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Posted by: yoncopin Apr 8 2016, 02:48 PM

I've mentioned this in a couple other threads, but I've started building custom guitar pedals and experimenting with other audio circuitry to make my own gear. As a thank you for all the help he's given me with my playing, I offered to build Gabriel a custom dual overdrive pedal and we have been having fun with the early design discussions over in my https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=53529&view=findpost&p=729694. https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=53529&view=findpost&p=730034 to document our project, and for any other projects I have going for anyone who's interested.

After a quick exchange with Kris, he's given me permission to offer my services to other GMCers who are interested in their own custom gear. I very much want to keep learning, up to this point I have been just cloning pedals for my own use, but I want to expand to modding and designing my own. So, if there's an existing pedal you're interested in, maybe we can tweak a one of a kind version for you, or if you have idea for an effect, amp, analog, digital, whatever... throw it up here to discuss the possibilities

TLDR; I'm offering to build stuff for GMCers for the cost of materials. I think it'll be a fun collaboration, it will help me get more experience, and you unique gear.


I'm going to continually edit THIS post to add links to suppliers, designs, etc... as a resource for the future, so it doesn't all get spread out within the discussion thread.

Parts Suppliers:
http://www.mammothelectronics.com/
http://smallbear-electronics.mybigcommerce.com/
http://pedalpartsplus.com/
http://www.taydaelectronics.com/
http://www.mouser.com/
http://www.digikey.com/

Printed Circuit Boards (PCB)
http://www.madbeanpedals.com/
http://jmkpcbs.com/
http://www.grindcustomsfx.com/
http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/
http://www.guitarpcb.com/
http://diy.thcustom.com/

Stripboard Layouts
http://tagboardeffects.blogspot.com/
http://effectslayouts.blogspot.com/
http://www.sabrotone.com/

Information
http://www.runoffgroove.com/
http://tonepad.com/

Forums
http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php
http://freestompboxes.org/
http://www.madbeanpedals.com/forum/index.php

Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnUXq8mGmoHt0e6ItuTs10w
https://www.youtube.com/user/chromespherecom


I recently watched a pretty cool documentary on pedal builders too, http://www.fuzzthemovie.com/. You can watch it (at least in the USA) for free for http://www.amazon.com/Fuzz-Sound-That-Changed-World/dp/B00BTV7G60/ref=sr_1_1/ref=sr_1_1?_encoding=UTF8&keywords=fuzz%20the%20sound%20that%20changed%20the%20world&qid=1460124247&s=instant-video&sr=1-1.




Here's a quick recap of the projects I've done so far:

Madbean Slow Loris (ProCo Rat clone)
Sounds awesome, especially when boosted, used 16 gauge wire for the internals (smaller # is thicker wire) because it was what I had. No internals photos because I could barely get the box closed it was so cramped Enamel paint with a hand brushed polyeurethane clear coat wasn't the best finish, uneven from the brushing and kind rubbery and milky/cloudy. Probably durable, but wouldn't recommend.

http://i.imgur.com/8zuxJiU.jpg
https://clyp.it/4svjzl55

http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/effects-projects/distortion/tube-screamer/
Another classic, a Tubescreamer clone. This was a complete kit and I found it a bit too easy, just painting by numbers. I did greatly improve my finishing techniques though. Interior wiring was MUCH cleaner, and I went my lacquer paint for the color and an enamel clear. The waterslide decal went on ok on this one, I learned later it was faster and much easier if you wet the surface before applying. The paint looks great but I wonder about durability.

http://i.imgur.com/bisLgJw.jpg

http://jmkpcbs.com/product/testing-rig/
This one went almost perfectly. Interior wiring was ideal, some small issues with trying to put a lot in a small box, but not too bad. Decal went on perfect. I started this one with a pre-powdercoated enclosure but when applying the clearcoat used the same "hood" I used for the Tubescreamer, so some green dust got in the clear in some places. Lesson learned. This is an awesome device, it is a test and debugging tool for populated effects boards. It has a simple signal generator and headphone amp too, super cool and really useful.

http://i.imgur.com/63DWKmg.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/7xAfRBQ.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/TQ8ZgVs.jpg

In progress...
http://www.grindcustomsfx.com/product/superfet-v2/
http://www.grindcustomsfx.com/product/gcfx-ultrastoner/

http://i.imgur.com/WQwPJ3z.jpg

Posted by: Chris S. Apr 8 2016, 03:23 PM

Ultimate Guitar has a Pedal Building thread in Guitar Building & Customizing - I learned a lot from there.

