelicfish on July 14, 2013, 02:43:55 AM
Quote from: Perrow on July 13, 2013, 06:23:15 PM
It's 300 dpi, won't see my computer for about a week.
Unfortunately, when I scale it to 300 dpi it gets wayyyyy to big.
Title: Re: Sv: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on July 14, 2013, 01:47:18 PM
Strange, for me they scaly perfectly at 300 dpi.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Dysfunction on July 14, 2013, 07:00:18 PM
just etched my first PCB ever to build the V3. so cant wait to get home from work and start building  ;D

just waiting for my J201's ....  >:(

only have 2N5457 , 2N5484/5's , MPF102/106's doubt any would sound as good thou???
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Ripdivot on July 14, 2013, 11:34:43 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on July 13, 2013, 06:41:57 PM
^ ahhh another fan of the pelle's 'curly' stuff... 8)

in case you cant wait....

http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/chickpea/SPITFIREV3PCB.pdf.html

link isn't working for me. takes me to the gallery but i don't see anything and it won't let me login at the gallery.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: stallik on July 15, 2013, 01:41:53 AM
Hit the download link.... Took me a while to find it as well
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Dysfunction on July 15, 2013, 01:52:25 AM
or use these links as i did

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/SPITFIREV3.pdf

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/SPITFIREV3PCB.pdf

:)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Ripdivot on July 15, 2013, 01:28:09 PM
found it, thanks!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Dysfunction on July 17, 2013, 09:22:52 PM
Rob :

almost finished the V3 layout , but looking at the PDF , i cant find where the 9v + input is going into the board.
could you tell me where it links in?

and if so is there any possible way i could use LEDs to show which mode it is on?

Cheers,
Dys
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: psychedelicfish on July 18, 2013, 01:58:33 AM
+9V will be the square pad 2nd from the right at the top, or the top left pad. By mode do you mean bypassed, or modern/classic? If you mean bypassed, wire it as shown here:
(http://www.beavisaudio.com/techpages/StompboxWiring/StompboxWiring.gif)
You have extra pads on the PCB for ground (2nd from bottom on the right) and +9V, which are probably intended for an LED indicator.
If you mean Modern/Classic,  you'll need a DPDT switch instead of the SPDT in the layout. Then you just wire the extra pole like the three leftmost pads in the 3PDT in the diagram above.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: psychedelicfish on July 18, 2013, 02:00:20 AM
Thanks for asking that question, by the way, it gave me a cool idea! :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Dysfunction on July 18, 2013, 04:12:52 AM
Quote from: psychedelicfish on July 18, 2013, 02:00:20 AM
Thanks for asking that question, by the way, it gave me a cool idea! :icon_biggrin:

thanks psychedelicfish ,

thanks for the diagram , and yeah was asking about having 2 LEDs for the modern/classic function.
just an LED top and bottom of the switch , so you can visually see what mode you are in.

Cheers,
Dys
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: psychedelicfish on July 18, 2013, 05:12:53 AM
my idea was to combine both, using a bi-colour LED, which is switched on and off by the bypass switch, and has its colour changed by the modern/classic switch  :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on July 18, 2013, 05:18:00 AM
^ indeed or...

To switch modes and leds at the same time as modes use a dpdt

/....led+.....led to ground


/......4.7k.....9v


/....led+....led to ground


use other half of switch for modes...



or

/...led ground.......+...../.
                              /
                              /
/......ground.             /.........4.7k......9v.
                              /
                              /
/...led ground......+....../

8)

tip: socket those mode caps to taste. ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on August 18, 2013, 04:09:31 AM
WTF?...what a c... :icon_evil:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=364780470280925&set=a.105688826190092.10501.100002469256623&type=1&theater

cheers jim/tiro...for bringing this to my attention,  on ALL my layouts i specify ''do not post to other sites''  '' not for commercial use''

but what can you do eh?...nothing, once its out there your pretty much f......d eh.....hmmmmm...shame some people act like assholes, and don't respect others work...

i wonder why he added ''spitfire' on the description though..weird.

makes me re-think about posting other stuff now though, which is a shame as this is what a DIY forum is all about imo.......hmmmm....

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on August 18, 2013, 07:44:06 PM
reported to FB for intellectual rights and copyright breach.  8)

for a laugh...plus a little bit of satisfaction. ;)

but really, if its 'out there'' in web world its out there...thats the way it is really.... ::)

anyway, i wont be put off from posting stuff up still...that's just my ethos....so screw him. :icon_twisted:



Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Lurco on August 19, 2013, 04:41:40 AM
did he find C2? http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=94608.msg878002#msg878002
http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?action=profile;u=4900
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on August 19, 2013, 04:44:29 AM
lol....the elusive C2 mystery... ;D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: stallik on October 13, 2013, 06:40:20 PM
And while this all goes on....
(http://www.stallibrass.com/images/kas/carlsbergAstronaut.jpg)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on October 13, 2013, 07:18:04 PM
Quote from: stallik on October 13, 2013, 06:40:20 PM
And while this all goes on....
(http://www.stallibrass.com/images/kas/carlsbergAstronaut.jpg)

yep... ;)

@jim: yep too.. ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on October 14, 2013, 02:36:38 PM
thankyou battery acid......now lets put it to rest, and move on. thanks.

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7464107/46e1fa3ce5c108230c3e26c6ecac9449.jpg)


Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: The Tone God on October 23, 2013, 05:00:44 PM
Hey Folks,

By request I removed most of the posts involving this copy cat situation. I tried to leave deadastronaut's own posts on the topic so everyone can know how he feels about it without other's thoughts getting in the way.

Let not get dragged down in drama, instead lets focus on building cool stuff. 8)

BTW it is considered bad form to switch languages in mid topic. Please keep to English for this thread.

Your Tone God,

Andrew
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on October 23, 2013, 07:04:42 PM
Cool. Cheers andrew.  8)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: psychedelicfish on October 23, 2013, 09:29:44 PM
This reminds me... I finally finished my Spitfire a couple of weeks ago :icon_biggrin:. It's my first actual build, but I've been breadboarding stuff and looking at schematics for about a year now so I know plenty about the circuitry side of things.

I'm having a problem with the tone control, I'm getting no or very little signal on the treble cut end of the tone control (it's acting a bit like a volume control and I have almost no low end). Any suggestions about fixing this are welcome, but I think I'll just keep trying to figure it out myself.

Anyway, thanks to Rob for a great distortion!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on October 24, 2013, 04:43:26 AM
hi edward, cool, glad you like it... 8)

did you use my layout? in my gallery..if so it should be fine.

check your wiring around the tone pot / and caps select  switch...seems the most likely culprit.

btw, its a nice and easy circuit to breadboard and tinker with too..

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: mthibeau on December 08, 2013, 02:52:19 PM
I built a v3 today using Rob's PCB (thanks Rob).

It fired up first try, I love the sound of it. But I am having a few issues, and a few questions.

- It squeals like crazy with the Tone control (I used a b50k) if I turn it up past 1/4 turn, it's really, really bright too
- There is a lot of noise, enough that it is audible over the playing (more so than my Wampler Pinnacle, Dr Boogie, or Wampler Triple Wreck)
- When bypassed (not sending output to ground, just a straight bypass) it causes my Wampler Pinnacle further down the chain to whine, which I can tune with the *bypassed* Spitfire tone and gain knobs...

Question - Should the gain at zero kill the signal? I get nothing, then pretty mid gain, then full on metal within the first few degrees of pot rotation (probably due to my use of linear instead of log for that pot)

Build notes:
--- I didn't box it yet so I am sure some of that will clear up when it's in an enclosure.
--- I used a shielded wire grounded at one end for the input
--- I made no attempt to match the J201's (I could though, I have a hundred or so leftover from a big buy when they announced they were going out of production)
--- I ended up with 3.3n and 6.8 as C10 and C11 for the switch
--- I used a B1m for the gain, I plan to swap out for A1M

Thanks for such a cool sounding distortion, so far I am loving it tone wise (and if I can get rid of the extra noise, it's going to replace my Pinnacle, the gain is more natural and amp sounding).
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 08, 2013, 03:02:29 PM
cool glad you got it ok. 8)


you could drop the tone pot to 22k...makes the tone range better.  also you could raise the values of c14 /c15..from 2.2n to 4.7n etc.. (maybe socket them to taste.)

any squeel will go once boxed and with the  sheilded input. (mine is very quiet)

on my builds i take all grounds to the input jack, (tonepad wiring 5 layout)  i found this to be the best imo.







Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Govmnt_Lacky on December 08, 2013, 06:49:45 PM
Quote from: mthibeau on December 08, 2013, 02:52:19 PM
Question - Should the gain at zero kill the signal? I get nothing...

Is there a resistor to ground directly off the pot leg? If the pot is tied directly to ground on one of the legs then.... YES, your signal will mute when it is all the way down.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 08, 2013, 07:18:42 PM
^ yep...

if you stick a 4.7k  off lug 1 before the ground you'll get a nice overdrive at minimum gain...

and try a 100k-470k gain pot...


i just dug this out on breadboard and tried it out... :icon_cool:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: mthibeau on December 12, 2013, 06:02:53 PM
Thanks for the suggestions, the 25k for tone was perfect, and I swapped in an A500k for the gain.

You were right, pretty much all squeal was gone once I boxed it.

Thanks again for such a great high gain pedal, loving it!

- MikeT
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 13, 2013, 03:21:41 AM
cool, glad you got it sorted. 8)

i should rearrange the layout file for that...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: mthibeau on December 13, 2013, 08:05:13 PM
I played with it a while last night, still loving the sound.

I do have extra noise that I can hear over playing (like a buzz). I get a bit of hissy buzz whenever I turn up the guitar volume (when it's down, it's dead quiet) - I also noticed that when I have the guitar cable unplugged and the Spitfire on, it's really noisy (even if I ground the sheath on the plug).

It's a bit noisier than my Dr Boogie or Pinnacle builds (which I hand picked the J201's that trimmed/sounded best). Could bad/questionable J201's cause extra noise/buzz

Any tips, I'll go over the board tonight to see if I have any shorts, but my solder job looked pretty good (and it is working, just some buzz/noise).

- MikeT
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 14, 2013, 03:24:17 PM
hmmm sounds a little weird.

try using a sheilded output too...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: soundclone on December 19, 2013, 04:35:24 AM
I only have 3 of J201 and 2 of 2N5457 ,where should put it in order to get a high gain?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 19, 2013, 04:41:24 AM
try the 5457 just before the tone Q5 and Q3..

i would socket them though, and try it ok.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: soundclone on December 19, 2013, 05:44:06 PM
tanks.  :) :)..i'll try it.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on December 29, 2013, 10:53:32 PM
Hey Rob, how about version 6? :icon_twisted: This is totally "unofficial" of course...

Large version --> https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/11178619/SPITFIRE/Large%20SPITFIRE%20V6.jpg


(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/11178619/SPITFIRE/SPITFIRE%20V6.jpg)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 30, 2013, 07:45:35 PM
Hi man, that looks interesting, especially the tone stack...have you tried/breaded it yet?

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on December 30, 2013, 09:31:00 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on December 30, 2013, 07:45:35 PM
Hi man, that looks interesting, especially the tone stack...have you tried/breaded it yet?


No, not really.. It's a dud, nevermind.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Ozsi on February 13, 2014, 08:16:44 AM
A little bit of a bump, but I've only just hopped on the Spitfire bandwagon :)  Breadboarded this last weekend, tried some different values through the week and built it up tonight.  As everyone has said, it sounds awesome!  Thanks Deadastronaut for the design!

My contribution back, here's a vero layout I drew up based on Version 3.  Verified too, as this is what I built tonight and it works fine.

(http://imageshack.com/a/img593/12/1cgv.png)

All components are labelled as per the schematic here: http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7464107/SPITFIREV3.jpg (http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7464107/SPITFIREV3.jpg)  

The only variation is the classic/modern caps C8 and C10.  I've added an extra cap to that section and moved them all offboard on to the switch (SW2 coming off the board attaches opposite the Tone 3 wire on the switch).  This gives three different options.  The values I settled on are marked on the layout.  Just a reminder, the three options are the middle cap by itself when the switch is in the centre/off position, and in each of the switched ON positions, you get the middle cap added to the value of one of the outer caps.  

So in the layout above, you'd effectively have 2.2nf, 6.9nf and 12.2nf.  I found that gave a good variety of sounds.   And if you have the capacitors arranged flat against the side of the switch with the legs poking up over and through the lugs, then it doesn't any extra height, it's actually quite compact.

For pots, I settled on Drive - 250KA, Volume - 10KA and Tone - 50KB.

But as DA has encouraged, experiment and choose what you prefer!

And now I will get back to playing with this thing  :icon_biggrin:

Edit: if it's of use, you can download the DIYLC file for the above layout here: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/3035771/spitfire%20vero4.diy (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/3035771/spitfire%20vero4.diy) 
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 13, 2014, 08:24:05 AM
cool, nice one ozsi.. 8)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: SmoothAction on March 21, 2014, 05:10:55 PM
OK! Loving my spitfire. I just built the vero version Ozsi posted above and it straight rips. So consider that layout super verified. Be careful when installing the caps, I had to bend legs for most of them but its legit as all hell with care taken.

