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Hi There,

I'm seeking some general advice on adjusting the internal trimpots on a pedal. I've never done it before, and want to get a handle on what to do and not do prior to trying it. The ones I'm adjusting are a top-mounted multi-turn, so I'm a bit more nervous about not being able to go back if I don't like the sound I get with adjusting. Can I just mark the starting position and count the turns to ensure I know how to reset it if necessary? Do I make the adjustments with the pedal on, or tweak, plug in, try it, unplug, tweak, repeat, until I get it right? Any help/advice is greatly appreciated!

Blood_mountain wrote:Can I just mark the starting position and count the turns to ensure I know how to reset it if necessary?

yes, that's exactly what i do.

Do I make the adjustments with the pedal on, or tweak, plug in, try it, unplug, tweak, repeat, until I get it right?

it sure is easier and simpler to do it with the pedal on so you can actually hear what the adjustment is doing.

If it's a multiturn.. that gets sticky. There is not really a good way to tell where you're starting from. Some of them have a little detent and will click once you pass it, but I can't say for sure you have that or not. I would be super careful and maybe like video tape (phone video) the adjustment screw so you can see exactly how much it gets turned with each adjustment and write it down so you know how much to go back and in what direction..

Trimmers are typically for settings that are best left at a predetermined value based off some variance in available components. It's not like a secret control or anything.. what pedal(s) are you hoping to adjust?

Typically you will adjust a trimmer while measuring a voltage or resistance while tuning to a scope or by ear with the effect engaged.

Hope this has been a little helpful

i like to use an extra-fine point Sharpie to make a index mark next to the pot.

I'm just saying you won't know where you started on the index of the pot.. most common multi turn pots are 25 turns. I have a 100 turn, but that's just ridonk.

So like on a 360 degree turn, sure, but like .. 12 turns in? 15? I don't know of a way to tell other than measuring the pot out of the device, or if you should be so lucky as to have the clicking variety.

you could mark your spot and then turn CW or CCW until it stops, counting the revolutions as you go. then you could just write down where it's at on the casing. maybe.

That s why I suggested taking video of any adjustments

@betteroffshred thanks for the caution! Is there a way to tell based on the numbers on the trimpot how many turns it has?

Buy a multimeter (can be had very cheap <$5) and measure if you are really concerned with it

I always do it while having a loop playing through the pedal. Saves time and makes finding your way back easier.

Thanks for all the helpful responses!!

UglyCasanova wrote:I always do it while having a loop playing through the pedal. Saves time and makes finding your way back easier.

This sounds like a smart idea. What settings do you use on the external controls when adjusting the internal trim pots? Everything at noon?

Jero wrote:Buy a multimeter (can be had very cheap <$5) and measure if you are really concerned with it

So you’d connect the multi meter to the posts on the trim pot and then see how output changes as you adjust?

If its a mutiturn its probably a calibration that isn't meant to be adjusted and needs a fine level of control in the adjustment. A sharpie mark isn't going to give you the accuracy when the manufacturer was setting that pot for a specific voltage or null point with a scope or meter.

Blood_mountain wrote:

Jero wrote:Buy a multimeter (can be had very cheap <$5) and measure if you are really concerned with it

So you’d connect the multi meter to the posts on the trim pot and then see how output changes as you adjust?

Depends on the effect, I guess.