Best of luck my friend, building and modifying effects is cool territory, a good way to make some side cash doing clones and customizations for friends and friends of friends

PS Powder coated finishes will last the test of time, lacquer finishes are cheaper and get the job done a simple bump of the corner of a desk could end up chipping a corner - just my two cents from experience

Posted by: yoncopin Apr 8 2016, 03:39 PM

Thanks! I totally agree. I'm still experimenting with finishes to settle on a method I like. The next one I'm trying is using two part epoxy as http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=105615.msg952070#msg952070. Non-toxic, fast drying, doesn't need special equipment, and should dry like concrete. That said, I have an air compressor and a http://www.harborfreight.com/10-30-psi-powder-coating-system-94244.html and toaster oven isn't very expensive at all. I live in a townhouse, so it's really just about storing the equipment.

I'd also like to try http://diy-guitar-effects.tumblr.com/etching, but the downside there is it does require hazardous chemicals which I'd have to store and dispose of.

Posted by: Chris S. Apr 8 2016, 04:38 PM

Have you tried looking into this method?

http://m.instructables.com/id/Stop-using-Ferric-Chloride-etchant!--A-better-etc/

Unlike Ferric Chloride which requires disposal, you can reuse this solution and it even becomes stronger after each use.

This is the method I use, and at some point it will require some disposal after accumulating too much solution but it's not nearly as worrisome as the ferric chloride.

EDIT: there is also a really good free PCB design program I have to try to find for you it's kinda a hidden gem - but it allows you to design the PCB layout yourself for etching, saving you money on prefab boards.

It's just important to know that you will have to move some parts around as a PCB layout is generally copyrighted as an image.

Posted by: yoncopin Apr 8 2016, 05:52 PM

That Cupric Chloride link is awesome, I'm definitely going to try that. I'd love to be able to etch boards as I was just going to start stripboarding things to move away from others PCBs. That and I don't have to order a bunch of stuff, I can source it all locally. Great tip, thanks. Have you been doing this long? I'd love to make side cash just to keep the hobby sustainable and not invest tons in learning more. Have you managed that?

Posted by: Chris S. Apr 8 2016, 06:07 PM

To sell something to a friend, or a friend of friend isn't too much of a struggle - but if you are trying to have a steady supply of income (even a little) that's where the trouble comes from.

Cost is the big problem - in order to keep your prices low/competitive you have to be willing to invest more in bulk and produce as many as possible in one batch.

Order 50 enclosures vs 3 enclosures, painting and baking 4 at a time versus one at a time, etc.

This makes the cost of the consumer lower, but it puts you at more risk sitting on these parts for an undefined amount of time.

The biggest factor is competition - there are so many builders out there - cloners and boutiquers- that to be able to sell a higher quantity is extremely challenging.

I've tried it, and I struggled with it.

My recommendation is keeping things small. Build one or two of each effect, post videos and sound samples on your Facebook or personal website - make a Facebook page dedicated to it for free and go with that.

I've basically built one of everything and if someone wants one i do a parts order for what I don't have - getting a couple extra pieces of the cheaper parts such as resistors and capacitors (you will end up using these values in other designs) and then just building one for them.

I make a couple bucks here and there, nothing to really call income or enough to roll into anything to grow.

Start small, keep it a hobby you can make a few bucks off of and go from there.



EDIT: I forgot to mention to put more emphasis on the more uncommon effects.

Just about everyone has a tube screamer clone, a fuzz face clone, etc.

Not everyone has a clone of a vintage Jumbo Tone Bender.

Those are the types of effects that will catch people's attention a little better.

I can go into a music store and get a used Tube Screamer for the price of your new clone - but if I want a vintage tone bender I will be forking out over $200 - or I can buy your clone of it for a 1/3 of that.

The vintage, hard to find and unusual effects will always be easier to sell. I just built a Jumbo Tone Bender to a buddy I work with who uses it for his bass - he never heard of one so it was easier to peak his interest.

DOUBLE EDIT: I've also sold more of these than anything else haha :

http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/effects-projects/boosters/effects-loop-switch-boxes/

For all the "tone puristist" who don't quite understand that buffers can actually be a good thing. It's a simple hardware box that converts a buffered effect, such as a boss pedal, into a true bypass effect.

Posted by: yoncopin Apr 8 2016, 06:36 PM

I kinda figured it would be a struggle, and I have exactly zero interest in running a side business. Best case scenario would be making 2-3 and sell the extras to make the one I keep free or discounted. Aside from the used Tubescreamers of the world, Joyo and other Chinese pedal manufacturers are selling them for that cheap brand new.

I've been experimenting (as you can see) with different finishing techniques. Are the majority of your builds cupric chloride etched pcbs and powercoated enclosures? Are they pre-powdercoated or do you do it yourself? What do you do for labeling and clear coat? I've yet to find a very satisfying way to do white text on dark backgrounds either. The Rat was white waterslide decal paper that I printed black and cut out, a little kludgy and hard to match any color other than black. How are you drilling your pcbs, by hand or do you have a press?