Yea, this circuit curb stomps my bsiab2. I'll play around with the drive pot as there is too much gain, it gets a smidge muddy at the far end but I'm extremely happy and thankful to deadastronaut and ozsi. Bless you dudes.

Not sure if it will completely replace my plexidrive + naga viper combo pedal (f'n gonna hard to beat that) but once I get the spitfire boxed and shielded nicely (noisy with long leads) its gonna give my current setup a run for its money.

Peace and metal lovin' all up in this b+tch. Thank you DA and Ozsi for circuit and layout respectively.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: SmoothAction on March 21, 2014, 05:30:19 PM
Proof. And yes, I'm a messy SOB. I'll be boxing this evening. Match FETs and shield leads!

(https://scontent-a-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/1467395_615295775206879_2187542_n.jpg)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: SmoothAction on March 21, 2014, 09:33:55 PM
Progress..

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t31.0-8/1974183_615352098534580_1590242878_o.jpg)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Ozsi on March 22, 2014, 10:09:15 AM
Awesome, thanks for the update, it was my first layout of a non-trivial design, so it's great to hear and see that it's working for someone other than me.  Neat idea with the enclosure too, just red and black Sharpies right?

I'll try to get some pictures up of mine too, keep the spitfire love coming :)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: escroito on April 09, 2014, 07:41:53 AM
Hello
I'm having some problems connecting key middleweight version 1590a someone could help please.
Sorry for the bad English.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 09, 2014, 09:10:11 AM
Sorry, i dont understand ....
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: escroito on April 09, 2014, 10:37:19 AM
my mistake, is not key, is switch changes from modern to vintage mode
I put one image to try to express myself better.
thanks a lot for the help.[/img]https://imageshack.com/i/n8mxq7p[/img]
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: duck_arse on April 09, 2014, 11:18:51 AM
Quote from: escroito on April 09, 2014, 10:37:19 AM
(http://imageshack.com/a/img836/8932/mxq7.png)

is there a current version circuit somewhere handy?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 09, 2014, 11:34:29 AM
http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/chickpea/SPITFIREV3.jpg.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: duck_arse on April 09, 2014, 12:19:15 PM
thanks, DA (the other). so, looking at the layout posted above, the parts numbering doesn't seem to quite match.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 09, 2014, 12:58:21 PM
no it doesn't perrow did that curly one a while back..
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on April 10, 2014, 06:07:58 PM
I thought that was for the V3 but I might be wrong? I think I matched the parts numbers for the version I used as reference and I think it was a version d'Astro never did build. I etched and populated an earlier version of that board that copied the posted layout which had a flaw (so my 1590A version did too) and I never got around to etch another.

I'd look at my layout in DIYLC but I haven't installed it since upgrading my computer and I just have to get to bed now. Maybe I can look it up tomorrow evening.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on April 10, 2014, 06:16:29 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on April 26, 2012, 02:57:59 AM
here ya go ...sorted...good catch man!.. ;)

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/SPITFIREV5THRASHER.pdf

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7464107/SPITFIREV5PCB.pdf

T'was V5 I modified. Some caps aren't numbered in d'Astros layout, but you can deduct which one's which from value and parts list.

That layout is not verified but neither is it disproved.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Luke51411 on April 10, 2014, 10:00:38 PM
I built V3 today. This thing rips! Thanks for all your hard work DA. I built it on the vero layout in the tag board request forum. It can be found here: http://guitar-fx-layouts.42897.x6.nabble.com/Spitfire-Metal-n-Blues-Pedal-from-DIY-stompboxes-request-td8893.html#a8991 (http://guitar-fx-layouts.42897.x6.nabble.com/Spitfire-Metal-n-Blues-Pedal-from-DIY-stompboxes-request-td8893.html#a8991)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: SmoothAction on April 11, 2014, 12:26:34 AM
Yep, it rips. DA did a super job on this circuit, my buds are hounding me about the sweet toanz of this pedal. I just tell em to build one themselves out of respect for DA, I won't be selling mine or any multiples.

Waiting for robs 3 band eq version. The single tone control works nicely but I'm amped to see his reincarnation of this wicked beast. Puts my bsiab2 in the dog house for sure.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Luke51411 on April 11, 2014, 10:13:41 AM
I can't wait to get a chance to play with this pedal some more. For V3 is there much difference from V1 other than removing the hi boost/cut switch and the blues/funk switch? I'll look at the schematics side by side when I get a chance. Would it be worth adding these switches to my build or was there a good reason they were removed? Ultimately I'll have to try it for myself just wondering about other opinions. Thanks.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 11, 2014, 10:33:36 AM
cool glad your enjoying it... :icon_twisted:

i removed those option just for a simpler build...i settled on the one i liked and left it at that...

rob,
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Luke51411 on April 11, 2014, 12:50:20 PM
So I plugged my build into the breadboard since I don't have it boxed yet and I couldn't figure out why it was so quiet as it was quite loud when I tested it after first building. I cranked the gain and volume still not very loud though it sounded good. Upon checking connections i discovered that I had plugged the output of the circuit in to the adjacent strip to where I plugged in the output jack. I was surprised at how much signal came through without actually being connected :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on April 12, 2014, 12:29:03 PM
Hey Rob you still have this on the bread board? I am curious to how this will sound..?

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/11178619/SPITFIRE/11111.jpg)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 12, 2014, 01:19:05 PM
Hi jim , yep i still have the stackless one on breadboard,  if i get time tomorrow ill try it man...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on April 12, 2014, 06:34:16 PM
Here is "straight up version 3" done with Diptrace..  Not the most beautiful but gets the job done! :icon_twisted: Needs some silkscreen touch up..

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/11178619/SPITFIRE/SFV3_TOP.jpg)

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/11178619/SPITFIRE/SFV3_BOTTOM.jpg)

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/11178619/SPITFIRE/SFV3_OSH_T.jpg)

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/11178619/SPITFIRE/SFV3_OSH_B.jpg)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 13, 2014, 05:21:24 AM
Sweeto...im still getting my head around eagle...i,m at the point of sorting out the gerbers etc....bit by bit...in between other stuff.... :icon_rolleyes:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: SmoothAction on April 14, 2014, 12:39:23 AM
Nice jok3rx! I am a huge fan of all robs work here. A real go getter he is. There are so many circuits that get excessive love... This spitfire is criminally overlooked in the metal world for sure. I fekin' love mine. It needs a fabbed PCB, with DA's blessing of course. Sweat and blood is obvious here. I'm just a lonely diy'er for sport, but this one has me hooked.

BUMPED BECAUSE IT NEEDS TO BE BUILT.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: 347sixtyseven on May 03, 2014, 03:33:51 AM
Hi guys,

I just completed a build using the layout the Ozsi posted.

With basic ancilliary wiring it worked beautifully but i have just boxed it up and am having problems.

When a battery is connected the pedal produces a squealing noise even when the effect is bypassed. (standard 3pdt,led,9vdc socket wiring)

I have triple checked everything and cant see anything that would be causing a problem. Please note that the 3 position switch and the gain pot cause variation of the sound. Also if the board is lifted from the enclosure and moved around the noise varies (sounds like a theremin almost).

Any suggestions or direction to obvious problems would be greatly appreciated

Cheers

Gary
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Luke51411 on May 03, 2014, 06:33:02 AM
I had the same thing. I fixed it by using shielding wire on the input and output. Make sure to connect the shielding to ground .
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: 347sixtyseven on May 03, 2014, 12:07:53 PM
Luke, thank you for your reply, did you have the problem before you put the circuit into your enclosure or after?

Only asking as mine performed perfectly just as a bunch of components and wires on the floor, only started playing up when put in the enclosure?

I will try shielded wire though.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Luke51411 on May 03, 2014, 02:48:01 PM
It worked good the first time before I boxed it then when I pulled it out to troubleshoott it squealed sometimes depending on wire positioning. I think I shielded the wires to the classic/modern switch too not sure if that was necessary but it works now.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: 347sixtyseven on May 03, 2014, 06:24:27 PM
Thanks Luke, ill give it a try
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: 347sixtyseven on May 04, 2014, 12:45:39 AM
Unfortunately shielded wiring hasn't helped.

I might be missing something obvious but I can't understand how it can make noise when bypassed.

The noise is there constantly unless the gain pot is turned below half. The classic/modern switch has an effect on the noise as well.

I am using a stereo input jack for power switching and have found that if I remove it from the enclosure the noise stops. The noise starts again as soon as I touch the jack on the enclosure. When I move it away from the enclosure the noise stops by fading off over a second or two, makes me think a cap is draining.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: ggedamed on May 04, 2014, 05:14:40 PM
If it's true-bypass, try switching the input to ground when bypassed.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: midwayfair on May 04, 2014, 08:25:43 PM
Quote from: 347sixtyseven on May 03, 2014, 03:33:51 AM
Hi guys,

I just completed a build using the layout the Ozsi posted.

With basic ancilliary wiring it worked beautifully but i have just boxed it up and am having problems.

When a battery is connected the pedal produces a squealing noise even when the effect is bypassed. (standard 3pdt,led,9vdc socket wiring)

I have triple checked everything and cant see anything that would be causing a problem. Please note that the 3 position switch and the gain pot cause variation of the sound. Also if the board is lifted from the enclosure and moved around the noise varies (sounds like a theremin almost).

Any suggestions or direction to obvious problems would be greatly appreciated

Cheers

Gary

Is your circuit input grounded in bypass? What bypass scheme are you using?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: 347sixtyseven on May 05, 2014, 12:49:21 AM

I don't have it grounding input on bypass. I used the following wiring

(http://users.tpg.com.au/adsly6up/wiring/photo.JPG)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on May 05, 2014, 03:59:24 AM
Top centre lug should have 9v from board > led > 4.7k ...to top centre lug...

and central/middle lug of 3pdt to ground....

shield the input from top left lug...

to input on pcb....should be fine.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: 347sixtyseven on May 05, 2014, 04:14:04 AM
Thanks for all the help guys.

Deadastronaut, I will try your changes
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: 347sixtyseven on May 05, 2014, 07:01:58 AM
Modified wiring and still have the noise.

only if the gain pot is higher than about two thirds.

this is all while bypassed, there is no problem when active regardless of gain pot position.

However, with these wiring mods, the effect does not pass any sound when activated

I have shielded wire on input and output between the board and switch, as well as between the switch and jacks. all shields are connected to ground.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Luke51411 on May 05, 2014, 07:40:41 AM
The effect was working when engaged before you made the changes on the 3pdt? It might help if you posted a pic of your wiring. I wire all of my 3pdt switches like this http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/pdf/ggg_sw_3pdt_tb_gi_dcj.pdf (http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/pdf/ggg_sw_3pdt_tb_gi_dcj.pdf) I've always grounded the circuit input when bypassed in this manner. It's probably not necessary to change over to this wiring scheme though. You probably just have something shorting to ground, a solder bridge or cold joint. How does the 3pdt switch look? It's possible to mess up the contacts with too much heat.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: 347sixtyseven on May 05, 2014, 08:14:06 AM
Yes Luke, it was working,

I had however noticed a strange noise when I switched to my neck pickup. Hard to describe. Didn't notice it on my bridge pickup. (Both humbuckers) when I plugged in another guitar the odd noise was noticeable on all pickups (single coils)

I will try to get a pic tomorrow, the one I have doesn't show the wiring very well. I might try retwiring it anyway as the neat wiring I had is getting messed up with all the troubleshooting.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: 347sixtyseven on May 05, 2014, 08:25:37 AM
(http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg268/347sixtyseven/imagejpg1.jpg)

Here is a pic I took earlier after making the changes Deadastronaut suggested. As I mentioned its a bit hard to see what's going on in the pic. The grey wires are the shielded input and outputs. All of the grounding is being done via the ring of the jacks.

By now the soldering looks like crap but the joints are solid. Switch is in good condition, no excess heat.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: duck_arse on May 05, 2014, 10:50:20 AM
do you have the shields connected to ground at both ends? you only want to ground at one end, you can fold the braid back over the outer and heatshrink at the other end.

try testing continuity between inner and outer conductors on your shielded, see if any shortings.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: 347sixtyseven on May 05, 2014, 10:57:29 AM
I have earthed both ends of the shield.
I will disconnect one end of each in the morning when I get another chance to play with it.

The shielded wire was added after the problem noise appeared and hasn't seemed to have made any difference that I can tell

Cheers

Gary
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on May 05, 2014, 06:50:00 PM
I've had something like this before... Ended up being a cap ::)

You should make an audio probe and use it to pin point where the noise originates from. Very useful tool!

http://www.diystompboxes.com/pedals/debug.html

There are a lot of videos on youtube on how to make and use them...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: 347sixtyseven on May 07, 2014, 02:24:49 AM
Thanks J0K3RX,  I will make one when I find my old damaged lead.

Gave myself some time away from this but just had a play, I now have it grounding the input and the noise is gone when bypassed.

Effect is working beautifully, like it was before boxing it up.

However, if the gain knob is turned past half or so and you unplug your guitar (at the guitar) there is a horrible squealing noise. It can be stopped by dropping the gain and made nastier by increasing it. The noise is not present with an instrument connected.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: axemurderforhire on May 23, 2014, 06:56:04 AM
Just a few questions, Its been a hell of a long time since i built something so im rusty as hell

I had to substitute some parts and im just looking for some advice from you guys/gals

R3 560k i used a 680k

C11 6.7 nf  i used a 10nf

Tone 47k lin i had to use a 100k lin

Im just wondering if they (in particularly the tone pot) are going to effect the pedal that much.

