Non PCB Builds?

[xrleroyx]

What's going on here at 1:06?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_h46MzUvSs

Doesn't look like a PCB to me. I don't have the resources/time/patience to etch my own PCBs so I'm looking for some cool non-pcb builds to put in random enclosures I've got laying around.

[Dr Satan]

That's just perf board, you can build any simple circuit you want on it. I can't say that it's any easier or less time consuming than etching your own PCB unless you find something already laid out. The stuff at RUNOFFGROOVE usually has perf board layouts though. Lots of cool effects. There are lots of confirmed VERO layouts at tagboardeffects that take the design aspect out of DIY and make it easier for you. It's probably the easiest way to go about it, especially if time is an issue and you're not looking for a kit build.

[xrleroyx]

Looks like what I want.

Know of any good tutorials for a first timer of adding pots, jacks and a power supply input?

I can solder, but have only repaired guitars and not too sure how to solder on one of these things. Looked around for tutorials, but would like one specific to guitar pedals. Any halp is appreciated, and I will totally post pics when done!

[eatyourguitar]

I started on perf board. it sucks. you have no copper to hold anything down. every time you heat it up to add more stuff the first bit you soldered falls apart again. you can get something called pad-per-hole perf board that actually has copper pads. it is probably double the cost of perf. I think I paid $1 for a 7in x 10in perf board without pads. you could read the sticky threads or beavis audio for tips on getting started. if you have done guitars before, I would suggest getting a smaller tip and just go for it. I recently started etching with layouts I designed in eagle. it is addicting. you can do anything you want the same day you think it up. not happy with something you see? wanna do some mods? design it and etch it yourself. if you don't want to tackle cadsoft eagle, try diy layout creator. it can do perf, strip, and 1-layer etch

[darkislanio]

Hello, I'm new here, that's my first post.
It's even possíble to build circuits with no board. Just follow the schematic and solder the components terminals correctly. I always do it for small projects and prototypes. I can get some photos of a fuzz face I've built and put here.

[Ben79]

Or there's tag board like you'd find in an old AC30 or in pedals by Ghost and Jimmy Behan....



I like doing tag layouts so if you want a schematic transferred to tag and you can't do it yourself (it's pretty easy), let me know.

Here's my verified Shin-ei Companion layout....(it's got no volume pot, the original uses an A50k)

[basti moon]

I hope this is relevant to this thread:

Are there any less-toxic alternatives to PCB's?

[eatyourguitar]

slightly incoherent post, what is in a PCB that you consider toxic? they are made of materials such as copper, glass, phenolic, vinylester or polyester resin, epoxy, plastic. or is it the etchant that you consider toxic? do you have an ethical concern with purchasing PCB's made in a manufacturing facility that uses toxic chemicals? are you a builder with a brilliant marketing concept or does your comment reflect what pedals you would be more inclined to purchase guilt free. you can get lead free PCB's and lead free solder but there are more toxic chemicals involved in that process so beware.

[basti moon]

Edited my post down for coherence, kind of retarded at the moment, lots of work, little sleep, etc.

As far as I've understood it, pcb's are a waste problem because of the materials used in many of them to make them flame retardent (yes no?) and I've noticed Devi and other pedal builders trying to find ways to get away from them in the past, but I was unable to find any information regarding alternatives. You are saying that they are safe to use?

I don't have a brilliant marketing scheme, neither am I a die-hard environmentalist, which was what the incoherence was about. Probably pcb's for something as a pedal would be able to have simpler materials than what is being used in industrial components?
Flame retardent material is useful for when you solder, but I've seen successful circuits made on cardboard.
I've seen the information regarding lead-free solder, scary stuff.

[eatyourguitar]

I %100 agree that post consumer waste is a problem. however, it will still be a problem as long as we are building guitar pedals. I build my own furniture from scrap when I can. guitar pedals do not biodegrade whether that be a plastic or metal box. PCB's do get recycled anyway. I don't know if the process is environmentally friendly or not.

[basti moon]

I'm not trying to recycle any pedals for the military (that's kind of a weird point to bring up for no obvious reason), I'm looking for an alternative to a pcb, mostly out of curiosity. I made a joke about making biodegradeable pedals in my first post, which confused you, so I removed it.
I understand your opinion is that it's not a big enough deal to change out, and I'm inclined to agree, though I still have no idea whether or not an alternative even exists for that opinion to apply to.
This is a pretty odd conversation tree, and your avatar has an omni-stare.

[eatyourguitar]

I was just trying to say that there can be a negative side to recycling anything. and yes post consumer waste is a problem. I edited my post anyway it was a little ranty.

[basti moon]

That's cool. Rants are better than no info at all, which is what I've gotten from other places. Except one guy who sewed circuits onto his clothes and stuff
Thanks!