Hello,
I just have one goal and that is to Learn and Build my own pedal someday.
Pls do help me and tell me where i can find information.any books or tips where to start will be a good help for me....thanks to everyone and to the owner of this site. Glad i found it today. \m/
Welcome!
Try reading through the project described on the Beginner Project board here: http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?board=6.0
There are also a couple FAQ links above.
Welcome and one day you will build your own pedal.
As Eric points out start small would be my advice too if your new to electronics.
Dive right in make some mistakes. Learn from the guys here. They're amazing.
I started from Xmas 12 and have since developed some projects that are not unique but I can call them my own.
I'm proud of what I have achieved with the help of some guys. Some will comment in threads, some in pm's quietly schooling and asking questions that will lead you to where you need to be.
Some with drawings and sound files. Some don't say much.
Amazing day isn't it.
One transistor boost, op amp or Fet. Dive in.
I look forward to your first debug.
Rich
There are also kits you can buy that include all parts - can you solder well?
There are projects for breadboarding and assembling a simple build at smallbearelectronics.com
Tell us a little more Sinister (and welcome)...do you have your own digital multi-meter (DMM)? If so, what kind?
How about basic hand tools like wire strippers, 'side cutters' (wire cutters), small pliers, screwdrivers.....and a soldering iron (like 25W or so)?
If not, will you be able to get some basic stuff like that?
Blackie already asked if you can solder.
Any background in reading an electrical schematic? No worries if not. Any classes or reading about basic electronics?
You can learn as much (or as little...) on this site as you want! You're in the right place. There are no stupid questions.
+1 All comments above.
So what kind of music do you intend for your pedals?
Get a bread board and start experimenting with a fuzz type circuit.
Quote from: Sinister on May 25, 2017, 11:09:51 AM
...Learn and Build my own pedal someday.
Why not now? You probably feel a bit like you have entered a new universe; actually, the DIY pedal world started to form back in the '80s and really began solidifying in the late '90s. Much art and science have accumulated in those times and since. The residents here will help you to get off on the right foot and avoid BFS (Beginner Frustration Syndrome--Small Bearish neologism). Here's my Beginner FAQ:
http://diy.smallbearelec.com/HowTos/BeginnerArticle/BeginnerDos.htm
There are links in there to info and things you can find in my store, but the information is general and should be useful no matter where you are/where you shop.
Happy Construction!
Steve Daniels
Small Bear Electronics LLC
Wow! Im really greatful and So thank full for all the answers.didnt expect its gonna be that fast.
1. I just ordered all the tools that i need to start building pedals / except diy pedals
2. Ive been watching a lot on YouTube on how to solder and i think i can do it good in about a week of practice.
3. I dont know or No idea even on basics electronics.
4. Where or What books that i can get that Will help me to understand basics stuffs to begin with?
5. Im planning to build pedals that will suits to my t'aste someday. But of course for the moment i just want to learn how and move forward little by little.
Again i thanked you all and So greatful to find this site... \m/
4. How about Getting Started in Electronics by Forrest Mims?
Quote from: smallbearelec on May 25, 2017, 03:05:54 PM
Quote from: Sinister on May 25, 2017, 11:09:51 AM
...Learn and Build my own pedal someday.
Why not now? You probably feel a bit like you have entered a new universe; actually, the DIY pedal world started to form back in the '80s and really began solidifying in the late '90s. Much art and science have accumulated in those times and since. The residents here will help you to get off on the right foot and avoid BFS (Beginner Frustration Syndrome--Small Bearish neologism). Here's my Beginner FAQ:
Checked the site and would like to get a bread board from you but its out of stock in your site. Do you have new stocks now? Thanks!
http://diy.smallbearelec.com/HowTos/BeginnerArticle/BeginnerDos.htm
There are links in there to info and things you can find in my store, but the information is general and should be useful no matter where you are/where you shop.
Happy Construction!