Also i'm getting squeeling when ever i stop playing. I haven't boxed it up yet
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on May 23, 2014, 07:43:37 AM
for the tone pot, i would go smaller 22k for example, rather than 100k...


sheild the input when boxing up and it'll be fine...


other issues you'll get away with.  ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: axemurderforhire on May 23, 2014, 09:26:25 AM
Thanks Rob your a gentleman
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: fastbreak78 on May 23, 2014, 07:29:13 PM
I'm looking for a bit of input. Would this be a decent pedal for a 2nd build? I'd rather not jump in over my head. Too much at least.  :icon_wink:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on May 24, 2014, 03:38:37 AM
Yep, you'll be fine, easy build man... 8)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: fastbreak78 on May 24, 2014, 09:57:08 AM
Thanks, deadastronaut! For a simple build, it sure looks versatile! I can't wait to start plugging away at it.  :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: sweeplikevai on June 01, 2014, 05:43:03 PM
Quote from: J0K3RX on April 12, 2014, 06:34:16 PM
Here is "straight up version 3" done with Diptrace..  Not the most beautiful but gets the job done! :icon_twisted: Needs some silkscreen touch up..

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/11178619/SPITFIRE/SFV3_TOP.jpg)

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/11178619/SPITFIRE/SFV3_BOTTOM.jpg)

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/11178619/SPITFIRE/SFV3_OSH_T.jpg)

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/11178619/SPITFIRE/SFV3_OSH_B.jpg)

awesome.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: fastbreak78 on June 07, 2014, 07:02:33 PM
I just got all my parts in the mail. Hopefully I'll have time to start breadboarding it  next week.  :icon_wink:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on May 11, 2015, 06:36:17 AM
update:

new 7 string version coming soon-ish... ;).... :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: anotherjim on May 11, 2015, 02:27:44 PM
(http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/5889/supermarinespitfireprmk.jpg)

Where do the extra strings fit?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on May 11, 2015, 04:38:44 PM
a) d'Astro, I wanna see that image etched on your next build.

b) No 10 & 12. I don't thing they put pilot life support equipment in the wings of todays aircraft 8)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: bluebunny on May 12, 2015, 03:04:10 AM
Another one for the backlog.  <sigh>
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on May 12, 2015, 03:11:22 AM
It,ll definitely have no,2 and 46.... ;D

Just messing with tone controls for that low B...

so its chunky, but not flabby...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Luke51411 on May 12, 2015, 08:44:45 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on May 12, 2015, 03:11:22 AM
It,ll definitely have no,2 and 46.... ;D

Bahahaha 46.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: anotherjim on May 12, 2015, 10:54:06 AM
I knew someone would pick 46.
62 is a must.

So, Rob, not trying to tune it for Bass too (or even Baritone - not that I go there)?
What goes wrong with a low B? Any clips?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Luke51411 on May 12, 2015, 11:00:58 AM
156 is important too ;D
I work in aviation and almost everything can be turned into some sort of innuendo...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on May 12, 2015, 11:03:46 AM
79 seems essential too... ;D

theres nothing wrong with it per se (pretentious? moi? ;D) , i,m just trying to get it tighter sounding,

so the bass is in the note, not around it...if that makes sense :)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: duck_arse on May 12, 2015, 11:41:14 AM
those #10's look like sparklet bulbs. and I can tell you now, you ain't gonna fit that donk in a 1590A. cut two cylinders off, use them.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on May 12, 2015, 12:13:52 PM
actually, i just went back to the original, and its pretty much there really...hmmm..

just a few 'fine' tweaks i think... 8)

maybe put an 83 on it.. :)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Cozybuilder on May 12, 2015, 01:53:37 PM
Maybe 86 so you can get modulation
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on May 12, 2015, 02:17:12 PM
 i tried 86 on it and got smooth jazz radio... :P
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Luke51411 on May 12, 2015, 02:32:24 PM
You need a 135 so you can always see your settings.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on May 12, 2015, 05:38:14 PM
Be careful not to add 155, you don't wants Imps, especially not ninety slippery ones, I don't care if they're jettisonable.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on May 12, 2015, 05:41:38 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on May 12, 2015, 11:03:46 AM
theres nothing wrong with it per se (pretentious? moi? ;D) , i,m just trying to get it tighter sounding,

so the bass is in the note, not around it...if that makes sense :)

31.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on May 13, 2015, 10:02:43 AM
added a 49...

well, a pre gain pot really, which acts as your guitars vol...but without turning your guitar down,

this will be on a footswitch for low gain bluesy just breaking overdrive stuff...and nice high gain...its pretty cool as this cleans up nice on guitars vol

so i thought i;d incorporate that....nifty. 8)

been testing it, sounds pukka!!!.. 8)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: duck_arse on May 13, 2015, 11:30:40 AM
this thread looks like it's just taken off.

141!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on May 13, 2015, 12:06:36 PM
Ive got a spare coat for ya.. :)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Luke51411 on May 13, 2015, 12:40:30 PM
Quote from: duck_arse on May 13, 2015, 11:30:40 AM
this thread looks like it's just taken off.

141!
I didn't know this circuit had valves! Will 12ax7 work?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on May 13, 2015, 12:58:35 PM
Yep, swap it for the merlin engine, and it should fire up...might need a 00000000000000.0000000000001uf cap.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on May 13, 2015, 08:19:19 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on May 11, 2015, 06:36:17 AM
update:

new 7 string version coming soon-ish... ;).... :icon_twisted:

Serious? - soon-ish = weeks/months/quarters/years/decades/century/millennia...? I know you're an astronaut and you're also dead, so.. you are no longer tethered to the external oxygen supply of time like the rest of us mortals so, "soon-ish" could mean a quick moon hop or a 50 year cryogenically induced trip to Uranus...  :icon_lol: While I always have had a strange fascination with Uranus I don't think I could survive the journey not to mention the extreme climate change and noxious gases...  :P    Thoughts? 
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: bluebunny on May 14, 2015, 02:50:29 AM
Quote from: J0K3RX on May 13, 2015, 08:19:19 PM
Serious? - soon-ish = weeks/months/quarters/years/decades/century/millennia...? I know you're an astronaut and you're also dead, so.. you are no longer tethered to the external oxygen supply of time like the rest of us mortals so, "soon-ish" could mean a quick moon hop or a 50 year cryogenically induced trip to Uranus...  :icon_lol: While I always have had a strange fascination with Uranus I don't think I could survive the journey not to mention the extreme climate change and noxious gases...  :P    Thoughts?  

"Soon-ish" for Rob is about 29 pages...  ;)  And I'd be wary of having any kind of fascination about Rob's an-  . . .  Ah, I see what you mean...   :icon_redface:


;D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on May 14, 2015, 06:27:43 AM
Ähm, and Rob-pcb´s please
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: duck_arse on May 14, 2015, 11:58:39 AM
Quote from: J0K3RX on May 13, 2015, 08:19:19 PM
While I always have had a strange fascination with Uranus I don't think I could survive the journey not to mention the extreme climate change and noxious gases...  :P    Thoughts? 

29 pages. like a baby, we're just filling space.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on June 08, 2015, 09:36:06 AM
a little tester/teaser of the new version :icon_twisted:

tone stack..BMT

all eq's set at 12.....

clean channel marshall avt275...

out of marshall using emulated out, into flat eq mixer..

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7464107/doomfirev3.mp3

drums by neil pearts sister in law... 8)

still tweaking, but getting there... ;)

excuse the squeel at the end....still on breadboard.. :icon_rolleyes:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: ghostsauce on June 08, 2015, 01:28:12 PM
Nice demo, DA! This thing is awesome. Bookmarked!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on June 08, 2015, 01:33:21 PM
cheers dan, ... its a nightmare breading hi gainers...trying to hold back the squeeeeeelllllll.. :icon_rolleyes:

but you get the idea, should be fun when boxed up......eventually... :)

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: stallik on June 08, 2015, 01:36:56 PM
Nice one Rob! Does it still clean up?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on June 08, 2015, 02:01:02 PM
hi kev, yep its still cool and cleans....,

i'm rigging it up with a kind of pre gain,

you know when you play hi gainers, sometimes you need to roll off the volly to clean up..and be a little subtle instantly

well..... in a word your guitar volly will be settable via footswitch...(not a boost) just a hi/lo gain setup..

its always pisses me off (especially jamming/live) with the lucky dip of  physically turning  a knob on your guitar down to that 'sweet just overdrivey' spot (only to miss it entirely or embarrassingly turn your guitar off....etc etc..so this will be ideal, for instant reliable gain cleanup level each time.....and instant DEATH DOOM TOO.. :icon_twisted:

i'm still adjusting to a 7 string, string gauge changes etc etc..till i'm comfy with it..

takes a bit of getting used to, but a bonus is my 6 feels effortless now...cool either way.. :icon_cool:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Cozybuilder on June 08, 2015, 02:27:24 PM
Is this V3 with the BMT tonestack, or have you added some secret sauce?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: stallik on June 08, 2015, 02:40:55 PM
Understand that scenario totally Rob. Tried adding a bypass resistor to the guitar pot so I could whack the vol knob down completely and get a preset level but ran into 2 issues. First, the preset level only worked well with a particular pedal setup and second, I couldn't turn the volume off between songs.
Your solution sounds really interesting...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on June 08, 2015, 03:13:36 PM
cheers man, basic,simple,  but handy... 8)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on June 09, 2015, 10:02:23 AM
check me on this...correct?

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7464107/capswitch.jpg)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Cozybuilder on June 09, 2015, 10:33:43 AM
calculate series caps like you would for parallel resistors

10n in  series with 47n will give 8.2n
10n in series with 100n will give 9.1n
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on June 09, 2015, 10:46:47 AM
Hmmm....need more coffee....cheers russ
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on June 11, 2015, 04:12:26 PM
Shit Rob, sounds really cool!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on June 11, 2015, 08:09:10 PM
Yeah man...been distracted by little solar charging projects lately...as the sun rarely comes out lol...

but i should get back on it after the weekend....sounds pukka!..  8)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on July 26, 2015, 11:22:02 PM
update: i haven't forgotten...just been really busy...anyway..

this is how it sounds so far...still on breadboard. 8)

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Cozybuilder on July 26, 2015, 11:52:45 PM
DA- Thats sounding real good! Looking forward to a schematic- I'll have to build at least 2- my kid will want one too.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on July 27, 2015, 06:31:26 AM
yeah its pretty cool as it is, but still tinkering, ....not far off what i want though.. :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: stringsthings on July 27, 2015, 07:43:22 PM
sounds good DA ... looking forward to it  :)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: doctord02 on August 22, 2015, 08:11:32 AM
First time poster, long time lurker; Rob, any further developments here? Getting itchy to give this one a go, but wanting to hold out for the TMB stack and baritone/drop-tuning tweaks...

Cheers,
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on August 22, 2015, 09:46:51 AM
Hi man, its almost there, been twuddling with cab sims lately too...

got a bit sidetracked...hold fire... :icon_wink:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: bloxstompboxes on August 26, 2015, 06:47:14 PM
I gotta say man, I am quite impressed with this thing. I drew my own layout and rocked it before boxing it today and it is pretty cool. Gotta lot of noise on full distortion, but I imagine most will go away once boxed. It has quite a bit of range in tone and grind. Now I have to come up with an enclosure design. Thanks DA!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on August 27, 2015, 03:09:40 AM
Cool, yeah itll squeel like a mutha till you box it it, and shield input...

but well worth it.....glad you tried it man...   8)


lots of gain on tap, i have mine at about 11 o clock......with tea n crumpets. 8)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Metaldestroyer on August 27, 2015, 05:18:57 PM
I like how smooth the distortion is. Color me very interested!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: doctord02 on October 02, 2015, 08:06:55 AM
Rob, ever settle on the TMB stack and baritone tweaks?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on October 02, 2015, 08:25:17 AM
yeah, kind of...

been uber busy designing/building a preamp/amp for my son in law..(which is very cool)

but has been a right pain, changing his f.....g mind on what he wants it to do

and mostly what etch design he wants too.......arghhhhhhh... :icon_rolleyes:

still ill be on the ass end of it soon..thank f..

saying that, actually it has inspired me to think of a dual active eq/ clean/dirt spitty
as clean channel often gets ignored...and the eq is rather nice..

as soon as ive finished i'm back on it man...haven't forgotten,been on the backburner always :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WhiskeyMadeMeDoIt on October 09, 2015, 11:02:30 PM
Rob I have been thinking of building something similar to what you are doing for the kid. Seems like you have solved or worked through many of the same ideas that i wanted to build in to my little amp project. Would you be willing to share your schematic ?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: 287m on October 10, 2015, 05:36:22 AM
honestly
waiting for 3band equalizer version
so have 6 knob. hahaha

build the spitfire v3, the tone so bright :(
so down the pot to 25K

nice circuit DeadAstro!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on October 20, 2015, 12:31:58 PM
wait for it.....wait for it...  ;);D

sorry guys, been busy lately, my bro had a long awaited heart op, so been down to cornwall

for a while...

