Is there an effect that will run off an AA battery?

[lightningfingers]

:?:  :?:  :?:

Just curious, and trying to see how small an effect I can actually build.

Yeah I know, im wierd :wink:

[zener]

http://bryant02.home.att.net/schematics/fz1a.gif

[ExpAnonColin]

Remember, button cells are 1.5v too

-Colin

[Tim Escobedo]

I've had some success running a 74HCU04 off 1.5V. I'm not sure they're spec'd down to that voltage, however.

A couple simple transistor fuzzes will do it, too.

[guitarhacknoise]

there is also the cool, yet un-noticed ta-28 by heathkit. i think it sounds killer, but....
     http://www.muzique.com/schem/heathkit.gif
i have an original, and a home jobber, and actually the home-made version is a touch bit better!  ( a nice little pat on the back!)
   

       -i had to edit to put the correct location.  :roll:

[brett]

You could make a variety of circuits based on Ge transistors (they only need 0.3V to turn on and can work fine with less than 1V).  A fuzzface might be possible.  Just make the collector resistors much smaller.  e.g. the 33k resistor might become about 2k.  

FETs are worth a look.  Some turn on at -1V.  The common discrete MOSFETs (BS170, 2N7000) turn on at about 3V, so they aren't much use, but I'm sure that specialist MOSFETS are available that would turn on with just a whiff of voltage.  Regular Si BJT transistors need 0.7V to turn on, so you're skating on thin ice if you try them.  Probably better to use something based on germanium (like the FZ-1a).

have fun

[javacody]

where do you find the 2n2613? Or can I use any Ge transistor?

[gez]

where do you find the 2n2613? Or can I use any Ge transistor?

I've used mixtures of Ge trannies in different Maestros, it's not that critical.  What is more important is leakage.  Here's a thread from the other week with all the info you need:

http://diystompboxes.com/sboxforum/viewtopic.php?t=21909&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0