You should share your projects too! I would love to see them for inspiration and to exchange build tips and ideas. For Gab's pedal I had finally had enough of buying a handful of components for each project and ordered a big stock of popular values from Tayda. It wasn't too bad on the initial cost outlay and should be enough to experiment with a range of circuits. Where do you tend to buy your parts from?

True bypass (shake my head), probably a lot of "transparent" overdrives too

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 8 2016, 07:38 PM

I say the more builders the better It keeps the builders making too many pedals honest! I'd humbly suggest adding bits that you don't normally find on pedals, just to keep things different. But it's just a suggestion I've always wanted a overdrive with a single band parametric eq to trim the mud out.

Posted by: nikeman64 Apr 8 2016, 10:33 PM

I think Todd's right here. Adding something that would make a pedal stand out amongst all the others. It would stimulate your creativity, workmanship and buyers potential.

Anyway, it's great that your doing this. Looking forward to a vid from Gab playing trough that pedal !!!

Posted by: Chris S. Apr 9 2016, 03:06 AM

I get my enclosures already powder coated - it's a huge investment for sandblasting and powder coating equipment

For the PCB's I have a drill press and a ton of bits (they are so thin they tend to break sooner rather than later haha )

Yeah - definitely keep it small. As long as you're having fun with it and learning that's all the matters. I learned real quick that trying to make a business out of it robs all the fun

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 11 2016, 02:37 PM

Hi mate! Great to find this thread here! I think that this is a cool initiative for everybody here.

I think that Todd's comment is very on spot. We talked a bit about it at Gab's Army. As there is a lot of stuff out there, the secret is to build something unique that stands. Sometimes it doesn't need to be a revolution, but a few elements that other pedals are lacking can make a big difference.

I invite GMCers to share here what pedals they are currecntly using and if there is anything that you think the pedal is lacking in your opinion. This experiences can bring here great ideas for this project. Don't you think so?


For example, I love this pedal:



However I've decided to for for a memory man hazarai because I need the "tap" function.

On a side note, I've always hear my brother (who is a bassist) regreting that most of the bass distortion pedals don't include the "blend" option which is basically a mix wet/dry pot.

Posted by: yoncopin Apr 12 2016, 01:48 PM

Todd's idea for a single-band eq and the blend knob for bass distortion are awesome. I immediately did some research on how to build those and are great creative inspiration.

My huge parts order arrived today from Tayda, it's my first time ordering from them and everything looks pretty great. I finished and tested my Zvex SHO clone last night and it worked great. So, I've got two fuzz boxes and the boost to box up and paint, then I'll start on the next project for Gab

http://i.imgur.com/MusqpCF.jpg

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 12 2016, 03:39 PM

Awesome!! Any audio sample of your Zvex SHO clone?

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 12 2016, 04:57 PM

Well thanks Just features that I've always wanted and I've never seen included on a pedal. Those things would certainly set it apart in a very competitive field! Most folks have to use another stomp or two. Orange recently released the bangeetar pedal with more eq control but I'd just like a single band to deal with the bass frequencies to tame them a bit. Would really help on high gain amps which tend to be over bassy on high gain.

Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Apr 13 2016, 08:11 AM

Very cool project!

I'm moving this one to the gear section.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 13 2016, 01:19 PM

I hate when gear doesn't include enough EQ controls to make them versatile. It's curious to know that Orange released that pedal, since one of the things that I don't like of their amps (for example dual terror) is how random its "tone" is and it's the only EQ control that includes.

Posted by: yoncopin Apr 14 2016, 03:36 AM

I couldn't let all those parts just sit there and not build anything! Gab, here's the right side of your dual overdrive pedal, tested and working It's based on the Maxon OD820, and has a Gain, Clean, Tone, and Volume knobs. It's almost two in one pedals itself, if you turn the gain all the way down and the clean all the way up, it's essentially a clean boost pedal. It's sounds great to me, I'm kinda jealous. Send me a dry wav recording and I can try to get you a few different audio samples

http://i.imgur.com/7VNnKAO.jpg

Posted by: yoncopin Apr 16 2016, 07:37 PM

Last night I ruined two enclosures by drilling them wrong, so I decided to do more planning before hand. I've also had interior components running into each other, so I wanted to be more sure beforehand. It was also a good opportunity to learn http://www.sketchup.com/. Here's the result:

http://i.imgur.com/qmhDmwt.png

Posted by: yoncopin Apr 24 2016, 02:22 AM

A couple new ones, finally finished. These take a surprising amount of work considering what they retail for I built two of each and have family members who will be getting them as gifts. The clear coat was the two part epoxy method I described before. It worked O.K. It definitely looks super high gloss but the sides on the fuzz are kinda streaky/drippy. The Super Hard On boost pedals looked ok, but one of the fuzzes wasn't up to my standards for a gift. I am trying something new, using Pedal Parts Plus to powder coat and drill a custom enclosure, so we'll see how that turns out too. They sound awesome, I need to set up my mic to record Gab's pedal when a few parts arrive. I think I'll do a full audio rundown then.