just finishing up a rack, then i'm back on it...promise ok. 8)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: WhiskeyMadeMeDoIt on October 20, 2015, 01:02:58 PM
Hope the heart op went well and your brother is doing alright. Family is far more important than any of this.  We can wait.   
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on October 20, 2015, 01:06:25 PM
cheers man, yeah its been a worry..but he's ok now.  i only have 2 bro's and thats it for my family side
so i was praying big time that he'd be ok.

i have the new version on bread anyway ok...so it wont be long guys.. 8)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: bluebunny on October 20, 2015, 03:42:13 PM
^^ wot Michael said = +1
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on November 06, 2015, 07:52:05 PM
Wow this looks like an awsome pedal and Rob thats some awsome guitar playing! Just finished my first DIY A/B pedal and accidentally stumbled across the spitefire while looking for info on building a 10 channel pedal looper. Can't wait to get start just have to get all the parts. This will be my second pedal and my first time building with circuits. Fingers crossed.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on November 10, 2015, 08:35:16 AM
Ok. Getting my parts list ready to order and I have some Cap questions. I want to build the original ver.3 with same parts if possible without substituting. Hopefully getting it right the first time. I'm trying to use the gut shot as a reference but it's not clear enough to tell exactly what some of the caps are.
My first question is on the can style c1, c7, c 16 are those polarized or non electrolytics?
Second is about the others. Correct me if I'm wrong but is c4, c7, and c 10 ceramic disk? And are c3, c5, c8, c11, c13 dipped ceramic or tantalum? And c14, c5 polyester film?
And third what is c12? A box style cap? The picture is slightly blurry but it looks like a Smurf put a Post It note on there. I'm kind of a noob at this and would like to do it right the first time and not "pop a cap!" Or fry the whole thing.
Any help will be very appreciated. Thnx
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 10, 2015, 09:07:28 AM
hi,

C/ 1/6/16 are electros..polarized.


the only ceramic is the 470pf  C5

the 1uf C12..is a non polar cap.

swap the tone pot for  25/22k instead of 47/50k...better range ok.

rob.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on November 11, 2015, 03:15:57 PM
Thanks for the info on the caps Rob. And sorry for the stupid question. I just learned how to properly read a schematic today that clearly told me that. I me extremely busy now with Soccer season and starting a side buisness that my research time is very limited. So I will in advance apologize for my future stupid questions and will try and ask as a last resort not to waste anyone's time.
Hopefully this isn't a stupid one but here goes. I'm looking at Fairchild j201's on mammoth and saw small bear has National Semi and Vishay for a fraction of cost. I found a post that said Vishay sounded like muffled crap.
The price doesn't really matter but if one is equal to the other I'd rather save and buy extras for later. So question is what brand is best for this project so It spits fire and not water?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 11, 2015, 03:29:27 PM
no questions are dumb...no worries,

as for vishay, no idea, but i'm sure steve at smallbear wouldn't ever sell naff stuff..

i would give them a go...

(unless others have bad experience with them?)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Cozybuilder on November 11, 2015, 05:17:06 PM
Everything I've bought from Small Bear has been top quality- Steve gives an accurate description of the items he sells.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: duck_arse on November 12, 2015, 09:33:18 AM
don't let RG see this :
Quote from: BoogiemanX on November 11, 2015, 03:15:57 PM
I'm looking at Fairchild j201's on mammoth and saw small bear has National Semi and Vishay for a fraction of cost. I found a post that said Vishay sounded like muffled crap.

whoever said that (after double-blind tests?) is talking muffled crap, imo. Nat Semi is as good as you'll get. Vishay is as good. motorola is their equal. half these companies are no longer, having been bought and sold by the next company. and then they all stopped w/ the thu-hole j201, so the best parts are now the ones you have on hand.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on November 13, 2015, 09:13:48 AM
Sorry, I was extremely tired when I wrote the last post. The word "crap" was not mentioned in the column I read. Not sure why I added it, but reading back it did change the whole context of what I wrote. Bashing the quality of a product or seller was not my intention. I will now bow my head in shame. :icon_redface:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 13, 2015, 09:23:15 AM
 ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on November 13, 2015, 09:39:58 AM
http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=57022.10;wap2

3rd to last post is what I where I found it. Wondering if it muffled sound because of the configuration they were using it for. Or maybe it was just a bad transistor.
Anyone ever noticed any sound difference between brands?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: blackieNYC on November 13, 2015, 11:23:16 AM
DA - I'm still watching and waiting....
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 13, 2015, 02:10:36 PM
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7464107/th_smiley_emoticons_ozboss_gitarre3.gif)

sorry...been busy...i still have it on breadboards though ok...a little more tinkering etc...





Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on November 13, 2015, 10:31:13 PM
Quote from: psychedelicfish on July 18, 2013, 01:58:33 AM
+9V will be the square pad 2nd from the right at the top, or the top left pad. By mode do you mean bypassed, or modern/classic? If you mean bypassed, wire it as shown here:
(http://www.beavisaudio.com/techpages/StompboxWiring/StompboxWiring.gif)
You have extra pads on the PCB for ground (2nd from bottom on the right) and +9V, which are probably intended for an LED indicator.
If you mean Modern/Classic,  you'll need a DPDT switch instead of the SPDT in the layout. Then you just wire the extra pole like the three leftmost pads in the 3PDT in the diagram above.

image not showing up for me. just want to make sure I got this right.
On layout the +9v goes on the top right square in between D1 and C16. Is this correct?
And what are the top left corner and bottom right for? are they just to have an extra + and ground for modding or testing?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 14, 2015, 04:35:13 AM
yep. thats it... i always add a couple of extra ground holes just for wiring planning  options...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on November 23, 2015, 09:11:34 AM
Made my Pcb last night. What a pain in the butt that was. Got all my supplies free from work (photo paper, laser printing, acetone, and ferric chloride hydroxide rocks) so that was good thing. Etching sucked. Photo paper must have been s#!+ because it had some kind of film on the back that kept sticking to iron. Ironed it for almost 7 minutes to be sure. Had to soak it in hot soapy water for over an hour and paper was so thick it never dissolved. Didn't transfer like expected.  Fine tip sharpies are my new best friend.  Lol used 2 table spoons of Ferric in almost boiling hot water for over an hour. Etched side finally dissolved but back did not. Had to sand it off. I flipped the pcb and stirred it periodically like all guides said.
All guides made it look so easy.  Anyone have any tips they learned to make this process easier?  I know next time I will get my own photo paper. Lol
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on November 23, 2015, 09:14:27 AM
Now off to Harbor Freight for those tiny drill bits.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: stringsthings on November 24, 2015, 11:02:03 AM
Quote from: BoogiemanX on November 23, 2015, 09:11:34 AM
Made my Pcb last night. What a pain in the butt that was. Got all my supplies free from work (photo paper, laser printing, acetone, and ferric chloride hydroxide rocks) so that was good thing. Etching sucked. Photo paper must have been s#!+ because it had some kind of film on the back that kept sticking to iron. Ironed it for almost 7 minutes to be sure. Had to soak it in hot soapy water for over an hour and paper was so thick it never dissolved. Didn't transfer like expected.  Fine tip sharpies are my new best friend.  Lol used 2 table spoons of Ferric in almost boiling hot water for over an hour. Etched side finally dissolved but back did not. Had to sand it off. I flipped the pcb and stirred it periodically like all guides said.
All guides made it look so easy.  Anyone have any tips they learned to make this process easier?  I know next time I will get my own photo paper. Lol

I tried several types of paper for toner transfer and settled on Pulsar Toner Transfer Paper.  I get the 10 sheet pack from Mouser.  It's foolproof to use with an iron.
First, I cut the copper-clad to size and then clean it with a scour pad and some steel wool.  Then clean with some iso alcohol.
I usually preheat the copper-clad ( 1-sided copper-clad saves money and there's much less copper to etch ) and then place the transfer on the copper.  Next, put the heated iron on top and let it sit for about a minute.  Then apply pressure for about 2-3 minutes.

Pop the board/transfer in some room temp water and after a minute or two, the paper will come right off.  I usually agitate the pan until the paper literally comes off.

I used to use ferric chloride until I came across the HCL/H202 method.   It's very cost effective and etches a board in under 5 minutes.  I bought the acid from the hardware store ( Muriatic Acid in the pool chemical section ) and hydrogen peroxide is readily available from any drug store or super grocery store.
I've been using 1 part acid to 3 parts H202 and have had very good results.  A little agitation works well.

I've made at least 20 boards with this method with excellent results.

Quote from: BoogiemanX on November 23, 2015, 09:14:27 AM
Now off to Harbor Freight for those tiny drill bits.

A very good investment is a drill press.  I use the Dremel drill press which I also got from the hardware store ( Menard's )
A drill press will make your life a lot easier if you plan on making more than a few PCB's.  (Drilling PCBs by hand is a pain)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on November 24, 2015, 01:59:20 PM
HP Premium Presentation 120g Laser Paper, Glossy 8.5x11... Works great and many here will attest to it.

Some toner brands don't re-transfer well.. I us genuine HP toner, have tried the cheap refilled toner but no luck with them. Would be nice if the cheap refilled ones would work because toner ain't cheap! I have a HP laserjet 1122n that is dedicated for toner transfer/etch so, my toner lasts a long long time. I have a cheap $29.00 laminator that I bought at walmart, modded the temp sensor to get a bit hotter. I tape the paper to the board using cheap masking tape and run it through a couple times. Then just to be safe I set a clothes iron on it for a minute and then let them cool for a couple minutes. Stick the board in some mildly warm to hot'ish water and the paper comes right off after about 1 minute.

I use about 50/50 ferric chloride powder and water mix, I don't measure it, eyeball it. I make about enough to fill a shot glass, heat it up a little bit in the microwave then dump it into a heavy duty ziplock bag with the board and agitate by hand. After it has been in there for about 30 seconds I put on some cheap rubber gloves that I get in bulk pack from harbor freight and start lightly scrubbing with a soft dish sponge. This takes about another 30 seconds and presto... completely done in about 1 minute total. 
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: bloxstompboxes on November 24, 2015, 03:23:16 PM
Jokerx, apparently you saw the same video on youtube that i did. i used a 1.1k resistor on that Scotch brand laminator myself. Works a treat.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on November 27, 2015, 02:02:02 AM
Noooo!!!! Finished soldering pcb and realized I don't have the a 470 nf for C8. I looked everywhere and and the only thing I have is a .47 MFD Tantalum 35w. Can I use this instead of the non polar box type I thought I had? :icon_question:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on November 27, 2015, 06:07:50 PM
Aw never mind. I was looking at layout list. I'll go by schematic c8 4.7nf I have (.0047uf) box. Thank god I added sockets for C8, C10, and C11
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on November 29, 2015, 03:54:18 PM
Finished boxing pedal last night.  :icon_cry:
most horrible thing I have ever heard. Squealing like crazy, Gain has horrid, and strings made an awful sound when struck with a pic.
Today I had a look over and I shielded the input and outputs grounding only to jacks but I did not for pcb input. I replaced input wire with shielded one. made no difference. I did finally find the culprit. I mounted the spdt switch on the right side of enclosure where it sat right behind the gain pot.
I pulled it outside the box away from all other components and all the squealing interference disappeared. Im still not getting the earth shattering distortion that this pedal has become so popular for. I plugged my old boss DS-1 to compare and it destroyed the spitfire.
??? WTF is going on here? Ill do some more tinkering and report back.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 29, 2015, 04:00:25 PM
then there
is an issue....

you only need to shield the input.

i shield from 3pdt to pcb only and its fine...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on November 29, 2015, 04:48:44 PM
Ok now im getting somewhere.  :icon_idea: thinking maybe these Merlins are not getting enough fuel.
The led i used was a 5mm 1.9v 20ma calculated 390 ohm resistance.
I used a 470 ohm resistor which is possibly taking away from PCB voltage?
Does the PCB need the full 9v to drive these Merlins?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 29, 2015, 04:52:41 PM
your led wont make any difference...

you should be getting 9v to the top 2 fets drains...

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on November 29, 2015, 05:40:15 PM
squealing came back with a vengeance. I noticed it is worse on modern mode. when i touch the soldered joint on back of pcb with my finger it stops.
the spot is in between c4 and c5 where the first gain wire is connected. Any thoughts? I'm thinking maybe my amateur soldering technique may be to blame.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on November 29, 2015, 09:45:47 PM
squeal seams to almost disappear when tone is turned down past halfway mark. turn the tone up and it gets louder the brighter the tone gets.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 30, 2015, 06:38:36 AM
hi benji, as soon as you mentioned making a pcb with a sharpie a red flag came up..hmmmm...

inventive sure , but a moody solution for a fully functioning long term use pedal  imo...

do you have any vero/strip board?...

if you have, and IF I get time i'll knock up a vero of the V3 for you ok.





Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on November 30, 2015, 08:38:05 AM
I actually used the toner transfer method for the pcb.
I had alot of trouble getting photo paper removed. Not sure what brand it was, but after an hour of soaking I still did not want to come off. What I did with the sharpie was put 3 or 4 coats over toner just to be safe and to fatten the lines up for some added insurance. I will upload a pic when I get home. Can't seem to do it from phone.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 30, 2015, 08:45:08 AM
ok...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on November 30, 2015, 08:36:46 PM
Ok just want to post an image. what is easiest way to do this? Dropbox wants credit card info for 30 day trial. that's not happening so how do you guys get pics to show up on post?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on November 30, 2015, 09:04:09 PM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/20151122_180011_zpsg15uduyi.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/20151122_180011_zpsg15uduyi.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on November 30, 2015, 09:17:14 PM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/cropped_zpset9z7nmi.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/cropped_zpset9z7nmi.jpg.html)
butt ugly for my first PCB but it got the job done. lol
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on November 30, 2015, 09:33:19 PM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/20151130_184326_zpsroej5uoj.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/20151130_184326_zpsroej5uoj.jpg.html)
no etching sense i'm using a Hammond. Retro future look. there is an empty hole because i was going to have a second led and have them switch between modern and classic.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on November 30, 2015, 09:44:00 PM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/20151130_184715_zpsxbaujtke.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/20151130_184715_zpsxbaujtke.jpg.html)
I think I might win first place for most wires exposed. looks like a birds nest.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on November 30, 2015, 09:52:17 PM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/20151129_154622_zpsanre1rz1.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/20151129_154622_zpsanre1rz1.jpg.html)
I made this little adapter for a little more mobility while building the pedal.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on November 30, 2015, 09:56:12 PM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/20151130_202504_zpsckqan6ah.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/20151130_202504_zpsckqan6ah.jpg.html)
works like a charm. ;D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on November 30, 2015, 10:14:07 PM
I think all the squealing was coming from my Zoom amp which might have a ground problem. I ran it through my Marshall 1/2 and it was relatively quiet. Only thing now is choosing which caps to use for tone.
when I turn the tone up past 1/2 way it gets so high that I might go deaf. When switching to Classic it seams to increase the volume slightly and give a tight lead solo'ish vibe which gives me an idea.
This could possibly be an all in 1 pedal. I'm thinking of building a second one in a bigger enclosure with a second 3dpt switch that will be to switch between rhythm and lead rather than modern and classic. :icon_wink: just a thought.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on November 30, 2015, 10:44:23 PM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/20151130_212225_zpsek3jh5b5.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/20151130_212225_zpsek3jh5b5.jpg.html)
Just one last thing to do. Welcome this little guy into the family.
My celebration is making me start to see double so thanks again Rob for an awsome pedal
I would also like to give thanks to my unofficial sponser "Bud Light" for making this post the challenge that it is
and Im gonna sign off before I go into a drunken rant that is completely off topic. lol
  8) BoogiemanX signing off.....................
Title: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Hatredman on December 01, 2015, 02:31:20 AM
Quote from: BoogiemanX on November 30, 2015, 08:36:46 PM
Ok just want to post an image. what is easiest way to do this? Dropbox wants credit card info for 30 day trial. that's not happening so how do you guys get pics to show up on post?

Photobucket, imgur.

Edit: DANG, you have already figured it out.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 01, 2015, 03:54:26 AM
i have free dropbox....dunno whats up with that.. :-\

anyway, so you got it sorted now then?... 8)

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on December 01, 2015, 08:38:32 AM
Might want to shield your gain pot as well, if you have not already.. Nice job on the sharpie etch  :icon_wink:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Hatredman on December 01, 2015, 11:33:50 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on July 26, 2015, 11:22:02 PM


Loved the riffs, I'm gonna use them for my stuff ;)

Are you lefty or is the video inverted?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 01, 2015, 11:38:07 AM
i'm a lefty.... 8)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on December 03, 2015, 01:02:55 PM
I love the distortion on the 6 string STP riff. Man that sounds good!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on December 03, 2015, 02:04:47 PM
Is there an editable file for the v3 layout? Or can the PDF itself be loaded into Sprint? There are several different layouts by different users. Just wondering if they had to start layout from scratch,  use the pdf , or did I miss a ".ext" file somewhere?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on December 05, 2015, 07:52:47 PM
swapping C8, C10, and C11 around to try and get this thing to sound right.
using this configuration I can actually get some decent gain. otherwise my pedal sounds very tame. :'(
C8 - 6.8nf ( using a .0068uf )
C10 - 4.7nf (using a .0047uf)
C11 - 2.2nf (using a .0022uf)  all 3 are 63v Vikiin box caps

all other configs had lower distortion levels and almost all give squealing feedback when the tone is turned up past half way.
Should any of these 3 caps be changing how much distortion the pedal is putting out? 
Lesson learned: -I REALLY need a breadboard-
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on December 06, 2015, 02:45:27 AM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/My%20Layout%20with%20Rob%20Disclaimer_zps5lcaflgt.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/My%20Layout%20with%20Rob%20Disclaimer_zps5lcaflgt.jpg.html)

Here is my Layout with cap values. Note C8 C10 and C11 have been moved around several times.
Anyone see any mistakes I might have made?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 06, 2015, 06:10:04 AM
you hit the nail on the head with " i must buy a breadboard"...

you havent a connection to the top left fet source... :-\

your second from left bottom fets cap n resistor should be to ground...

the 022 at the top should be to first fet drain....



look at the original...

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: duck_arse on December 06, 2015, 09:09:43 AM
(when he says top left, he means bottom left.) it looks like you've strung your led between V+ and ground: no current limit resistor?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on December 06, 2015, 02:30:54 PM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/my%20v3%20layout_zpspdo2hns2.png) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/my%20v3%20layout_zpspdo2hns2.png.html)

Ok here is a fixed version I just forgot to add a couple things but here is my layout.
Is my wiring ok?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: bluebunny on December 06, 2015, 04:20:53 PM
The DC jack is being used incorrectly.  The lug taking power to the board is intended for the red wire from a battery snap.  Power and the LED connection need to come from the same place.  (If you're not using a battery, leave the other lug unconnected.)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on December 06, 2015, 07:54:56 PM
Ok I see what I did.
Muahahahahah! :icon_twisted:
I got it!!!!! Had the cap value on C8 too low. Swapped it for a 0.1uf and wow all noise problems gone and this thing is a beast. Trying to get a sample recorded through Guitar Rig 5. Might have to just use phone video.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on December 06, 2015, 08:23:39 PM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/th_20151206_182051_zpswtaezzsq.mp4) (http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/20151206_182051_zpswtaezzsq.mp4)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on December 07, 2015, 08:00:09 AM
Quote from: bluebunny on December 06, 2015, 04:20:53 PM
The DC jack is being used incorrectly.  The lug taking power to the board is intended for the red wire from a battery snap.  Power and the LED connection need to come from the same place.  (If you're not using a battery, leave the other lug unconnected.)
So dc to resistor and led, led to center lug on 3dpt, top middle lug of 3dpt to 9v in on PCB.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: bluebunny on December 07, 2015, 08:18:27 AM
Quote from: BoogiemanX on December 07, 2015, 08:00:09 AM
So dc to resistor and led, led to center lug on 3dpt, top middle lug of 3dpt to 9v in on PCB.

Nope.  Two wires from the DC jack (same lug): one to the board, the other to the LED/resistor.  Check out Tonepad's wiring diagrams for some clear pictures.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on December 07, 2015, 09:50:11 AM
http://gaussmarkov.net/images/1590B_SETUP_BRD.bmp

I used this one and tonepads for reference.  Figured it wouldn't matter sense both lugs on dc jack were positive and I wasn't going to use it anyway. Other than that everything else looks ok?  Either way pedal is working flawlessly now that I swapped caps.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: bluebunny on December 07, 2015, 10:53:54 AM
Just to clarify: the second, unused lug in the gaussmarkov picture (where you would connect the battery) is disconnected when the external DC jack is plugged in.  Anyway, good that it's working for you now.  The Spitfire is a cool pedal.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on December 07, 2015, 11:21:08 AM
Facepalm!
Marc I completely forgot about that second lug disconnecting battery.  Thanks man, I will have to correct this.That would explain the slight delay when I first plug pedal up. Sometimes I have to twist the male plug just a bit for power to come on. I thought it was just a loose connection on that battery adapter I made.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on December 08, 2015, 05:56:09 PM
Where is best place to get Eddystone enclosures?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on December 08, 2015, 08:45:42 PM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/my%20v3%20layout%20cropped_zps3vmr6qmt.png) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/my%20v3%20layout%20cropped_zps3vmr6qmt.png.html)
Here is my new layout with dual LED.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on December 08, 2015, 08:50:22 PM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/Dual%20LED_zpsvlcflttu.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/Dual%20LED_zpsvlcflttu.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 09, 2015, 03:41:40 AM
cool, glad you got it sorted....hows the guts, spaghetti  ;)

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on December 09, 2015, 08:34:27 AM
It's a birds nest. Hahaha
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on December 09, 2015, 10:09:46 PM
Stay tuned.........
Working on some Sick graphics for this bad boy.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on December 10, 2015, 11:33:04 AM
Is there a place to download pre made 2D drill templates for Google sketchup? All I'm finding are 3d models.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: doctord02 on December 11, 2015, 10:16:03 PM
Any further developments on the baritone tonestack tweaked circuit? Inquiring minds want to know...

;D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Cozybuilder on December 11, 2015, 10:24:39 PM
Quote from: doctord02 on December 11, 2015, 10:16:03 PM
Any further developments on the baritone tonestack tweaked circuit? Inquiring minds want to know...

;D

Lots of 'em  :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: doctord02 on December 12, 2015, 09:04:53 AM
Aye, but has Rob posted any? Wanted to see how the TMB stack was implemented before I go off and munge up the v3 circuit into something horrid.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 13, 2015, 08:13:33 AM
not yet....
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on December 16, 2015, 11:22:10 AM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/Mobile%20Uploads/Spitfire_zpshwipt8cj.png) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/Mobile%20Uploads/Spitfire_zpshwipt8cj.png.html)

Here is a rough preview of what I have been working on. Still got to do some editing, blending, and shading between letters but you get the idea.  ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 16, 2015, 11:59:31 AM
nice, looks great.. :icon_cool:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: drummel on December 17, 2015, 07:58:45 AM
Hello DIYS community!

>>>>>>>>> introduction rant <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
First post here and I registered because of this thread. I stumbled on this circuit a couple of weeks ago and curiosity got the better of me so I breadboarded it and... whooooa! This is the best high gain guitar sound I ever had! ...ever! I've been playing for 30 years with various setups and DIY stuff so I got some reference. I have built several amps and stompboxes, tube and SS, but never been completely satisfied though very close. Now my quest for "the tone" is finally over and I am very thankful to you DA for sharing this with us. I tried some different component values here and there and must say you really nailed the sweet spot on this one. Some small changes could just ruin it completely and had it been me there's no way I would have the patience to take it where it is. Awesome work man!
>>>>>>> end of introduction rant <<<<<<<<<<<<

I'm feeding the clean channel of a R*land c*be-15 with it. Smooth and chimey over the whole range on the drive pot. Wish my Marshall-ish tube amp did that.
My plan is to gut the cube and replace the preamp with the spitfire. The amp has a 4-way switch controlling 5 fet switches for different sounds. I want to tinker with the circuit to see if I can find tweaks that takes it towards the cleanish pick attack breakup land and back to stock spitfire via these four settings. I have been tinkering a bit but have not had much time with it but I have played around with LTspice so I have some ideas to try out, hopefully very soon.

The clean channel is a fet buffer -> op-amp stage with a huge treble peak -> FMV tonestack.
The FMV stack works great with this setup for me anyway. I thougt it was worth sharing this as it has been some requests for extended tone control. I have a bit more treble rolloff at the end though. Probably to compensate for the treble peak.

If anyone have some hints how to lower the gain in the first stage I would appreciate it very much if you would like to share.
Internet doesn't seem to see the point in find ways to lower the gain of a mu amp.
I am going to try with negative feedback and padding here and there to see if I can come up with something.

Cheers and thanks again!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on December 17, 2015, 09:41:05 AM
hi and welcome...

cool, glad it worked out for ya man..

you may want to tweak the first (input) fet R/C values to ground a little... maybe just the resistor

to alter it a bit...happy tweaking  :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: stallik on December 17, 2015, 10:54:48 AM
Welcome Daniel to the forum. Yup, this is one amazing pedal but before you lower the gain, please try lowering guitar volume. Mine cleans up so well i can play albatross with it on. Have to add loads of reverb mind....
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on December 18, 2015, 11:29:20 PM
Daniel you beat me to the post! Lol I was going to pretty much say the exact same thing. I finally got some free time yesterday and got a chance to actually play a couple of songs plugged into my 2 half stacks and I was completely blown away. I have searched my whole life for this sound and wasted dollar after dollar buying all kinds of high tech digital rack mount processors from Digitech to ADA and countless other configurations, but always ended up disappointed. This pedal Crushes All! And Rob I can't thank you enough for sharing this pedal. It's my most prized possession. ............"my precious"...........
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: PRR on December 19, 2015, 02:16:43 AM
> how to lower the gain in the first stage
> Internet doesn't seem to see the point in find ways to lower the gain of a mu amp.


First Google hit: http://www.geofex.com/Article_Folders/modmuamp/modmuamp.htm

"If anything much less than 1M is connected to Vout, voltage gain starts falling."

So... connect anything much less than 1Meg to the output. Maybe make it adjustable. Better look what else is affected, such as coupling-cap.

(http://oi64.tinypic.com/2s0hkt1.jpg)

It *may* be that with this mod the "Drive" pot becomes pointless, or at best a set-and-forget internal trim.