Steve Daniels
Small Bear Electronics LLC
Kits are a good way to start, places like BYOC (build your own clone) and others offer full kits and step-by-step instructions. You don't have to understand the circuits, so you can get used to soldering and building while you are simultaneously learning basic electronics. If you want to pick your own enclosure and layout and drill your own holes, there are even more places that sell just the PCBs for popular circuits. Madbean, General Guitar Gadgets, Aion to name a few. A breadboard is a good suggestion too.
Welcome!
As some others have said, maybe build a few kits as a first step. That'll get you used to identifying components and soldering and so forth, and before you know it you'll be making a few mods to the kits. After that, it's a slippery slope!
There are many degrees of "building your own pedal", all the way from full kits complete with all the parts and a drilled enclosure, to bare PCBs that you have to populate and house yourself, through to designing the circuit yourself, doing a PCB layout, making a PCB, and *then* building it and housing it. You can choose where on this spectrum you enjoy being, and you don't have to stay in one place!
Personally, I don't particularly enjoy making PCBs or doing enclosures, so these days I tend to get circuit boards made professionally and I do the minimum for enclosures. Others here do some amazing hand-made or heavily customised enclosures, but that's not really my thing, although I appreciate their work. The fun bits for me are working on a new circuit and making it work. Similarly, you'll find areas you enjoy and other bits you're happier to let other people do - and that's all fine.
Tom
+1 on the kit recommendation for several reasons. It gives you easy access to the full process of building stuff, and gets you quicker to a result, good or bad. :icon_wink:
Tom more or less I just said everything I was thinking, except for one detail. Depending on your particular taste for parts and finishing styles, you will likely always spend more to build a pedal than you would to buy a surprisingly reasonable quality Chinese knock off of the same pedal. I personally find my builds hovering around $100 in cost much of the time, but some will be less. As long as you don't value your enjoyment and learning experience at $0, you could come out ahead every time. :icon_cool:
Quote from: EBK on May 25, 2017, 05:37:54 PM
4. How about Getting Started in Electronics by Forrest Mims?
Great book!
If one is resourceful, you may find it online! I found the old "Engineer's Mini Handbooks" by Mimms, didn't take that long on Google. Great little handbooks in PDF form you can DL and read, to get a better idea of how this works. There are also limitless "electronics tutorial" sites and vids on Youtube...the vids are great, check some out!
Don't feel pressured to learn 'all' electronics all at once, only as much as you can digest. Your own pace and all....
I would start with a really simple project. The reason I don't like "kits' in general (for beginners) are that people usually pick complicated projects that are plug in and play without really looking at the circuit.
The beginner project type of circuit is a good start. Be able to identify the parts and also be able to do simple soldering.
Quote from: aron on May 25, 2017, 07:48:48 PM
I would start with a really simple project. The reason I don't like "kits' in general (for beginners) are that people usually pick complicated projects that are plug in and play without really looking at the circuit.
The beginner project type of circuit is a good start. Be able to identify the parts and also be able to do simple soldering.
I mostly agree, Aron. That's why I pointed to your beginner's project first. :icon_wink:
However, the people who build from a kit might love that kind of build, and they might become inspired to try something more challenging or go more in depth afterward. Depends on the person. Then there's the entirely separate challenge of sourcing parts. Mouser stocks over 2,000 different 100nF capacitors....
Skip layouts, go from schematic to perf board.
Quote from: Sinister on May 25, 2017, 05:47:12 PM
Checked the site and would like to get a bread board from you but its out of stock in your site. Do you have new stocks now? Thanks!
The Idea Board Kit is in stock again, though it may be more than you need to start. Something as simple and inexpensive as this:
http://smallbear-electronics.mybigcommerce.com/breadboard-strip-with-power-bus-small/
will do for small circuits.
Quote from: smallbearelec on May 25, 2017, 10:31:55 PM
Quote from: Sinister on May 25, 2017, 05:47:12 PM
Checked the site and would like to get a bread board from you but its out of stock in your site. Do you have new stocks now? Thanks!
