I'm green and I need help

[ratt617]

I really want to start cloning my own pedals. I have never done anything like this before, but I am an electrical designer and I'm used to reading schematics and such. I just want to know which books I should buy first to get me started. I want to know which part of the circuit does what and also good techniques to use when handwiring my own circuits. I'd like to see some step by step examples of handwired projects. Does anybody have any advice or directions to the best books I can start reading? Thanks so much.

[twabelljr]

Read throught this whole site http://www.geofex.com/, and this one : http://www.muzique.com/ Esp. the Lab Notebook section. Then look at the beginner projects here for build tutorials. Then click the links tab above and explore. Many have great perfboard tutorials like ROG ans Small Bear just to mention a couple. Geofex should keep you busy for a few days!! Welcome and enjoy. You will be hooked soon.

[petemoore]

 Smallbear is geared toward small signal beginner/pro, prototype/production, a good site for you to visit.
 Just reading, lookin' up on the big G for info, doubling the page count [ie one page to explain the other page...].
 This Page:
 
 http://geofex.com/Article_Folders/Power-supplies/powersup.htm

 distinguishing AC from DC, then figuring out what capacitors do when AC tries to go through them [imepedance increases as frequency decreases], then figureing out what capacitors do to DC: they Block DC [check voltage applied Vs. cap voltage rating].
 

[flintstoned]

Check out Brian wamplers indyguitarist web site. There's a book that breaks down some distortion  circuits.

[ratt617]

Thank y'all so much for your time and help. The people on this forum seem to be very giving people, and don't have a problem sharing their knowledge. I'll look into all that was mentioned.

[Solidhex]

In the mean time get a kit and build either a Rangemaster or another simple booster. It will get you acquainted with the physical process of constructing a pedal without getting hung up on over complicated outboard wiring or ordering parts...

[ratt617]

I really like the Wampler talent booster. The name kinda fits too. Maybe I can boost my talent in cloning pedals. Does anybody have a schematic for that one. I would really like a boost pedal with just a little dirt and a 3-way togle for Bass-mid-treble. Do you think this would be too much for me on my first project. I figure if I am going to try to make something it might as well be something I need. What do y'all think?

[Hides-His-Eyes]

I honestly think the first thing you build should be something that has a guide, not just a schematic. When schematics are drawn a huge amount of prior knowledge is assumed, about offboard wiring, layouts, switching mechanisms...

Start with a beginner project that has information about where the wires physically (not just schematically) go, and that tells you the right parts to buy (my usual supplier has perhaps 10-20 types of capacitor for any given value; farnell or RS might have 100. Not all are suitable)

It's like riding a bike I guess; you're asking if you can go straight in without the training wheels, but I'm advising you to have a go with them on first so you can get used to the pedals, the steering etc. before you need to worry about the balancing.

[ratt617]

I got ya. I agree. How about the BYOC Triboost? Is this something I could conquer? It comes with the board, instructions and all of the parts. What do y'all think? That is definitly a pedal I could use too.

[Thomeeque]

How about the BYOC Triboost? Is this something I could conquer? - Why wouldn't you? Did not you said that you are electrical designer? You should be able to start at much higher level.. What pedal would you *really* love to have first?

Amount of gained knowledge will be proportional to the complexity and count of troubles you will defeat.. BYOC Triboost kit may be good school for somebody who never used soldering iron before, but if you have build already something before, this will be just piece of cake and you won't learn much..

T.

[Hides-His-Eyes]

I think that's a good idea. BYOC typically offer good stuff. Just make sure it's one or two to get you going, not every time; otherwise it becomes a very expensive hobby

[ratt617]

This will be my first build. I've soldered pickups in my guitars and changed out pots, but I've never done any circuits before. I am a electrical (control systems) designer for a chemical plant and all we do is produce wiring packages for electricians to install field instrumentation. I am usually dealing with 24V wiring and not circuitboards. most of the symbols on the schematics are not familiar to me. I know what a resister, capacitor, diode, ground, etc. look like, but the other stuff is kind of foreign. I also don't know what effects the different resistors and stuff have on the guitar tone. That is all of the stuff I will need to learn. Thanks for the help fellas, I'll try the triboost first to get my feet wet and learn the procedure.

[Mark Hammer]

This page has some documents worth reading.  They can get a little involved at times, but there is some good stuff to chew on in there.  http://www.moosapotamus.net/IDEAS/stompboxology/stompboxology.html

[Joe Hart]

This is for a specific pedal (DOD 250), but many people have found it helpful. Hope it helps you!

http://www.rabbathrecordings.com/DOD250.htm

-Joe Hart