Agree that lower axe volume IS a first step. But I can see how the Mu-Amp may be too-too-much gain for many situations.... won't non-dirt until your level is below the weeds.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: drummel on December 19, 2015, 05:00:50 AM
I have done some tinkering.
My setup doesn't even come close to albatross clean when rolling back the volume all the way so I started with FET swapping to see if I had a gainy combo but no.
After I was done finding all the tweaks I think i need before transplanting the circuit into its true operating environment it struck me... oh waaait a minute... My drive pot is linear taper...: :icon_redface: I put a 1k resistor under the drive pot so I could turn it all the way down and yes, it cleans up well. The range of this circuit is remarkable.

I hope I don't offend anyone by screwing with this piece of art   :icon_lol: . It is not that I really need to cover all that range as there is a clean channel already but, you know... there's a switch sitting there demanding to be utilized.

Anyway, I did the input pad and tried 1Meg and 10Meg NFB resistor between the gate and drain. When I put the DC blocking cap and a treble compensation cap over the padding resistor I realized that I had built a trioderizer with a FET on its head. Wrong values though, but it sounded really nice.

These are some tweaks I have come up with but not decided on if I will use them or combination:

-1M/1M input pad. There is a fet buffer on the amps input and I put the pad between the buffer and spitfire input. With the "trioderized" setup it works great to lower the overdrive but without feedback, only the pad, I felt like it sucked the tone somehow with or without treble bypass cap. I think it should not do that, could be my imagination after sitting with it too long.
-Feedback resistor gate-drain on Q2
-C3 bypass cap, as in the original design
-Drive pot treble bleed cap value
-330k resistor on the drain/source of the second stage to load it down a bit. I'm not sure whats going on there, if it alters the bias for Q5 or loading down the second gain stage or a combination of both but it cleans up what I think is the buffer clipping.
-different value of R11 Q5 source resistor alters the clipping behaviuor. I thought it was best as it were but worth mentioning.
-Series resistor between C2 and drive pot.
-Series resistor between the junction C2,C4 and the drive pot to move its sweep into the lower range.

BoogiemanX, did you do a open A-chord with a silly grin on your face again and again and again too? -zzzinggg -zzzing  -zzzzing :D

PRR, Thanks for the tips. I have read both geofex articles about mu amps and tried loading the first stage but I think it sucked out the tone. I tried some variations with series and bypass caps but did not find a combo that I liked, worth exploring more though. When you mention it I realized I forgot to experiment with the source resistor of Q2 as described at the end of the article. Thank you for reminding me. I must try it out next time.

I modded the amp so that the aux input is routed straight into the tonestack and a buffer after the volume control is definitely needed.

I believe this circuit can be taken anywhere but I think such exploration is better to be pursued in another thread and stick to spitfire discussions here, right?

Cheers!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on December 19, 2015, 10:57:45 AM
Daniel I still have that grin stuck on my face.
I hope it isn't permanent,  my cheeks hurt. Lol ;D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on December 31, 2015, 06:21:50 PM
Completely off topic here I apologize but I am overwhelmed at the amount of topics on this site. You guys here on the spitefire thread are the real deal and if anyone knows it's one of you.  ;) much respect! Does anyone have a link to a good simple delay? Like the rebote or lofi. I can't seem to find a good detailed thread about this just trouble shoots and mods. Any help would be greatly apriciated.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: bluebunny on January 01, 2016, 06:23:10 AM
You don't really say what you're looking for, Benji: "good detailed" could mean many things.  If you don't fancy any of the (many) existing threads, you could start your own?  Or else just download, for example, the Rebote project documentation from Tonepad and build it: it works out of the box.  But don't start talking delay in this Spitfire thread.  You'll only give Rob ideas...   :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: stallik on January 01, 2016, 07:32:46 AM
Rob already had those ideas. Check out the Abductor 2 :icon_eek:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Kevin Mitchell on January 28, 2016, 10:44:59 AM
A while back I've breadboarded the first spitfire schematic and WOW. The thing has some crazy power. At the time I didn't notice the other many versions... and another is in the works?

I was wondering which one would be good for a guy like me. I use to be a huge metal head but now I'm all about funk, blues and some power shredding. Seeing what direction the spitfire has been going I'm not sure which version would be best for me. Of course they're all magical  ;D

So which one should I build? Any recommended mods?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on January 28, 2016, 11:00:19 AM
V3 for a 6string
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Kevin Mitchell on January 28, 2016, 12:45:39 PM
Hey thanks! That one seems to be the "generic" spitfire.

I'm curious to why I'm not seeing a use of a blend pot to replace the capacitor switch? I've haven't tried a capacitor blend-pot mod but I feel it would be ideal for such a project.

Thanks!

(Never mind I believe that's what the 47-100k potentiometer is there for)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 29, 2016, 04:40:16 AM
hi kevin, yep v3 will do you....try a 22k pot instead ofv47k....


Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on February 05, 2016, 08:01:30 PM
Is there a Vero layout of the V3?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: slashandburn on February 06, 2016, 06:24:43 AM
Quote from: BoogiemanX on February 05, 2016, 08:01:30 PM
Is there a Vero layout of the V3?

Ozsi submitted one on page 26.
I've had it bookmarked for a while now, hoping to find the time to pit this together. Sounds like my kind of pedal!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on February 26, 2016, 08:34:52 AM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/Mobile%20Uploads/Spit_fire_zpsglzht2hw.png) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/Mobile%20Uploads/Spit_fire_zpsglzht2hw.png.html)
Here is my graphics. Still have some editing to do but, this is the general idea.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on February 26, 2016, 09:22:41 AM
Hey BoogiemanX,
Vol, Tone and Gain above the Potis. More picture...
Looks cool
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on February 27, 2016, 02:24:06 PM
I originally had the txt above pots. I will be replacing those with flame txt also when I get time and they will have to go back above pots. Should look badass.  ;)

On a side note I am trying to find a resin to replace 2 holes under the eyes. Needs to bond to the aluminum and be flush. Hopefully instead of looking like 2 LED'S it will just give the eyes an eerie glow.  8) Have to find the right thread about that.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 27, 2016, 02:37:50 PM
cool...sand your leds flat....or get flat top ones... 8)


edit, ahhhh i get what you mean now.....hmmmmm.....cool idea..

god knows how youd get away with resin etc to be solid though....

edit 2..

thin perspex plate...put image on plate....with/without eyes...

flat leds under it....hmmmmm.....
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on February 28, 2016, 11:09:24 AM
I am thinking maybe drill the holes about the same size as I would for pots. Then fill them in with something similar to fiberglass resin (without the cloth) or something similar then sanding it down flush creating a window. Might actually look better if I cut a Simi transparent red piece of plastic to fill in whole. Can shape it with a drimmel to fit tight and use an apoxy filler to glue and sand flush. Just want a red glow. Don't want it to look like a light bulb shining through.
And Rob thanks for mentioning flat leds. I hadn't thought about the next obstacle being limited space with using the regular size leds. I might have not cought that until it was a problem.   
The flat leds are a must!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 28, 2016, 12:41:58 PM
yeah i see what your trying to do....see if you can get 10mm flats.... :icon_cool:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on February 29, 2016, 08:07:00 PM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/Paper%20print.jpg_zpswljvomdx.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/Paper%20print.jpg_zpswljvomdx.jpg.html)

paper printout:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on February 29, 2016, 08:08:42 PM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/Leds.jpg_zps62xghumo.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/Leds.jpg_zps62xghumo.jpg.html)

Plus 2 10mm :
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on February 29, 2016, 08:10:03 PM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/2016-02-29%2017.37.21_zpsfjrv7viu.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/2016-02-29%2017.37.21_zpsfjrv7viu.jpg.html)

= Hell Fire!!!!!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on February 29, 2016, 08:27:38 PM
awesome... 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: stallik on March 01, 2016, 03:35:42 AM
That looks really good. Very effective at least with paper
Couple of possible issues you may have, if the label is full size of the enclosure top, the footswitch Won't get that close to the edge and the knob labels could be obscured by the knobs now you've moved them to the top. Maybe that's a good thing when standing?
Much prefer the volume font
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on March 01, 2016, 03:43:31 PM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/Mobile%20Uploads/Spit_fire%20editing%20GAIN%20flames_zpsrpm9lgej.png) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/Mobile%20Uploads/Spit_fire%20editing%20GAIN%20flames_zpsrpm9lgej.png.html)
I'm actually not to happy with the 'Volume' text that I redid in flames. Something will have to be done about that. As far  as editing goes, I'm having a blast! I'm using Gimp and I'm amazed at what this software can do. Here is the Gain txt I'm working on. Doin it right this time.  Zooming in 400% and dot erasing edges for more details. Downside is once I scale it down it probably not gonna be noticeable.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on March 01, 2016, 10:24:42 PM
 http://vid1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/12798529_1687236748208758_1090433967_n_zps9t5ay0wm.mp4

(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/th_12798529_1687236748208758_1090433967_n_zps9t5ay0wm.mp4) (http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/12798529_1687236748208758_1090433967_n_zps9t5ay0wm.mp4)
An old highschool buddy invited me over to test drive his original "Dean from Hell" through the Spitfire so he could see what it can do. The feedback at the end is because I was directly in front of the amp. Lol
If you notice I have a breadboard next to the pedal. I made a jumper off of C8 to tinker with some different values.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 02, 2016, 07:13:02 AM
SQQQQqqqqqqqquuuuueeeeeeeelllller... :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on March 02, 2016, 10:05:35 AM
Ok..so. I have C8 jumped to a breadboard.  When I ordered for the build I failed to get the 470 nf (AKA .47uf) and had to settle for a .1uf instead. Sense then I've ordered new parts to build another Spitfire and got the 'AK .47uf cap'. I have it and the .1uf side by side on board switching between the two to see what difference is. Unfortunately I am having trouble telling any difference. I can almost hear a tiny bit of added low end bass (like a BBE Sonic Maximizer adding low end without effecting tone) but my ears could be playing tricks on me. I did notice that with the higher value cap I can turn the tone to 10 without causing property damage and making my dog howl in pain.
So what's really happening here? Is the higher value cap just dampening the higher frequency or is it shifting the whole frequency range down cutting treble and adding low end?
Anyone investigated this and if so what were your findings? It would be awsome to see the frequency response on paper like a wave graph. I will be ordering a .68 uf when I can to see what happens when I take it a step further. And If it truly is adding low end would it be possible to have the best of both worlds by keeping the low end unaffected while bring back the treble with a bright cap somewhere?
Anyway just throwing my random thoughts and Ideas out there. But seriously if anyone has really dug into the C8 realm and explored it I would love to hear your findings. In the mean while I will do my own investigation and let you guys know what I think.
       Until next time.......Stay tuned for the next episode of......."Mysteries of C8"
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on March 03, 2016, 06:39:21 PM
Found an extra 1uf to play with on C8 so I played around with them a bit. My stock .1uf has a very dirty Randall ish thing going compared to the other 2. Very smooth distortion but a bit more sensensitive to picking up other sounds from strings. The .47 originally intended really does seam to bring out low end tones while dampening some treble and give a more well balanced feel with tighter notes. Jumping all the way up to a 1uf didn't seam to add any more low end but instead rounded out the notes and they felt too tight. Almost as if it was starting to loose some of its grit.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on March 06, 2016, 12:03:48 PM
Rob I'm starting to like an earlier idea that you had about using a rotary dial to switch caps. I'm thinking of using my first spit to test this. If I can some how squeeze in 3 rotary dials for c8, c10, and C11 to quickly switch between values while playing. This will be god awful ugly but, very effective.
6 dials on a 1590b eww.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: stallik on March 06, 2016, 12:38:00 PM
Hey Benji, I hope you're going to post a demo of this when you're done. I built a MK1 with the 3 switches and before I got to swap the cap values, discovered that it was nigh on perfect for me as it was. As a result, I built a barbed wire fence round the thing and posted sentries ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: 287m on March 07, 2016, 08:46:56 AM
holy bloody molly
this thread has bookmarked and im visited almost everytime i open my pale moon
i dont know why im lust in spitfire update
maybe its curse of deadastro after i see in my dream?
(http://www.stencilrevolution.com/photopost/2012/10/skull-spaceman-stencil.jpg)
Rob, dont laugh with very high gain to me  :icon_evil:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on March 11, 2016, 09:15:37 AM
Hey Rob I have a serious question for you. When you were making the spitefire did you ever go past 5 gain stages or did you stop at 5? Did you ever attempt a 6th?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 11, 2016, 09:17:38 AM
hi, nope...5 was enough for me...