The Idea Board Kit is in stock again, though it may be more than you need to start. Something as simple and inexpensive as this:
http://smallbear-electronics.mybigcommerce.com/breadboard-strip-with-power-bus-small/
Thank you. Will start with this first ! What can you suggest me to start first? I dont have fuzz pedal on my board What you think?
will do for small circuits.
I recommend you start with a basic transistor booster, Aron's beginner project here: http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?board=6.0 (http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?board=6.0)
You can do it on breadboard, and if you want to, move it to perf to make it permanent.
I suggest this simple one to start up so you can get going, get some satisfaction without too much frustration, which might knock down your enthusiasm. Just a few parts that you can get from Smallbear (make sure to get extras, like 10 transistors, 5 of each capacitor, etc! You'll use 'em!).
You'll want to learn about the 1/4" jacks used with guitar circuits, and wire up a couple to use with the breadboard. And make some "jumpers" with alligator clips and wire to connect batteries and things. The small project will allow you to make these things as you go.
THEN I'd do a silicon fuzz! :)
Quote from: Sinister on May 26, 2017, 03:29:46 AM
Thank you. Will start with this first ! What can you suggest me to start first? I dont have fuzz pedal on my board What you think?
Why not start with this? Since you need a small breadboard anyway:
http://smallbear-electronics.mybigcommerce.com/breadboarding-the-fuzz-face/
Quote from: EBK on May 26, 2017, 08:41:21 AM
Quote from: Sinister on May 26, 2017, 03:29:46 AM
Thank you. Will start with this first ! What can you suggest me to start first? I dont have fuzz pedal on my board What you think?
Why not start with this? Since you need a small breadboard anyway:
http://smallbear-electronics.mybigcommerce.com/breadboarding-the-fuzz-face/
What you can suggest for me to order more like GibsonGM told me ( capasitors diodes etc ) dont know anything about it and dont want to make mistakes.something that i fan use in the future to upgrade stuffs. Im in France so would Love to save for shipping....thnx !
Quote from: Sinister on May 26, 2017, 03:07:04 PM
Quote from: EBK on May 26, 2017, 08:41:21 AM
Quote from: Sinister on May 26, 2017, 03:29:46 AM
Thank you. Will start with this first ! What can you suggest me to start first? I dont have fuzz pedal on my board What you think?
Why not start with this? Since you need a small breadboard anyway:
http://smallbear-electronics.mybigcommerce.com/breadboarding-the-fuzz-face/
What you can suggest for me to order more like GibsonGM told me ( capasitors diodes etc ) dont know anything about it and dont want to make mistakes.something that i fan use in the future to upgrade stuffs. Im in France so would Love to save for shipping....thnx !
That can be tricky....
Since you've never built anything like this before, I'd still suggest a kit to start with, just to make sure it is something you would enjoy doing again and again. Once you are talking about stocking up on components so that you can build just about anything, you are potentially talking about a bunch of money because, well, different circuits will need different parts. I'm very hesitant to give you expensive advice before you've even practiced soldering..... Perhaps someone else here is also from France, and they can help you with more local suppliers.
I suppose you could order from mouser.fr, but you may become overwhelmed quickly by having to choose among thousands of options (as I suggested earlier).
Maybe someone else can walk you through the joys and risks of purchasing stuff through Tayda to save money another way....
Ok, I will offer one tiny bit of component advice: Buy an assortment of 1/4 watt, 1% tolerance, metal film resistors.
Just my 2 cents here...
A good candidate for a first effect would be a fuzz or booster. They are usually simle enough and they are useful... so building something that you can use afterwards is very rewarding (My first "serious" effect was a rangemaster, but it was a pain to find a suitable transistor)
If you are not experienced in components, how to select and buy them I would start with a kit. You will save a lot of headaches and missing components. Another suggestion is try to avoid "generic" electronics stores (like mouser, etc...) until you are familiar with what you buy. The amount of options to choose can be really discouraging.