http://i.imgur.com/9Wn2FON.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/e8C06PJ.jpg

Posted by: yoncopin Apr 26 2016, 04:11 PM

Ok Gab, here's the pedal layout, this is gonna be kinda big! The only enclosure that would fit these dual pedals was a Hammond 1590DD with dimensions of 7.3" x 4.7" x 1.5" (http://www.hammondmfg.com/pdf/1590DD.pdf) My guess is Truetone has a custom printed circuit board and uses tiny surface mount components to squeeze it into a smaller box.

Posted by: yoncopin Apr 27 2016, 06:38 PM

Attached is the drill template. It's at full scale, so if you want to print it out at "Actual Size" scale 1:1 you can see what the dimensions of the real pedal will be when you receive it.

 drill.pdf ( 20.51K ) : 94

Posted by: yoncopin Apr 27 2016, 11:39 PM

Here's the left side all wired up! I particularly like this one This test is the two stacked together and both on. There are so many ways to dial in a sound with all the different knobs. Lots of tone shaping

I've gotten started on the art too, I want to make it a surprise, but I think I should share it so you get something you know you like. I'll keep you in suspense until tomorrow

Posted by: yoncopin Apr 28 2016, 02:29 PM

I started on the art yesterday, but then I realized maybe you would want to come up with something on your own. I was thinking a military green enclosure with http://vemom.deviantart.com/art/My-mirror-336223598 I found online. I hadn't picked a font, but started with http://www.dafont.com/ohthehorror.font.

If you want to find your own art, it needs to be at least ~700x500px and black & white (or grayscale) You can also http://www.dafont.com/ for the text here. It probably should be something kinda bold so it is readable.

As for the enclosure, I think we should listen to Chris and get a pre-powdercoated one. There are lots of colors to http://www.mammothelectronics.com/4S1590DD-p/500-1003.htm.

Here's a mockup

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 29 2016, 01:39 AM

Looks pretty spiff! Can't wait to see one in production mode!



The BANGEETAR pedal from Orange was a long time coming and it really does allow for a lot more control off an Orange Amp. It's a great pedal by itself honestly it could work with anything and even by itself!! It finally gives you full eq control of the signal PRE-GAIN which is something that IMHO should be built in to every amp But not one vendor on earth seems to agree. Thus, pedals like the bangeetar

IT works before an amp or in the fx loop of your 11 rack, or by itself as a preamp. Great stuff our own RICH has one!! Here is a id about it.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 29 2016, 02:16 PM

wou! that's very impressive!! I love each details that you've decided regarding this pedal. The colour and image are just perfect! I could choose a best one. About the font, I don't note how it would look over the pedal, but I have to say that I like the "horror" style that you linked there. Let's try it!

I'm now more anxious to try this bomb.

PS: I'll share some of this stuff at my facebook. What's your facebook profile to tag you?

Posted by: yoncopin May 3 2016, 03:08 AM

Prototype is wired and working! This pedal is really great (I I do say so myself ). The drilling went great and everything fits nicely. The powdercoated enclosure is on the way and then I'll build the final one. In the meantime, I have some jamming to do....

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 3 2016, 04:04 PM

Yeah!!! That's looking great!!

I can't wait to try it... any video to hear it?

Posted by: yoncopin May 4 2016, 12:33 PM

I had to set everything up, but this is a pretty good demo of how it sounds. My amp had a touch of reverb on the whole time which I didn't notice until after recording. The mic is about and inch from the speaker grille on the edge of the cone. That's why my voice is kinda distant because this is the SM57 amp mic. I'd listen to it at the highest quality, otherwise you're missing some of the detail.

Posted by: yoncopin May 4 2016, 01:34 PM

I also think I'm done building my pedals in enclosures, they take too much work, and I'm starting to get a clutter of wires on the floor. I don't need them to be portable because I only play at home. I think I'm going to build a rack cabinet with Eurorack rails and make my pedals as modules, synthesizer style. Then I can use patch cables to modify the signal chain. Like this:

Posted by: yoncopin May 4 2016, 03:46 PM

How about this for the top art?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 4 2016, 04:10 PM

What a killer pedal and video mate! I'm amazed of how versatile this pedal is! It can go from a very nice crunchy to a powerful drive and everything sounds cool. I also think that the example of using the booster with the fuzz is killer, it really enhances the effect well. Congrats on your killer job and thanks for this test!





CAN'T WAIT to see this idea in action!!! I think that this is maybe that creative idea that can make your work different to others and who knows....

Posted by: yoncopin May 4 2016, 04:15 PM

.... and I think this is the final art, ready for label printing.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 4 2016, 04:21 PM

It's just perfect!!

