Hi all,

Just to start with: this is a great site and I have learnt loads already (and remembered lots too!). I did study electronics a few years ago, but gave up after discovering alcohol etc

Anyway, I have been wanting to build pedals for years, but only recently come across info on the net. Anderton's EPFM is on its way from Amazon.

I want to start soon on the booster in the beginners' section.

In the meantime, I have some questions...

Does anyone have any experience of supply companies in the UK? Any problems obtaining transistors etc? How 'bout SmallbearElec over the atlatic? I have been browsing maplin's site, any good?

Plus, more of a specialized problem. I have a DOD FX-53 Classic Tube that does not work. Ok, it's not the greatest but the only one I have (I am saving to buy a proper amp). the only problem is that wires have snapped off the PCB and LED. i would solder them back but I do not know which wire should go where. i found a schematic of the pedal, and i can understand it, but it seems that the IP and OP are opposite on the diagram and on my pedal, ie where it says Vout on the schematic, it goes in on the pedal. I would be grateful if someone who already has this could help. I can supply a pic of the damage if need be.

Thanks in advance, and to Aron for the site.

Cheers,

Mei

Steve Smallbear is super fantastic. Incredibly nice guy. He doesn't have the turnaround of a huge company like mouser, but it looks like that is going to dramatically improve in a couple of weeks (quitting his day job). Definitely buy from Smallbear.

Chances are, on the PCB it will have labled, with silk screen, which wire goes where.  Otherwise, you could try doing it by the schematic, what's the troubles with that?

I also supply parts here and there, and I'd be happy to ship over the atlantic.

Good luck!  Be sure to give EPFM a thorough reading and ask any questions if you have them...

-Colin

The copy of Everyday Practical Electronics I have nearby lists a bunch of parts suppliers in the UK, amongst them:
http://www.esr.co.uk (no minimum order, handle small orders)
http://www.bardwells.co.uk (have things like 20x2N3904s for UKP1)

If you buy parts in lots of 20 or 50 each time, soon you'll have a good 'stock' of common parts that can be used instantly without having to plan and order.

EPE also start another 'teach in' series with the Nov 2003 issue, well worth getting just for this alone!

Mike

Mike

Welcome Mei,

It seems like using Small Bear for a supplier is almost a religion in the DIY world. Steve will not only give you one stop shopping with good prices, but he'll also work as an export agent to get whatever he doesn't directly stock from other vendors.

Any pics you can post for repairs are very helpful. I've never seen the inside of an FX-53, but given the schematic and pics I'm sure several people here could come up with an answer.

Take care,
-Peter

Quote from: meigwilI did study electronics a few years ago, but gave up after discovering alcohol etc

Welsh men and beer...now that's an unusual combination! :wink:

ESR are an excellent company.  Usually next day delivery, well stocked and cheap!  The only thing you have to watch out for is on the rare occasions when something isn't in, they'll send the rest of your order out with the remaining item to follow so you end up paying two loads of postage.  In the past I've been charged full postage for a couple of caps costing pennies!  Just tell them not to send anything not in stock (unless it's vital).

Maplin are useless.  I've ordered stuff, the credit card details go through then, after phoning round for a few days trying to find out where my order is, I get told they don't stock it anymore.  You end up with a credit note.  They over-charge on everything.  Oh dear I feel a rant coming on!

This place has an excellent catalogue, but I've yet to try them.  I think Bill F uses them so they should be reliable.

http://www.rapidelectronics.co.uk/products_pdfcat.htm

P.S. ESR sell quite a bit of stuff that isn't in the catalogue so phone and ask.  For example, they sell stomp switches (specify latching) and they cost less than the Maplin ones.