As you are in Europe, I would recommend Banzaimusic or Musikding to buy componetns. Musikding has a nice selection of kits, some of them quite simple and suitable for a beginner:
Boosters:
https://www.musikding.de/Booster_1 (https://www.musikding.de/Booster_1)
Fuzz:
https://www.musikding.de/Fuzz_4 (https://www.musikding.de/Fuzz_4)
If you order from here, take into account that by default they don't include enclosure, you will need to add it when placing the order (as an option to the kit). You can even ask for already pre-drilled enclosures if you don't feel comfortable with drilling.
Don't be too ambitious... there are chances that the first build will be suboptimal,.. so better pick a simple (and cheap) one.
Regards,
Mat
Hi I am in France too. Been here for 8 months. I order from tayda electronics. They are in thailand but they are cheap. you could order from www.bitsbox.co.uk Just check their postage. should not be too expensive.
I would suggest you build an LPB1. and I would also add some diodes to your order to get some distortion. All on breadboard. I'll give you more info later, I am on my phone right now.
Where are you based in France?
Quote from: feddozz on May 29, 2017, 11:34:51 AM
Hi I am in France too. Been here for 8 months. I order from tayda electronics. They are in thailand but they are cheap. you could order from www.bitsbox.co.uk Just check their postage. should not be too expensive.
I would suggest you build an LPB1. and I would also add some diodes to your order to get some distortion. All on breadboard. I'll give you more info later, I am on my phone right now.
Where are you based in France?
Hello there! Glad found someone in France in this group. I'm from Paris what about you? Can you pls tell me what to get coz I have no idea what diodes or capacitors are good? I'm new to this and would like to save shipping if I order all at once. Too bad there's no French stores for all of this stuffs. Thanks bro!
Hi
I am in the LYON area. I am not saying there are no French shops, I just do not know them. After all, I came to France only in September 2016. If you find a French online shop which is cheap let me know!!
I would buy the parts for both the LPB1 and the Bass Fuzz. Together (the boards) they will probably cost you less than the postage anyway. I'll give you some info on the bazz fuss.
The Bazz Fuss is a simple fuzz that need ONLY 5 components!! There are tons of info on the web on the bazz fuss. For example here: http://tonereport.com/blogs/do-it-yourself/your-first-diy-pedal-project-were-building-a-bazz-fuss
I suggest you buy a breadboard and try everything on breadboard first. The breadboard allows you to connect the components easily and non permanently. That means you can insert and remove a component quicker than I wrote it.
Plenty of choices: http://www.taydaelectronics.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=solder-less
I would suggest this one because it has the power and ground rail, very useful. http://www.taydaelectronics.com/400-point-solder-less-plug-in-breadboard-clear.html
Do not go ahead and try any foot switches! Although is what you finally want, do not try to go for an enclosure until your circuit works correctly. Breadboard first, Make your board after; Prove it works and only then move onto more complicated stuff.
Below a few info from the site above with added info. I know it may look difficult but TAYDA has a good search tool (top right) and on the left, the menus components are well organized.
For the circuit board, you're going to need the following parts:
- Resistor: 1/4 watt, metal film 10k Ohm. Look in the menus on the left. Resistors, ¼ W metal films resistors and pick the 10K ohm. Beware the difference between 10Ohm and 10K Ohm. You want 10K Ohm. This: http://www.taydaelectronics.com/resistors/1-4w-metal-film-resistors/10-x-resistor-10k-ohm-1-4w-1-metal-film-pkg-of-10.html
- Capacitors: 63-volt film capacitors, 470nF (also called 0.47uF) and 100nF (0.1uF). Capacitors (or caps) are a bit trickier, but don't get scared. Below are valuable options.
http://www.taydaelectronics.com/0-47uf-100v-5-mylar-film-capacitors.html
http://www.taydaelectronics.com/0-47uf-100v-5-polyester-film-box-type-capacitor.html
Look for the 100nF as well.