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on March 11, 2016, 10:13:22 AM
Don't get me wrong,  the spitefire is a masterpiece. I would have worked 2 jobs and paid any price to have this pedal if it was the only way to get it. You are the Michael Angelo of pedals.
  By nature I am a tinkerer and like to push things to the limits. I would love to see how much further the spitefire can go. At some point it will have to peak and then start degrading, but I'm just wondering where the Spitty is sitting at. Is it near it's peak and how much more headroom for gain is there? Anyway I would love to push the boundary here but, I'm still a noob at this. Can you point me in the right direction on this? Where would another gain stage be added and would that change the whole layout?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 11, 2016, 10:20:02 AM
another gain stage would likely just turn to mush and squeel..rather than be defined..
i am merely a tinkerer myself really..if my ears like it i go with it..

i have a new version on the bb at the mo, but have been distracted by too much other stuff to finish it off..

so its still in the pipeline so to speak...

you might want to explore some of jok3rx's metal projects....very cool. very heavy too..
he knows his heavy stuff for sure.. :icon_twisted:



Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on March 11, 2016, 12:29:44 PM
No need for another gain stage and you will probably get a lot of squealing oscillation if you try.. Just drop a tube screamer in front of it if you want that extra "kick in the nuts" high gain. I have tried this with the Spitfire and it takes to a tube screamer in front of it very nicely and surprisingly not a lot of noise, squealing or feedback. The pair would make a nice combo OD/Dist box... just throwin it out there  :icon_wink: 
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 11, 2016, 12:32:19 PM
believe it or not ive never built a ts...

probably the only dude on earth who hasn;t....

one day... ;)

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: stallik on March 11, 2016, 03:40:09 PM
TS in front then turn guitar volume right down. Add loads of reverb and enjoy lush cleansish sounds with sustain for days. Nice.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 11, 2016, 04:14:25 PM
^ ok, i'm convinced, i'll build a ts... 8)

but which version?...bog standard?.

edit...dont you dare mention kirk hammett..lol..
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: stallik on March 11, 2016, 04:46:48 PM
Mine's actually a Vox 810 but I'm told that's really a TS. Tried it with a zendrive and that's good too.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 11, 2016, 04:50:06 PM
cool, i'll look into those....

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on March 11, 2016, 11:27:25 PM
Quote from: deadastronaut on March 11, 2016, 12:32:19 PM
believe it or not ive never built a ts...

probably the only dude on earth who hasn;t....

one day... ;)

You really had me there for a sec :icon_lol: I thought for a moment you meant that you had never built a tube screamer... Bwahahahahhhhhahha...  Damn good one!  :icon_lol:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 12, 2016, 06:57:00 AM
or a fuzz faeces ;D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on March 12, 2016, 11:39:48 AM
Actually that's where I got the Idea from. I put a gain pedal in front of the spit. It gives it more kick but also makes the pickups extremely sensitive to picking up even the slightest touch. So I get more gain but at cost of added background scrapings. That's why I was figuring that maybe if this could be worked into the spit circuit at the front (tied into spits natural super quiet circuitry) then maybe it would get same results without the side effects. Just food for thought.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on March 12, 2016, 12:10:32 PM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/Mobile%20Uploads/20160312_102932_zpsoj3i8lso.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160312_102932_zpsoj3i8lso.jpg.html)
It looks like a simple gain tone pedal. It was given to me by my cousin after her husband passed. Until then I didn't know anything about diy pedals and I didn't get a chance to meet him. That being said I don't know what diy forums he was in or if it was a kit from a pedal parts site.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on March 12, 2016, 12:14:53 PM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/Mobile%20Uploads/20160312_102916_zps4ff0fvwc.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160312_102916_zps4ff0fvwc.jpg.html)
Here is a gut shot. Does anyone recognize this design?  Would like to find a layout for this.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on March 12, 2016, 12:26:25 PM
Thinking maybe using this circuit as a guideline. Make a similar circuit with out tone (leave that up to spitty) and tying it all together in one circuit. Just have an extra control as a pre gain. Might clean up in one circuit and all grounded in same box. Now I wish I had left that second one breadboarded! Already put it on pcb.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 13, 2016, 05:35:27 AM
no idea what circuit that is....6 diodes hmmmm....

obviously a clipper of some sort....

anyway, try a breaboarded tube screamer in front as suggested

,  i havent a spare breadboard at the mo, otherwise i would...

i was going to stick a pregain pot on the new version of the spitty, footswitchable....hmmmmm....

see how it goes...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: DrAlx on March 13, 2016, 05:53:50 AM
A circuit with no resistors? Looks like its just got caps and diodes, unless all the grey "diodes" are actually resistors. Orange diodes seem to be wired cathode to cathode too which seems odd to me.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 13, 2016, 06:56:22 AM
+1 looks strange eh...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: J0K3RX on March 13, 2016, 08:14:49 AM
TLC2272... hmm :icon_neutral: Only a gain and tone control?  Well, it ain't a tube screamer, pretty sure of that. :icon_wink:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: duck_arse on March 13, 2016, 09:44:57 AM
I'd bank on more parts on copper side, besides the pots. but intriguing [sp] as is.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 13, 2016, 09:47:21 AM
i have a feeling benji will have to pull it out to settle this mystery.. :)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on March 14, 2016, 08:06:33 PM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/Mobile%20Uploads/20160314_171733_zps6pkbhgb2.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160314_171733_zps6pkbhgb2.jpg.html)

Well there are a couple tiny things on top.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on March 14, 2016, 08:22:31 PM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/Mobile%20Uploads/20160314_171745_zpsp3sk7pi1.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160314_171745_zpsp3sk7pi1.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on March 14, 2016, 08:32:20 PM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/Mobile%20Uploads/20160314_171727_zpstsjipm2e.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160314_171727_zpstsjipm2e.jpg.html)
Has Wat printed on PCB and front of case, Zum Versterke at input, and Klampf Do Nol! On output. Tried German to english but Google wouldn't play nice.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: PRR on March 14, 2016, 09:04:16 PM
> a couple tiny things on top.

Resistors. "103" is I think 10K (10,000).

> Zum Versterke

Verstarker is Amplifier. "Zum" seems to be "To the".
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Maik on March 14, 2016, 10:01:10 PM
PRR is right
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on March 14, 2016, 10:25:36 PM
Think I will skip trying to breadboard this in front of the spit.
I jammed for a while with it in front of the SF yesterday and
I could not get it to sound like I did that time before. Not to mention That even with the Gain all the way down I can still hear noise. Click it off and the room is dead silent. This is with the Spitfire running wide open with Gain to the max!
If I don't hit a string......there is no sound. This is with 2 half stacks cranked up almost half way. The Spit amazed me once again.!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 15, 2016, 05:43:30 AM
aha....smd stuff....thats a mad build...

have you breaded up a tube screamer?...i will when i get a mo...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Ben Lyman on March 15, 2016, 09:52:16 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on March 15, 2016, 05:43:30 AM
...a tube screamer?...
Don't drink the Kool-Aid... an SD-1 is better...  :icon_mrgreen:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on March 15, 2016, 02:54:29 PM
I've got to get back to finishing the graphics!  Been putting it off to finish pedal board and looper. I've been reading up on waterslide and it sounds like a pain in the butt. Would it be possible to flip image , laser print on label sticker paper backing,  and iron on enclosure like when etching a pcb? Then clear coat it. Has anyone ever tried this? I have to do something similar so that i can get the eye holes drilled out and in the shape of the skull sockets. Then acitone it off so i can fill in the holes with resin.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on March 15, 2016, 10:44:56 PM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/Mobile%20Uploads/20160315_205814_zpsa4ucnicp.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160315_205814_zpsa4ucnicp.jpg.html)
NAILED IT!  ;D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: duck_arse on March 16, 2016, 10:05:14 AM
?sdrawkcab ti delian uoy evah
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: chuckd666 on March 16, 2016, 10:16:33 AM
tbh that looks cooler than 'proper' artwork.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on March 16, 2016, 11:34:20 AM
It's a Picaso.  Lol
Well, waterslide it is then. :icon_cry:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on March 22, 2016, 01:41:52 PM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/Mobile%20Uploads/20160322_051806_zpszyxswkg2.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160322_051806_zpszyxswkg2.jpg.html)

Picasso had to get Acetoned.
New aproach:
1 - use regular ink jet sticker paper as a template
2 - exact knife holes out for light windows
3 - mark holes with sharpie (looks wicked so far)
4 - use drimmel with fine tip cutting bit to carve out holes
5 -  pop the top off a 40 oz malt liquor
6 - get drunk as f@*$!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 22, 2016, 01:43:06 PM
i'll do number 6 for ya... :P
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Hatredman on April 04, 2016, 06:24:46 PM
Don't know if I missed something, but it's 39 pages of this amazing pedal from Rob's and I didn't see one single mention to this as an artwork:

http://tinyurl.com/hztjvlm
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on April 04, 2016, 11:27:20 PM
That is a grat idea. Wish you would have posted that before I got so far into my skull design. Green fighter plane metal with rivets, battle worn star decal, and some bullet holes!
That would be sweet. Couple marks on side for kills. Maybe powder burn marks on jacks to look like gun barrels.  8)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on April 04, 2016, 11:33:09 PM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/Mobile%20Uploads/20160404_220654_zps65uw6ohi.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160404_220654_zps65uw6ohi.jpg.html)

Had to redo the graphics a bit. Someone mentioned earlier about my switch orientation being to close to bottom edge and they were right. Had to go back and do alot of photo editing. If I had time I would go back and see who it was so I could give you the credit you deserve. Anyway I put clear box tape on inside of encloser and the filled in wholes with epoxy.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on April 04, 2016, 11:36:16 PM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/Mobile%20Uploads/20160404_170058_zpsxqshqnju.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160404_170058_zpsxqshqnju.jpg.html)

Ta da! Windows. Hard as glass. Looks a little goofy like a retarded jack o lantern but in the end it's only to let the light through. We won't see it. I hope.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on April 04, 2016, 11:37:51 PM
Metal Necronomicon? Lol
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on April 04, 2016, 11:39:41 PM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/Mobile%20Uploads/20160404_215556_zpsyasprrjy.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160404_215556_zpsyasprrjy.jpg.html)

Still need 2 more LED'S for nose n mouth.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on April 04, 2016, 11:41:42 PM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/Mobile%20Uploads/20160404_215714_zpsp5ldpueg.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160404_215714_zpsp5ldpueg.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on April 04, 2016, 11:43:09 PM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/Mobile%20Uploads/20160404_215743_zps2br8igql.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160404_215743_zps2br8igql.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on April 04, 2016, 11:45:55 PM
And that's all I have for now.
Have to call it a night.
This beer isn't gonna drink It self. :icon_twisted:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: stallik on April 05, 2016, 01:49:49 AM
Quote
Still need 2 more LED'S for nose n mouth.

Not sure you do. Personally, I like the fact the eyes are brighter than the nose and mouth. Extra LEDs might be overkill.
Also, is the image you're showing the final print or a positioning proof? The blacks look a little weak. The effect will look much better with a higher quality print.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: bluebunny on April 05, 2016, 02:58:59 AM
Quote from: Hatredman on April 04, 2016, 06:24:46 PM
Don't know if I missed something, but it's 39 pages of this amazing pedal from Rob's and I didn't see one single mention to this as an artwork:

http://tinyurl.com/hztjvlm

Ahem.

(http://www.bouron.org.uk/marc/spit155.JPG)   :)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 05, 2016, 08:01:34 AM
yeah im with kev on the leds....looks cool as it is man...

nice...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: duck_arse on April 05, 2016, 10:59:46 AM
also - Ahem. it's only 10 pages back .....

http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=94608.msg1019539#msg1019539

[also: also, googoo in opera on linux is busted again, but this link - http://tinyurl.com/hztjvlm - shows 2 images of the same australian (RG-V) liveried example.]
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on April 05, 2016, 02:08:48 PM
I think you guys maybe right about over kill on the leds. What I had planned was to make the nose and mouth light up when switched from classic to modern. I might still do that but with just enough light to give them a little glow.

The print I am very disappointed in. It was decently dark on regular paper but it printed extremely light on Testers white waterslide paper. That print I will be using as a practice run sense it is my first time doing decals. Then I'll acitone it all off and put a good print on.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on April 05, 2016, 02:26:30 PM
I really wanted to make the leds pulse fade when switched but that requires a 555 timer and a 1000 uf cap and there's not enough room in a 1590b. Well maybe if the board is in 2 pieces jumpered on sides of 3dpt but that's just too much. Or is it?

Going to try something when I finish boxing this one. I'm going to run a Spitfire at the end on my fx chain after everything and all but have one in front of each amp.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on April 05, 2016, 03:07:34 PM
Just tested that with spit on one side and ds-1 on other. It added a nice layered fullness to the sound. Only problem is distortion will destroy any effect before it. I did put the ds-1 before the Spitty on low and it gave it a nice boost.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: bluebunny on April 05, 2016, 04:23:44 PM
Quote from: BoogiemanX on April 05, 2016, 02:08:48 PM
What I had planned was to make the nose and mouth light up when switched from classic to modern.

If you have spare switch poles, switch LED colours.  Or switch on an extra blue or green one in the box and have a bit of colour mixing going on.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on April 05, 2016, 11:31:25 PM
Yeah i considered switching to blue. Like "fire n ice".
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 06, 2016, 04:59:33 AM
step aside from the 555 and slowly walk away......

tick tick tick tick tick....
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on April 06, 2016, 08:27:47 AM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-04-06%2007.03.05_zpsepsnrzmd.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-04-06%2007.03.05_zpsepsnrzmd.jpg.html)

Water slide going to take some practice.  Got alot of tiny wrinkles when it curled up in water.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on April 06, 2016, 08:32:19 AM
(http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah5/BoogiemanXL/Mobile%20Uploads/20160405_222222_zpslr9ulpti.jpg) (http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/BoogiemanXL/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160405_222222_zpslr9ulpti.jpg.html)

This is actually a flash light but switching between red and white might work.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on May 19, 2016, 09:18:42 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on April 06, 2016, 04:59:33 AM
step aside from the 555 and slowly walk away......

tick tick tick tick tick....

I wonder if that could be solved with a pulsing circuit?

