designing pedals

[merlyner]

how does one design your own pedal?  like i've always wanted to know how certain componets effect your sound and the like.  any information would be greatly apreciated! thanks.

[niftydog]

Another can of worms opened.

Every now and then we get a question like this.  Or better yet "how do I read schematics?" or "what's the deal with electronics?" etc.

Compnonents affect your sound in very different ways depending on the circuit they are placed in. Knowing how to interpret circuits is not something that can be answered in an internet forum. If you're really interested, there's heaps of electronics tutorials out there on the net, and loads of second hand text books available to buy that will be useful.

I would start by looking at basic blocks, like filters (active and passive), amplifiers of all kinds, oscillators etc etc. Google is your friend.

But before you delve head first into it, keep in mind that you'll never know everything there is to know about electronics.  Even if you limit yourself to audio circuits!

I come here to learn, and I've been working in and studying electronics for four years!

[Peter Snowberg]

I've been building circuits for over 27 years and designing them for over 20 and I still only know a fraction of what there is to know about this stuff.

I would recommend getting copies of all the schematics you can and reading the DIY FAQ and the GEO FAQ and all the rest of the great stuff at AMZ and GEOFEX.

It all looks confusing until you stare at it enough and the light goes on in your head. Finally, years later you reach a point where you can create circuits the same way a chef creates a meal out of whatever can be found in the kitchen. I love to think about electronics in the same light as a chef. There are lots of good analogies to be drawn between cooking and building. The flavors run together and it isn't so much the spice used, but how the spice interacts with the other flavors.

Check out Alpha579's designs. He's 13 and has designed two pedals (at least) but he may be a bit smarter than the rest of us.

Above all, don't get frustrated. Electronics can be a very confusing hobby but it's rewarding enough that you can get hooked easily. It just takes time.

Take care,
-Peter

[petemoore]

Pick a [popular well tried and documented] circuit, build it, try mods on it.  This will give you alot of knowledge about many aspects.
 Before, during and after this build, the best recommendation for learning how it works is by reading, then reading what you read again.
 Print out pages, like GEO articles called "Technology of ..." by RG. Keen.
 Study components like caps and resistors....
  ...and data sheets on actives. Read what the Mfr.'s and distributers say about what it takes to use their parts.
 Once you start chawing on the brain food, you'll develop an appetite for what you need.

[crawler486]

I've been building circuits for over 27 years and designing them for over 20 and I still only know a fraction of what there is to know about this stuff.

I would recommend getting copies of all the schematics you can and reading the DIY FAQ and the GEO FAQ and all the rest of the great stuff at AMZ and GEOFEX.

It all looks confusing until you stare at it enough and the light goes on in your head. Finally, years later you reach a point where you can create circuits the same way a chef creates a meal out of whatever can be found in the kitchen. I love to think about electronics in the same light as a chef. There are lots of good analogies to be drawn between cooking and building. The flavors run together and it isn't so much the spice used, but how the spice interacts with the other flavors.

Check out Alpha579's designs. He's 13 and has designed two pedals (at least) but he may be a bit smarter than the rest of us.

Above all, don't get frustrated. Electronics can be a very confusing hobby but it's rewarding enough that you can get hooked easily. It just takes time.

Take care,
-Peter

Dont you just feel discouraged when you here people(kids) half your age
already designing pedals and you yourself is still trying to figure
out a capacitor from a resistor.

[Sic]

you shouldn't feel discouraged... you should feel inspired.