- Transistors: MPSA13 (a black silicon type known for very high gain). Put the "MPSA13" in the search box. This is a high gain. You can also try 2N5088, 2N3904. Look at the prices, they are very low. You may as well buy them all and see what you like best.
http://www.taydaelectronics.com/mpsa13-darlington-transistor-npn.html
- Diode:
BAT41 (for the curious, this is a "Shottkey" type, renowned for its low clipping threshold). Use the search box. You can also try the 1N4148
- Potentiometer: 100kA (The "A" is shorthand for logarithmic taper)
http://www.taydaelectronics.com/potentiometer-variable-resistors/rotary-potentiometer/logarithmic/100k-ohm-logarithmic-taper-potentiometer-with-solder-lugs.html
- Miscellaneous:
- 1x stripboard (sometimes sold under the brand name "Veroboard") cut and prepared according to the diagram http://www.taydaelectronics.com/small-stripboard-94x53mm-copper.html
- 2x 3x1 sockets, optional (these are sold in strips as SIP sockets, and you cut them to fit. These make for easy interchangeability between parts if you don't like the configuration I've specified. Because the circuit has so few parts, even the slightest parts changes yield big results.) This is used when you will solder your circuit board, it is like breadboard bits on your board.
- 2 x stereo sockets: http://www.taydaelectronics.com/6-35mm-1-4-stereo-chassis-socket-jack-4-terminals.html You will need to look on google how to connect these to your board
- 9V 9-Volt Battery Clip / Connector Snap if you want to power your board with a battery http://www.taydaelectronics.com/connectors-sockets/battery-connectors-holders/9v-9-volt-battery-clip-connector.html or http://www.taydaelectronics.com/dc-power-jack-2-1mm-enclosed-frame-with-switch-external.html if you have a 9V power supply unit.
All the rest is optional, at least for the moment. Enclosure, knobs http://www.taydaelectronics.com/hardware/knobs-8688.html ,
Here are the schematic and layout, first two images. On the layout you can see where the two caps go.
http://home-wrecker.com/bazz.html
You should also google for the way a breadoboard works.
There are loads of info in this post but is not all. I hope I did not make any mistakes. I'd be glad if other members could verify some of the info or suggestions.
Hope this helps
that's some nice work there, feddozz.
Quote from: duck_arse on June 01, 2017, 11:24:58 AM
that's some nice work there, feddozz.
Agreed, lots of good info for a noobie to look at and try out.
Mps13 is a Darlington
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
Mpsa13 is a Darlington
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
Doubletapatalk?
:icon_biggrin:
BTW, there's a 15% discount coupon at Tayda (http://www.taydaelectronics.com/) (expires on the 5th) if you want to take advantage and stock up. There's a sticky thread in the "Members Only" sub-forum, since they come up fairly frequently. This month's code is "APPLE".
Quote from: bluebunny on June 02, 2017, 02:37:06 AM
BTW, there's a 15% discount coupon ....This month's code is "APPLE".
Of course!! I meant to mention it but finally I forgot. I understand that stocking up is going to be a bit difficult for the op which is still getting his head around things.
Anyway, sinister don't get too influenced by the discount they come up fairly regularly. in fact all my orders went through with a discount. You just need a bit of patience.
Quote from: feddozz on June 01, 2017, 08:29:48 AM
Hi
I am in the LYON area. I am not saying there are no French shops, I just do not know them. After all, I came to France only in September 2016. If you find a French online shop which is cheap let me know!!
Wow thank you so much for all this !
I would buy the parts for both the LPB1 and the Bass Fuzz. Together (the boards) they will probably cost you less than the postage anyway. I'll give you some info on the bazz fuss.
The Bazz Fuss is a simple fuzz that need ONLY 5 components!! There are tons of info on the web on the bazz fuss. For example here: http://tonereport.com/blogs/do-it-yourself/your-first-diy-pedal-project-were-building-a-bazz-fuss
I suggest you buy a breadboard and try everything on breadboard first. The breadboard allows you to connect the components easily and non permanently. That means you can insert and remove a component quicker than I wrote it.
Plenty of choices: http://www.taydaelectronics.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=solder-less
I would suggest this one because it has the power and ground rail, very useful. http://www.taydaelectronics.com/400-point-solder-less-plug-in-breadboard-clear.html
Do not go ahead and try any foot switches! Although is what you finally want, do not try to go for an enclosure until your circuit works correctly. Breadboard first, Make your board after; Prove it works and only then move onto more complicated stuff.
Below a few info from the site above with added info. I know it may look difficult but TAYDA has a good search tool (top right) and on the left, the menus components are well organized.
For the circuit board, you're going to need the following parts:
- Resistor: 1/4 watt, metal film 10k Ohm. Look in the menus on the left. Resistors, ¼ W metal films resistors and pick the 10K ohm. Beware the difference between 10Ohm and 10K Ohm. You want 10K Ohm. This: http://www.taydaelectronics.com/resistors/1-4w-metal-film-resistors/10-x-resistor-10k-ohm-1-4w-1-metal-film-pkg-of-10.html
- Capacitors: 63-volt film capacitors, 470nF (also called 0.47uF) and 100nF (0.1uF). Capacitors (or caps) are a bit trickier, but don't get scared. Below are valuable options.
http://www.taydaelectronics.com/0-47uf-100v-5-mylar-film-capacitors.html
http://www.taydaelectronics.com/0-47uf-100v-5-polyester-film-box-type-capacitor.html
Look for the 100nF as well.
- Transistors: MPSA13 (a black silicon type known for very high gain). Put the "MPSA13" in the search box. This is a high gain. You can also try 2N5088, 2N3904. Look at the prices, they are very low. You may as well buy them all and see what you like best.
http://www.taydaelectronics.com/mpsa13-darlington-transistor-npn.html
- Diode:
BAT41 (for the curious, this is a "Shottkey" type, renowned for its low clipping threshold). Use the search box. You can also try the 1N4148
- Potentiometer: 100kA (The "A" is shorthand for logarithmic taper)
http://www.taydaelectronics.com/potentiometer-variable-resistors/rotary-potentiometer/logarithmic/100k-ohm-logarithmic-taper-potentiometer-with-solder-lugs.html
- Miscellaneous:
- 1x stripboard (sometimes sold under the brand name "Veroboard") cut and prepared according to the diagram http://www.taydaelectronics.com/small-stripboard-94x53mm-copper.html
- 2x 3x1 sockets, optional (these are sold in strips as SIP sockets, and you cut them to fit. These make for easy interchangeability between parts if you don't like the configuration I've specified. Because the circuit has so few parts, even the slightest parts changes yield big results.) This is used when you will solder your circuit board, it is like breadboard bits on your board.
- 2 x stereo sockets: http://www.taydaelectronics.com/6-35mm-1-4-stereo-chassis-socket-jack-4-terminals.html You will need to look on google how to connect these to your board
- 9V 9-Volt Battery Clip / Connector Snap if you want to power your board with a battery http://www.taydaelectronics.com/connectors-sockets/battery-connectors-holders/9v-9-volt-battery-clip-connector.html or http://www.taydaelectronics.com/dc-power-jack-2-1mm-enclosed-frame-with-switch-external.html if you have a 9V power supply unit.
All the rest is optional, at least for the moment. Enclosure, knobs http://www.taydaelectronics.com/hardware/knobs-8688.html ,
Here are the schematic and layout, first two images. On the layout you can see where the two caps go.
http://home-wrecker.com/bazz.html
You should also google for the way a breadoboard works.
There are loads of info in this post but is not all. I hope I did not make any mistakes. I'd be glad if other members could verify some of the info or suggestions.
Hope this helps
Don't know what to say or how to thank you guys.
so glad there are guys like you who's there willingly helping rookies like me.