Dance Electra Debugging

[DaKurt]

yepp, that's a real problem, that they cost so much

Do I need 3DPT or can I also use DPDT switches?
And I really can't find these footswitches here, where I live. Also the biggest company, Conrad Electronics doesn't have them. That sucks...

[smoguzbenjamin]

Well, a 3PDT will let you switch the LED mechanically, that's a lot simpler, and usually isn't that much more expensive to buy a 3PDT. My local man only sells DPDT footswitches, and I use a millenium type LED switch

[GuitarLord5000]

So how would I go about reducing the amplification range of my tranny?  If im not mistaken, my resistor on my emitter is still above the recommended range of 680 ohms recommended for this circuit.  I dunno.  Im going to the Shack today and I'm gonna buy some 680 ohm resistors and a frigging breadboard so that I dont run into these problems again.  I've ruined 2 small perfboards (and I really like those small radio shack perfboards    ) and a slew of good components in the past couple of days because of projects that dont come out right.  Hell, Im still having problems with my Big Daddy from runoffgroove!  I think i might have a problem of incorrect biasing on that one too.

[smoguzbenjamin]

The amplification range is fixed as the trannies' specs. Try a different transistor and make sure you got the pinout right!!!
A larger emitter resistor = less gain and it could misbias the transistor so yes, get a breadboard (very handy) and some 680 ohm resistors.

Sometimes, different parts make a big difference without your knowledge, but it's like saying "I baked a cake but I used salt instead of sugar, and now it tastes like crap! What the hell happened?"

[GuitarLord5000]

Yeah, I realize now how much a difference between something as seemingly insignifigant as a 10k and 15k resistor can be.  However, I enjoy the experimental aspect of my projects and with all the help on this site, Im really learning a LOT.  By socketing most everything on my circuits, I get a lot of variables that I can change to change the sound of it.  Currently, I've got this circuit sounding very Santana-esque!  Not a whole lot of distortion, but very clean sounding.  I appreciate all the info Ben.   I realized that I had a combination of problems and fixed them.  Now everything is okee dokee!

[aron]

Remember that you can use 2 or more resistors in serial (end to end) to get the desired resistance.

Use 2 or more if you can't find a certain resistor.

[smoguzbenjamin]

you're welcome guitarlord A circuit sometimes doesn't have 1 error, but 100's so it's hard to figure out. Have you got a DMM yet? Because that will seriously help you out with debugging.

[GuitarLord5000]

DMM= Digital Multi Meter?

If so, then not yet.  I plan to as soon as I figure out how to use one to help me.  It sure would be a BIG help if someone who had the time would post a generic tutorial on the Digital Multi Meter and its function concerning stompbox building.