Just experimenting... I'm still not sure which colour I prefer... what do you think?






mm maybe my sample is a bit orange?

I refereed to this colour: http://www.8thstreet.com/images/visual-sound-jekyl.jpg


however as we already have light in red, I think that green will be a best option!

Posted by: yoncopin May 4 2016, 05:47 PM

I think those all look good, it's really just whatever you like. The "Military Green" powdercoated enclosure arrives today from http://www.mammothelectronics.com/4S1590DD-p/500-1003.htm. I got that one because I thought the finish would hold up better for your use. I have the bare metal one too, if you wanted to paint it a different color. I'll keep whichever one for myself. The LED color is not too hard to change, I currently have red in there and I also have green and yellow "in stock". I think you'll like the green/red combo though. The black text and graphics will stand out better than on a darker background color. I also think the real thing is going to be more "military" looking, more olive green. I didn't try very hard to match my mockup graphic.

It'll probably look more like this:

Posted by: yoncopin May 4 2016, 10:24 PM

Ok, the real box came. Here is drilled and with decals drying This is definitely my best work yet.

Posted by: Phil66 May 4 2016, 10:24 PM

Sweet but I'd go for blood red with droplets running down the sides

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 5 2016, 03:12 PM

Wou!! That's killer mate!! It looks so AWESOME! Let's go for this one!!!

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 6 2016, 01:54 PM

Looks amazing!! Also great idea about the rack! Making boutique pedals that fit in a rack is something I have not seen and would be great IMHO. You can configure it any way you want. The foot controller would be an important part of it of course, so you'd either have to make each pedal midi controllable or at least make the rack midi selectable so that one could turn on and of pedals and set "scenes" with certain pedals on and certain ones off. You could still use killer graphics on the front plates of course which would really make it spiff.

Also, could you make an ampifier that takes up one or two blocks? That way, the rack could be the entire rig. Folks could select what they want in their rack and bam, instant riggage

Todd

Posted by: Phil66 May 6 2016, 07:55 PM

Sounds great Brian, well done.
Watching your demo made me think about these http://barefootbuttons.com/

Cheers

Posted by: yoncopin May 6 2016, 11:10 PM

Thanks Todd! Yes, all of that is my plan. I'm currently doing some early designs on how to switch the rack effects with momentary push switches on the individual units and midi selectable with a footswitch like the http://www.music-group.com/Categories/Behringer/Accessories/Footswitches-and-Remote-Controls/FCB1010/p/P0089. I'm learning a lot about electronics and found an awesome site, https://123d.circuits.io/ which has a really cool virtual breadboard to tinker with.

Thanks Phil, yes I made that video in a hurry and realized after my ratty socks were the stars of the show

Finished!!!!! PM me the address where we're sending this beast too, this is probably going to be the trickiest part I really hope you like it I hope you don't mind, but I'm going to post the finished product to some other places too.

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 7 2016, 10:29 PM

I can't wait to see the modular rack versions of these. Could be HUGE!! Sorta like the lunch box racks of outboard gear that got mega big recently. Folks still love analogue sounds, and being able to control it with MIDI would be amazing. You could put the entire rack in the fx loop of an amp or an ELEVEN RACK and with one stomp on your midi board, change the amp/eleven rack to a new patch and change which fx in the euro rack are on or off. That would be killer. Adds lots of flexibility to digital systems and hopefully some analogue warmth!!

That's what I use my tube myasnikov preamp for in the loop of my eleven rack. I do wish I had a delay I could turn on/off in the fx loop as well with one foot switch!

Todd

Posted by: yoncopin May 9 2016, 03:14 PM

Oh, I hadn't even thought about the ability to switch a preset on a modeler while also controlling the analog effects too. You're right, that would be really useful. Do you have more info on the lucnhbox racks? I've never seen those before. I ordered some parts to start prototyping the midi switching, shouldn't be hard will just take some time. Another module I had planned (aside from an FX unit) was just an fx loop. You could have as many modular splitters, fx loops, etc... however you wanted to route it. I really appreciate your interest and I love the feedback. My wife got me a drill press and powdercoating gun for my birthday, really excited to put them to use.

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 10 2016, 10:14 PM

The lunchbox series or 500 series of rack mount fx has gotten HUGE in live and post production. Here is some more info from RADIAL who make some killer stuff

http://www.radialeng.com/powerhouse.php

Here is a picture of a full rack of 500 modules in a rack with standard rack modules. the 500/lunchbox series are vertical and smaller. Below the eventide unit on top. See them?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 11 2016, 01:56 AM

Wou yoncopin!! I can't believe this. It's so awesome! It looks killer!! Words are not enough to explain how happy I feel with this mate, thanks a lot for your friendship and for this beautiful pedal that you've built for me... I'm now feeling so moved.

I'll write to talk about the shipping and now I'm sharing it at my instagram.

Posted by: yoncopin May 11 2016, 04:17 PM

You've been a great friend and mentor. Consider it a thank you from me and the rest of the GMCers who you invest your time in to bring the joy of playing guitar. We still have a lot of work to do on that front I can't wait for you to see it in person.

Posted by: yoncopin May 11 2016, 09:37 PM

Yes I did some reading up on this, thanks. I've got the bits on the way, when I get the design fleshed out you'll have to give me some feedback. We can prototype it up then

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 12 2016, 07:04 PM

You may be able to use the existing "lunch box" format even? It's an open standard and is well laid out in terms of documenation. The part that I've enver seen is a lunch box with midi control.

Posted by: Rammikin May 12 2016, 08:18 PM

That sounds great, nice work! Kenny Wayne Sheperd uses stacked overdrive pedals, I'll bet he'd like this. Aside from putting Gabe's name on it, don't you need a name for the pedal?

Posted by: yoncopin May 13 2016, 08:04 PM

Current plan:

The control module would have a display so you could see which footswitches were assigned to which "pedal" module. Maybe some other status info and/or a simple button based user interface. This control module is where the power supply and guitar audio would connect. You could also connect a MIDI controller via the USB or the MIDI IN. The USB would also provide PC connectivity for making parameter changes on the modules, or whatever... The control unit is optional and only for configuration, user interface and MIDI switching.

Foot controllers would send a MIDI note on/off to toggle each effect. Effect modules would have configurable note and channel assignments.

Effects modules would be daisy chained with an in and out ribbon cable on the rear of the module. This would provide a data pathway for the MIDI triggers and other data, power and ground. Patch cables on the front panels would define the audio signal path. The module can be triggered with the front panel toggle switch if no control unit is used. Multi-color status LED could show if module was enabled in foot controller patch, update status, etc...



Do you have a 500 series rack currently, if so, which one? You haven't seen MIDI because it isn't a part of the http://www.barryrudolph.com/recall/manuals/api_vpr_%20500_spec.pdf. About all I can do with that design is use the power supply and the rear XLR In/Outs for audio routing (you could use cables to chain the modules)

I found the http://www.radialeng.com/workhorse.php and their http://www.radialeng.com/500series-standards.php It has a few features to make it possible but I'm not sure it's really worth it, I'll explain and you can give me your feedback. Their Bus Feed switch allows you to chain the effects without actual cabling, so they would cascade into one another, which is handy but not essential. The main essential feature is the OmniPort for each module on the rear panel. It's essentially a two pin connector which you can use however you want. I don't think many people probably have this specific Radial unit, it's really expensive and this is primarily for myself, so I don't think this is gonna work unless you see something I don't.

This seems a lot more accessible to me, http://store.synthrotek.com/3U_Eurorack_Brackets

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 14 2016, 03:57 AM

Well there goes that idea Just a thought. Come to find out, not a great one! I guess you could just design your own style of lunchbox rack and make your own spec? If it gets big of course, you could license out to the vendors who make lunch box racks now as I'm sure they would like to have midi switching!

I don't own a 500 rack, I've worked with them and that's where I sorta got the idea since they provide a standardized way to use analaogue gear and power it and keep it in a single four space rack.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 17 2016, 01:30 AM

It's cool to see how this project is taking a very interesting direction. It can be killer to have stacked pedals in this way. I would have this in my studio for recording and producing... maybe in the future.

By now I'm very anxious to receive my new overdrive which is not travelling to my home!

Posted by: PosterBoy Jun 13 2016, 01:58 PM

Between this thread, the fact that I found out the TigerSharc processors are discontinued which means that my AXE FX Ultra will be a doorstop if I have any serious problems, and the scare I just had when the backup battery on the motherboard of my AXE FX Ultra just died and made everything go wibbly.

I am going to re tube my little 5W Blackheart Lil Giant and start buying the Bitmo kits to mod it. Then I'll look into making some pedals so at least I'll have a back up rig. I did a 4 yr apprenticeship in Electronic Engineering 20 or so years ago and never put those skills and my musical side together. I guess now is the time!!!

Yoncopin, I'm sure I'll be asking some questions along the way!!!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 13 2016, 04:05 PM

Your AXE FX will be a great processor until the end of time IMHO It's just a killer unit that sounds great now and will always. It sounds like a bunch of great guitar amps and great pedals, shoved in to one handy box. So fret not

I was sorry to hear about Tigersharc going away as it also means something bad for UA who make those killer audio interfaces with Tigersharc chips for accellerating plugins.

However, I knew this would eventually happen. As I often moaned in various threads, the power of the average cpu (quad core, 6 core, 8 core, etc.) is now so substantial that off board processing is nearly a mute point. Thus the sales of off board processors has declined steadily.

The good news is, there are an abundance of chip options available, including mobile chips like the A9 that could power these devices. I hope that they skip all that and just stare making more plugins. Everything done in hardware, can be done in software after all. That's how the hardware is developed. It's then burned on to a chip.

Software was going to win this one either way but still I'm sad to see Tigersharc go away.


Todd

Posted by: Rammikin Jun 13 2016, 04:34 PM

Relax everybody .

First, while the AxeFXII may eventually be affected by this, the AX8 uses sharc, not tigersharc, and would not be affected, so there are options if you felt the need to replace an Ultra. Second, the end of life announcement for tigersharc is just that: an announcement. They will still be available for years to come so there won't be any immediate impact on the AxeFX II. Cliff has said he could buy a 20 year supply of tigersharcs if he wanted. By time this does become an issue, the AxeFXIII will probably be out and use a different processor. Third, the Ultras does not use a tigersharc,so if you're worried about a repair that would require replacing the processor, your fears are unfounded, there are no plans to retire the sharc line. Fourth, AFAIK UA does not use tigersharc, they use sharc.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 13 2016, 06:06 PM

I have really sad news about the main topic of this thread. Yoncopin has sent the pedal to my home around 25 days ago and the pedal isn't here yet. I've asked the post office here and they don't have news about it.

I hope that the pedal finally arrives here but I've been reading at forums here and talking with friends and it seems to be something that uses to happen in Argentina...

Posted by: PosterBoy Jun 14 2016, 12:29 PM

I bought the Ultra before I was married, spending that sort of money all in one go is a different story now!

Posted by: yoncopin Jun 14 2016, 01:13 PM

I'd love to have someone to talk to about this, fire away! It's been a great experience so far. The money I've invested in parts vs commercial gear has been rewarding not just for the final product, but also the knowledge gained along the way. I've made a lot of progress on the analog-multiFX mentioned above. I'll have a demo video shortly, but the code and a prototype are working almost perfectly. I'm going to have PCBs manufactured soon and then start constructing the rack itself.



I still have some faith that it's going to show up there or back on my doorstep. I really hope so... a lot of care went into that pedal and I really wanted you to have it. I feel like it's my fault, maybe I should've handled shipping differently, but I've never shipped to Argentina before

Posted by: Rammikin Jun 14 2016, 01:24 PM

The sharc chip in your ultra was in production before you were married and is still in production. Nothing has changed. You and Todd have the sharc confused with the tigersharc.

Anyway, let's all hope Gabe's pedal shows up.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 14 2016, 01:58 PM

My fingers are crossed. I have done a post at my facebook and had many repplies saying that sometimes it takes 50 days to arrive... by the way there is a girl who says that works at the post office who will try to help.

I want the pedal too much!

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 14 2016, 02:39 PM

Fingers and toes crossed for you buddy.

Posted by: PosterBoy Jun 17 2016, 06:35 AM

It's similar in Brazil, it feels like playing the lottery when you post something.

Posted by: yoncopin Jul 3 2016, 02:35 PM

Here's the latest on my analog multi-fx cabinet, for anyone who cares... I got in my daughterboard PCBs and they work really great! I have a few tweaks to make so it's going to be another few weeks turnaround. When I get time, this is good start to designing the cabinet and power supply.

Posted by: PosterBoy Jul 4 2016, 02:10 PM

Looks impressive and very professional.

Would you say the BYOC community is the best place to start with this sort of thing Youcopin?

I have Electronics For Guitarists by Denton Dailey which is very informative.

I will start modifying my Blackheart Lil Giant and fixing my original Marshall Guvnor pedal, baby steps!

Posted by: yoncopin Jul 4 2016, 04:20 PM

Thanks Posterboy! I sent off the new PCB design with a couple fixes/chanes this morning (below).

As for starting out, here's the steps I took and why. The Guvnor is probably an easy fix too, maybe a jack or switch swap, let me know how it's going, I'd love to help. These are some useful links:

http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/
https://learn.sparkfun.com/

1) PCB kit - BYOC seems great, I gothttp://www.generalguitargadgets.com/effects-projects/distortion/tube-screamer/ from General Guitar Gadgets

This is a great first step, you don't have to worry about parts selection (which is simple but not always straightforward) and you can ensure that you can successfully assemble, debug and wire up a working pedal.

2) PCB & Parts - Lots of PCBs out there to choose from, but you are still following a planned circuit. You can attempt to select the correct parts & materials from a supplier on your own. Debugging and assembly practice again. I found it took me 3-4 before my internal wiring started to really tidy up.

3) Repeat 2 a few times

4) Design your own, PCB etching or stripboard layouts - These are designs that can be found on the Internet and you can implement on your own. They aren't complicated but a few of the lessons learned prior will make sure you're finding success without headaches. For debugging, you probably ok to start with just a multimeter, but if you plan to make more than a few of these I'd recommend building a http://jmkpcbs.com/product/testing-rig/ early. It's really useful.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 4 2016, 07:24 PM

My bad on confusing the tigersharc with the sharc. Mea Culpa! I think you are spot on, losing the tigersharc eventually just sounds sorta off putting. It's really not that big a deal.

I can't wait to see your multi fx unit Is there any plan to make one that is modular so that units could be swapped out or is that just too much of a pain to build? I"ve always had this idea that a rack with modular fx would be spiff That way you could mix analogue and digital bits depending on taste, and all of the switching could be done with a floor controller. You could even have one block or two, be an Amplifier. So that the rack was an entire rig. Just thinking out loud really. I"m guessing this is all a bit much to actually build or somebody would have done it. Maybe they have done it and I"ve just not seen it. RAMMIKIN have you seen something like that? You seem to be an authority on this stuff based on your responses in this thread.

Posted by: yoncopin Jul 4 2016, 09:09 PM

Yes, that is exactly what it is Todd. The red board on the left is just an off-the-shelf Arduino with a Midi Shield, total cost about $20+shipping. One of these is required for controlling up to 120 "pedal" devices, which could really be anything. I chose to have this single master unit, so each pedal's daughterboard wouldn't have to handle the MIDI (increasing the cost and complexity significantly).

The purple board is the daughterboard and has two communication wires (and one ground wire), which can be daisy-chained to the master. I'm going to be using telephone jack connectors/wire for those because it's ubiquitous and cheap. Each board has a manual toggle switch, indicator LED, and stored MIDI CC# and descriptive name, which can be changed over USB when connecting a PC to the master.

The beige board with all the pots and mono jacks is the pedal effect board, or whatever you want, to be toggled. Toggling can be done with the PC via USB, the manual pushbutton switch on each unit, or via MIDI with a foot controller or anything else.

As of now, everything I've described is done! I'm getting the prototype daughterboard v2 made now before I get 50+ made cheaply by a Chinese PCB manufacturer. I have to build a rack and power supply, and I'm planning the individual units to fit in http://store.synthrotek.com/3U_Eurorack_Brackets. I'm also going to get a bunch of cheaply made blank faceplates from http://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant.cfm?pid=1243&step=4&showunits=mm&id=76&top_cat=60.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 4 2016, 11:47 PM

I'd be happy to make some demo videos for ya when you get it all put together I"ll ship the unit back of course once I'm done shooting. I'm sure you have plans for these

Todd

Posted by: Rammikin Jul 5 2016, 04:45 PM

Well, yes and no. CV is the intended control mechanism for 500 series modules, so, no, it wouldn't make sense to have a digital protocol like midi included in the spec. But there are midi to cv converters available, so yes, I have seen midi in a lunchbox. But your Arduino board gives you a lot of flexibility.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 22 2016, 05:24 PM

Hey everybody!!! I'm totally happy to say that I've received a notification today and it seems to be about the pedal!!! I have to go to the customs tax office the next week and see what's waiting for me...

Fingers crossed!!!!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 22 2016, 07:09 PM

PLEASE post some pics, then MAKE SOME VIDS with the new gear!!!!


Todd

Posted by: Phil66 Jul 22 2016, 08:37 PM

Fingers and toes crossed mate

Posted by: PosterBoy Jul 23 2016, 01:58 PM

YAY!!!! Sometimes customs hold on to things for a uncomfortable amount of time leaving you not knowing what is happening and where you package is

Posted by: yoncopin Jul 24 2016, 07:17 PM

I can't wait to be sure, this is such a relief. When are you planning to go pick it up?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 24 2016, 08:30 PM

I have to do some custom online stuff tomorrow and based on it, I hope to be able to pick it up on Thursday or Wednesday. Can't wait to have it in my hands!!

Posted by: yoncopin Aug 27 2016, 04:29 PM

Here's the latest in my pedal cabinet switcher-thingy. I am almost finished with the studio rack to mount everything. Starting to look pretty real.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 4 2016, 10:14 PM

Hello guys! I'm here just to say that yesterday I used this pedal live with my band for the first time. The results are totally killer! I didn't have enough time to experiment since the soundchecks are usually short but I'm really happy with what I've god with both overdrives.

I'll be back with some sound test, but just wanted to give a first opinion of it, and it's that the pedal is totally killer! It's the cooler overdrive I've ever had in my pedalboard.

Posted by: yoncopin Sep 6 2016, 01:48 PM

That is so AWESOME!!! I love thinking about something I made, actually being used on stage somewhere Those are such nice compliments to make about the pedal too I can't wait to hear your full "review" of it. I definitely want to see a pic of it on your stage pedal board one day.