Re: How did you guys get started?
Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2013 2:41 am
Check your diodes. It looks like you may have one reversed, but can't tell for sure. It's the one above the 51 pf ceramic capacitor.
Also, I assume you tested it with the IC chip in the circuit and it was placed correctly? Don't laugh-- I have made both those mistakes. The IC socket also looks a little tilted and they have short/easily bent leads so maybe double check that.
Two things to consider in future builds, though they may not be an issue here:
1) You may want to socket your transistors. This has a couple advantages. One is that you can sometimes fry a transistor with the heat from a soldering iron. But the other is that you said you wanted to experiment and learn about pedals. The gain from transistors can play a big role in dirt pedals so socketing them gives you a chance to experiment with different ones.
2) If you use stranded wire, twist the strands together and then tin it. Some of your wires look not-so-twisted but then others look like they might be okay.
Also, I assume you tested it with the IC chip in the circuit and it was placed correctly? Don't laugh-- I have made both those mistakes. The IC socket also looks a little tilted and they have short/easily bent leads so maybe double check that.
Two things to consider in future builds, though they may not be an issue here:
1) You may want to socket your transistors. This has a couple advantages. One is that you can sometimes fry a transistor with the heat from a soldering iron. But the other is that you said you wanted to experiment and learn about pedals. The gain from transistors can play a big role in dirt pedals so socketing them gives you a chance to experiment with different ones.
2) If you use stranded wire, twist the strands together and then tin it. Some of your wires look not-so-twisted but then others look like they might be okay.