Like this one:
http://www.555-timer-circuits.com/up-down-fading-led.html

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on May 19, 2016, 09:29:58 AM
IIRC boogie was talking about 'fading leds'

i would go with an opamp lfo , rather than a 555 time bomb  ;D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on May 19, 2016, 09:53:12 AM
anyway....

here is the V8.... :icon_twisted:..its been on my breadboard since last year
but been busy with other stuff...

its a hybrid of the spitfirev3 and using a somewhat modded
active stack of the triple wreck....plenty of adjustment.. 8)

get ya breadboards out...enjoy.  :icon_twisted: :icon_twisted: :icon_twisted:

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7464107/V8.png)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on May 19, 2016, 10:13:20 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on May 19, 2016, 09:29:58 AM
IIRC boogie was talking about 'fading leds'

i would go with an opamp lfo , rather than a 555 time bomb  ;D

If the 555 had been called the 666 I bet you'd reverse your argument  :icon_mrgreen:

You could build this on a breadboard and hook it up to the 9V on the pedal and see what happens, six components should be quick. I could too, but I've no work space right now (filled with stuff and electricity disconnected, the stuff will go away soon but the power situation will be tougher to fix).
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: stallik on May 19, 2016, 03:57:35 PM
Version 8? :icon_eek:
I'm still on version 1!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on May 19, 2016, 04:01:04 PM
v8 just sounded better...vrooooom.... ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: stallik on May 19, 2016, 04:10:22 PM
Guess I'll wait for the v12 - should sound like a real Merlin
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: bluebunny on May 20, 2016, 02:36:05 AM
Quote from: stallik on May 19, 2016, 03:57:35 PM
Version 8? :icon_eek:

...and we're only on page 40.   ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on May 20, 2016, 09:27:17 AM
is meyo back?... :icon_surprised:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: blackieNYC on May 20, 2016, 09:53:23 AM
When is One and Only Son v2 coming out?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: duck_arse on May 20, 2016, 10:59:32 AM
Quote from: blackieNYC on May 20, 2016, 09:53:23 AM
When is One and Only Son v2 coming out?

why, is he gay?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: blackieNYC on May 20, 2016, 01:18:11 PM
Some folks will consider that quite an upgrade.

There are no atheists in foxholes, and at electronic workbenches. The kids hear my oaths and prayers every night.

Enough of my hijacking. V11 above, yall. Been waiting for this.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Ben Lyman on May 20, 2016, 02:36:49 PM
I'm just very happy to finally find a schematic in this thread... been searching through it for months!  ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: slashandburn on June 29, 2016, 04:49:23 AM
Oh my. I finally got around to boxing this thing up. (V3!  If my neighbours weren't already awake, they are now.

This is one really nice distortion pedal. Thanks Rob! I'd been planning on giving this to a friend when it was finished. Wish I'd built two now!

(http://i.imgur.com/EepyjJP.jpg)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on June 29, 2016, 05:27:30 AM
cool....looks great.  8)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: rutabaga bob on June 29, 2016, 12:26:46 PM
So, Mr. Rob... when will one of your fabulous layouts arrive for this?   :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on June 29, 2016, 02:30:57 PM
im working on it.... ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: rutabaga bob on June 29, 2016, 03:19:37 PM
Cool!  Can't wait to see it!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: BoogiemanX on July 19, 2016, 02:06:09 PM
Any sounds clips?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on July 20, 2016, 08:45:09 AM
it should be roughly the same as this demo.

http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=94608.msg1028233#msg1028233


will dig it out later and test again...
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: mboratto on August 22, 2016, 02:26:34 PM
Is there a way to take off the original tone knob? i am interested on experiment a baxandall on it. Oh forget! I´ve seen you did a lot more on V12!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on August 31, 2016, 06:45:42 PM
well i finally got around to it,  ::)

ordered up the boards for the ''SAPPHIRE'' (which i just saw a pedal called sapphire drive) so that'll change  :icon_rolleyes:....anyway..

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7464107/WAVES%20FOR%20PELLE/sapphire.jpg)

cant wait to get this off my breadboards and built...awesome distortion

3 switches for different EQ / tones..

active EQ/BMT..

ive been playing it through the clean channel of my marshall AVT275

and its pretty damn good!!!  modern/vintage/ and a nice open overdrive too...

very versatile... 8) 8) 8)

:icon_twisted: :icon_twisted: :icon_twisted:

now to plan out my box etch while i wait... ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: stringsthings on August 31, 2016, 10:06:51 PM
Looking good.  I'm finally getting around to building my faze filter.  Started doing some enclosure etches
and made a nice reverse etch for the "fazex".
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on September 15, 2016, 07:33:37 AM
got my 'black' pcb's in....they look gorgeous in black n silver..very cool.

awesome.....soldering iron out... 8)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: slashandburn on November 02, 2016, 10:21:57 PM
Still adore this pedal.  I've just had a fairly short lived Sonic Titan phase but I'm looking forward to getting to play around with the spirfire again since i left the bugger at rehearsal and havent had it around.

I'm also now looking back and forward between a box i just etched for a Dr Boogie, and your v8 schematic and thinking something subconcious must have been going on. Art work is by an Austrian dude called Peter Kramer, I just added the skull.  Mad.   

(https://s13.postimg.org/wnk2ut57n/IMAG0642.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/wnk2ut57n/)

Besides that pesky "presence" control (actually, its barely legibly, should be easy enough to obscure) this box seems (unintentionally) almost tailor made for me to make that spare Spitfire I've been after!

As an aside, and I'm probably just being dim here, but people are talking your V12,  I can only seem to find your v8. No big deal.  The v3 was great.  Was there one that suited low tunings better or did I imagine that?

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 03, 2016, 04:35:46 AM
Hi man, the v12 is coming soon....just a few final tweaks...

it will be a 6 pot,  1 toggle pedal.....

love the etch... 8)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: duck_arse on November 03, 2016, 09:27:00 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on November 03, 2016, 04:35:46 AM
it will be a 6 pot,  1 toggle pedal.....

.... 32 pages .... and a led.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: stallik on November 03, 2016, 09:50:27 AM
And an etch
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 03, 2016, 10:19:58 AM
you bstds..i'm too embarrassed to even start a new thread nowadays... :icon_redface:

i'm being persecuted.... :icon_frown:

i'm telling aron, na nah na nah nah.......he'll give you a good telling off   :icon_smile:




Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: slashandburn on November 03, 2016, 01:31:10 PM
I really hope you don't surf (comets?). That would be seriously creepy.  Would make me seriously creepy, at least.  The 6th pot doesn't happen to be a presence control by any chance?

Looking forward to playing with it whenever you have it done anyway. I'm sensing some mild impatience regarding the dev. of this pedal so I'll shut up now and let you get on with it.

As an aside. "6 Pots, One Toggle" sounds like the name of one of those viral videos you're always going to wish you hadn't watched.   
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 03, 2016, 01:37:17 PM
nope not a pres....

more of a 'voice hi/lo.....could be interpreted as that if you like.. ;D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: slashandburn on November 03, 2016, 02:29:16 PM
Ah no worries.  I'll tell people it says "prosence" and then mumble something about it being highly technical and hard to explain.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 03, 2016, 02:32:43 PM
yep, that should work... ;D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: bluebunny on November 04, 2016, 04:23:13 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on November 03, 2016, 10:19:58 AM
you bstds..i'm too embarrassed to even start a new thread nowadays... :icon_redface:

i'm being persecuted.... :icon_frown:

i'm telling aron, na nah na nah nah.......he'll give you a good telling off   :icon_smile:

We love ya really, Rob.   ;D

It's just that some of us old folks need a nap part-way through your (invariably very interesting) project threads.   ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on November 04, 2016, 04:26:35 AM
Haha i know......me too.. ;)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Perrow on November 11, 2016, 05:59:06 PM
Quote from: bluebunny on November 04, 2016, 04:23:13 AM
Quote from: deadastronaut on November 03, 2016, 10:19:58 AM
you bstds..i'm too embarrassed to even start a new thread nowadays... :icon_redface:

i'm being persecuted.... :icon_frown:

i'm telling aron, na nah na nah nah.......he'll give you a good telling off   :icon_smile:

We love ya really, Rob.   ;D

It's just that some of us old folks need a nap part-way through your (invariably very interesting) project threads.   ;)

I forgot my reading glasses at home but if feels like I would agree with you if I could read the text.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 03, 2017, 10:45:30 AM
hi guys, happy new year,

ive decided to buy a small Kustom KGA10FX amp, so i can test using my marshall

and a small amp, i just got one for 20 quid..bargain 8). should arrive by friday hopefully,

ive still got my project on breadboard, (after a year or so ::))and have designed a pcb for it, i just want to test

a little more in both amps for 'ear' reference purposes...

should be good,

5 pots, 2 switches, 

gain, bass, mid, treb, vol  /  modern/classic  ,   and added ass/sym clipping switch

i added the clipping to the fet drive as it has a nice compression, which is very cool
for recording etc, and adds a little bite too....its rather nice. :icon_twisted:

back soon.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: Cozybuilder on January 03, 2017, 11:49:49 AM
Can I exhale now?
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on January 03, 2017, 11:54:06 AM
no.... ;D
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: slashandburn on April 28, 2017, 05:11:54 PM
*BUMP*   

My v3 keeps getting left at practice and this is still by a Heavy-Metal mile my favourite distortion pedal. So In lieu of hanging around aimlessly waiting on v13 or whatever number we're up to now, I'm throwing together another one of these to keep around the house. Board is almost populated, I'm just short on c8 (assuming I've got the numbering right, its the 470nF cap) , and I'm wondering about options for a replacment.   If I look hard enough I think I might have a polarised one of that value, but it could take me hours to locate and theres every chance I've imagined having seen one in my misc parts bin in the first place. Neither do I like the idea of using 5x 100nF in parallel. I guess I could get away with using two 1uf caps in series, but it'll look a bit messy......

How far in either direction from 470nF am I likely to be able to go before seriously affecting the sound of this?    Apologies for the absolutely arse of a question.  I could socket it, but that would rob me of both the chance to procrastinate and the opportunity to nag Rob about the newest iteration.


Ignore all that. I managed to fit two 1uF's in parallel quite neatly onto the board.

The links for the v3 are down also, btw.  I'm taking this as a hopeful sign that we could be in for a treat soon?

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on April 28, 2017, 06:00:40 PM
hi iain,

yep dropbox decided to f... me over on my 'public' folder...its a royal pain in the ass..and bites me every other day.. :icon_rolleyes:

go for a socket as you mentioned, and try a 1uf....

v13,000,000,001 is still on breadboard..

been trying lots of different EQ's...just not settled on any as yet... 8)



Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: slashandburn on April 28, 2017, 07:03:01 PM
All sorted now man, cheers!

Quote from: deadastronaut on April 28, 2017, 06:00:40 PM
been trying lots of different EQ's...just not settled on any as yet... 8)

Glad you're not rushing it. Hope I'm not sounding too impatient!    Hey as an aside, have you seen/heard the (Jeff Water's endorsed) Devil Drive?  I was flicking through Annihilator video's on youtube and stumbled upon it, reminded me a bit of your v3 (not that implying anything untoward).   Probably nothing more than the pot+switch layout and the British sound, I dunno. I've always found your Spitfire suited those trademark Water's licks to a T.  Thoroughly Metal but with a Bluesy kinda snap to the crunch.

Edit: f*cksticks! It would appear I'm all out of J201's. Could've sworn I had a stash of them.  Expect this one to be lost in the "nearly finished" drawer.
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: KarenColumbo on August 30, 2017, 01:35:09 PM
Would it be possible to post a schematic? Dropbox and other image servers f%&/(% us over recently :( I'm in the middle of tinkering with the brown sound, I would love to have a look at it from an Astronaut's view :)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on August 31, 2017, 06:32:05 AM
Hi andreas, there is a schematic in my gallery...look for robert henry.

8)
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: KarenColumbo on September 01, 2017, 02:27:33 AM
Ha! Found it! Thank you, Sir!
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: stallik on March 07, 2018, 04:27:31 AM
Long been a fan of the Spitfire. Built a little valve amp that I wanted to work well with the spitty. It does, but it's much better with a Celestion vintage 30. Checked my other amps and the same holds true. My other speakers give an unattractive high end fizz which is clearly rolled off by the vintage 30
Must be down to my personal preferences( ears) but thought I'd mention it
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on March 07, 2018, 04:30:16 AM
Cool...will there be a pic of the amp?..
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: stallik on March 07, 2018, 09:30:39 AM
Yes, when it's completely. Now decided on the speaker, got to build the cab....
Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: deadastronaut on August 19, 2021, 12:26:07 PM
hi guys, memeber VIVEK asked me if i could repost the spitfire...

here you go,  plus bells n whistles added version.  ;)...  8) 8) 8)

(https://i.postimg.cc/RWpw6ccG/spitfirebellsnwhistles.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RWpw6ccG)

(https://i.postimg.cc/nssBvC2x/spitfirev3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nssBvC2x)

Title: Re: 'SPITFIRE' Metal 'n' Blues Pedal...
Post by: bluebunny on August 19, 2021, 04:56:22 PM
Wow!  Ten years old!   :icon_cool:   I was running around in shorts, it was that long ago!

.
.
.

What am I saying?  I've been in shorts since last March...   :icon_rolleyes: