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Projects => Build Reports => Topic started by: Hexjibber on January 26, 2014, 01:44:09 PM

Title: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: Hexjibber on January 26, 2014, 01:44:09 PM
First build of 2014, the board was a gift from another Madbean forum member. It's a transparent overdrive. Enclosure etched with NaOH.

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/26/e3aguvyb.jpg)

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/26/umyvapud.jpg)

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/26/7aju9utu.jpg)

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/26/u3y4y3uj.jpg)
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: bcalla on January 26, 2014, 02:42:53 PM
Man, I gotta learn to etch!  Awesome!
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: pickdropper on January 26, 2014, 02:49:42 PM
That is just a beautiful etch.  Fantastic job.
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: muddyfox on January 26, 2014, 02:52:35 PM

Do you paint the etch?
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: catfud on January 26, 2014, 03:23:46 PM
That etch is brilliant, well done sir.
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: Jabulani Jonny on January 26, 2014, 03:31:59 PM
Good night nurse. That thing looks incredible. Must learn to etch.


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Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: Hexjibber on January 26, 2014, 03:42:04 PM
Cheers guys! :)

Quote from: muddyfox on January 26, 2014, 02:52:35 PM
Do you paint the etch?

Yes, it's just regular black enamel
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: DutchMF on January 26, 2014, 03:43:04 PM
Looks awesome, what kind of circuit is that? Loads of diodes in there.....

And this, from the PIF Meme thread:
(http://imageshack.com/a/img19/6182/0csc.jpg)

Very beautiful build, etch of brilliance!!

Paul
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: icecycle66 on January 26, 2014, 03:55:33 PM
Quote from: bcalla on January 26, 2014, 02:42:53 PM
Man, I gotta learn to etch!  Awesome!

Me too.
This is inspiring.
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: wretched on January 26, 2014, 04:00:29 PM
wow that is a piece of art.
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: Jmilla on January 26, 2014, 04:26:45 PM
Looks like a timmy
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: das234 on January 26, 2014, 04:39:46 PM
It looks great.  Did you create the design too or is it re-purposed from somewhere?
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: Hexjibber on January 26, 2014, 04:52:39 PM
Thanks a lot guys! :)

Quote from: das234 on January 26, 2014, 04:39:46 PM
It looks great.  Did you create the design too or is it re-purposed from somewhere?

Cheers man, alas I can't lay claim to the design, it was a Google find that I imported into Illustrator. I am going to have a go at hand drawing a design though, another string to the bow and all that! :)
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: twin1965 on January 26, 2014, 04:54:20 PM
That looks so good! Every time I look at these works of art I want to start etching as well.

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Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: muddyfox on January 26, 2014, 05:04:07 PM

Me too. And then I try toner transfer and fail epically. I've only ever done two successful toner transfers. No idea why those succeeded and ten dozen others failed.  ??? ??? ???

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JzK2HuhGIrQ/UULHk1PW14I/AAAAAAAAAlo/KxgMpQPSZsc/w1029-h772-no/IMG_1761.JPG)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sbpDYAiFeVk/UUbZbTYl3kI/AAAAAAAAAmo/utjVwGy9o7Q/w1029-h772-no/IMG_1775.JPG)

Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: diablochris6 on January 26, 2014, 07:31:10 PM
I agree with everyone else; that is one gnarly etch.
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: Jabulani Jonny on January 26, 2014, 09:57:39 PM
So what do you search to turn up art work like this? 


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Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: GrindCustoms on January 26, 2014, 10:04:32 PM
That is beautiful!!! :o

But! Does it have that card table toanz?
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: m-Kresol on January 26, 2014, 10:27:51 PM
Kudos, well done sir! Looks amazing
Just so that I know how this works... Print n peel transfer, then etching with NaOH and paint in the end. How does one manage to not get the paint across the non etched parts?
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: selfdestroyer on January 26, 2014, 10:36:47 PM
Hexjibber, This is stunning. I love your etches, they are so CLEAN. You are an inspiration man.
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: muddyfox on January 26, 2014, 10:55:21 PM
Quote from: m-Kresol on January 26, 2014, 10:27:51 PM
How does one manage to not get the paint across the non etched parts?

You do get it all over the top. Then you lightly sand it and since the etch is recessed, the paint only sands off the raised parts, leaving the rest untouched.
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: Hexjibber on January 27, 2014, 09:39:27 AM
Thanks for the compliments guys, much appreciated!

Quote from: Jabulani Jonny on January 26, 2014, 09:57:39 PM
So what do you search to turn up art work like this? 

To be honest I can't really remember with this one, I think I might have been searching for something skull related initially! I end up going from place to place a lot of the time, just looking for the sort of thing that will translate well into Illustrator, it's kind of one of those things where you know it when you see it that it will work.

Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: Guitarmageddon on January 27, 2014, 11:12:44 PM
Another beaut etch!
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: Hexjibber on February 01, 2014, 05:01:22 PM
Ok well this is embarrassing, I took the pics of this pedal before I'd actually plugged it in and when I eventually did I found that it isn't working!

I've checked everything I can think of but no dice so I'm turning to you guys for help! I've checked all my diode, electro cap and IC orientations and checked them again! Do dip switches need to be orientated a certain way, I presumed not as they are just on/off?

I got the audio probe out and I'm not getting any signal at the input jack when the effect is engaged so presumably it's being grounded somehow? I pulled the board out of the box and still nothing so it can't be that shorting it. I can't see anything else that would be causing a short, does anyone have any suggestions, I'm completely flummoxed! :S
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: micromegas on February 01, 2014, 05:15:26 PM
I don't think the dip switch is the problem, even if it wasn't working, you should have signal as they are used for the clipping section only.
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: micromegas on February 01, 2014, 05:24:00 PM
wait, you say you have no signal at the input? only when the pedal is on?
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: Hexjibber on February 01, 2014, 05:29:02 PM
Yes, it comes through fine when bypassed and the audio probe is on the input jack.
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: micromegas on February 01, 2014, 06:31:49 PM
I would begin by checking continuity between the IN pad and gnd, and then between the IN pad and the leads from the 2M2 and 510K resistors that are soldered to gnd (it seems that those are the pads at the left).

Could it be the GAIN pot the one that is shorting this resistors and therefore grounding your input signal?
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: lincolnic on February 02, 2014, 05:09:01 AM
It could also be a cold solder joint on one of your ground connections at the switch, or the jack sleeve. Try reflowing those too, maybe adding a little more solder if needed. This happened on two builds of mine.
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: Hexjibber on February 02, 2014, 02:25:01 PM

Quote from: micromegas on February 01, 2014, 06:31:49 PM
I would begin by checking continuity between the IN pad and gnd, and then between the IN pad and the leads from the 2M2 and 510K resistors that are soldered to gnd (it seems that those are the pads at the left).

Could it be the GAIN pot the one that is shorting this resistors and therefore grounding your input signal?

Thanks for the suggestion, I checked this and have continuity between input pad and ground pad, input pad and 2M2 but nothing between input and 510K. Continuity starts again between the 510K and pin 3 of the IC. I tried reflowing the solder on pads of the 510K but still nothing. I just can't seem to see where the input would be grounded via a short?

Never had an issue like this before but it feels like something is staring me in the face and I can't see it!

Any ideas on how I could test for whether something is shorting?
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: gingataff on February 02, 2014, 02:33:10 PM
That etch is proper bo. I hope you get it sorted.
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: m-Kresol on February 02, 2014, 03:44:48 PM
Quote from: Hexjibber on February 02, 2014, 02:25:01 PM

Thanks for the suggestion, I checked this and have continuity between input pad and ground pad, input pad and 2M2 but nothing between input and 510K. Continuity starts again between the 510K and pin 3 of the IC. I tried reflowing the solder on pads of the 510K but still nothing. I just can't seem to see where the input would be grounded via a short?


I'm still a beginner, but it strikes me as very wrong to have conducting connection between input pad and ground pad. Therefore, all your signal will be lost as it is basically going to ground (which every electrical signal wants to do) instead of through your signal path as you'd want it.
Check if you have a solder joint between these to pads, or if it really is supposed to be that way. Might be worth a shot!

Could you please post a link to the build doc, so I can have a look at the schematic?
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: micromegas on February 02, 2014, 03:54:52 PM
Quote from: Hexjibber on February 02, 2014, 02:25:01 PM

Quote from: micromegas on February 01, 2014, 06:31:49 PM
I would begin by checking continuity between the IN pad and gnd, and then between the IN pad and the leads from the 2M2 and 510K resistors that are soldered to gnd (it seems that those are the pads at the left).

Could it be the GAIN pot the one that is shorting this resistors and therefore grounding your input signal?

Thanks for the suggestion, I checked this and have continuity between input pad and ground pad, input pad and 2M2 but nothing between input and 510K. Continuity starts again between the 510K and pin 3 of the IC. I tried reflowing the solder on pads of the 510K but still nothing. I just can't seem to see where the input would be grounded via a short?

Never had an issue like this before but it feels like something is staring me in the face and I can't see it!

Any ideas on how I could test for whether something is shorting?

Sorry for my mistake, I checked again and the 510K resistor goes from pin3 of the IC to Vref, not GNd...
But, certainly, the 2M2 resistor goes from input to ground, so, if you have gnd on both terminals of this resistor, or the resistor is broken, or there is a short in the tracks, or the short is happening outside the pcb (probably in the switch as lincolnic said).

I takes time, but what I usually do is follow the schem, from input to output, checking all the connections with the multimeter.

Or, if there is a short from in to ground, I'll start checking continuity between the main ground (on the DC jack) and all the supposed grounds in the circuit. Or to follow the tracks connected to the input till you find the short.

I bet there's people here that could be more helpfull as they have better experience with debugging.
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: micromegas on February 02, 2014, 03:57:17 PM
Quote from: m-Kresol on February 02, 2014, 03:44:48 PM
Could you please post a link to the build doc, so I can have a look at the schematic?

I assumed that it is based on a famous transparent od called something like "T(o)mmy"   ;)
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: lincolnic on February 02, 2014, 06:22:37 PM
Quote from: Hexjibber on February 02, 2014, 02:25:01 PM

Quote from: micromegas on February 01, 2014, 06:31:49 PM
I would begin by checking continuity between the IN pad and gnd, and then between the IN pad and the leads from the 2M2 and 510K resistors that are soldered to gnd (it seems that those are the pads at the left).

Could it be the GAIN pot the one that is shorting this resistors and therefore grounding your input signal?

Thanks for the suggestion, I checked this and have continuity between input pad and ground pad, input pad and 2M2 but nothing between input and 510K. Continuity starts again between the 510K and pin 3 of the IC. I tried reflowing the solder on pads of the 510K but still nothing. I just can't seem to see where the input would be grounded via a short?

Never had an issue like this before but it feels like something is staring me in the face and I can't see it!

Any ideas on how I could test for whether something is shorting?

Don't overlook the ground connections on your footswitch/input jack either. Like I mentioned before, a cold solder joint there has caused this problem for me at least twice.
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: Hexjibber on February 02, 2014, 07:42:44 PM
Hi guys, thanks for your suggestions, unfortunately I'm still no closer to figuring this out. Something is grounding the input but I just can't see what, I've checked and reflowed all my ground connections and tested them for continuity. I can seemingly only get so far following the tracks from the input point before I just lose where to go next, my newbie skills are hampering me somewhat!

It's a very well made pcb so sure it's not the culprit, I can only think I've got a duff component somewhere but am as yet unable to identify it. I can't see any unwanted solder joints, have been over it with a magnifying glass.

All in all very frustrating!
Title: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: Jabulani Jonny on February 04, 2014, 12:20:15 PM
Please post detailed, in focus shots of top and bottom of PCB. Please also post a shot of your switch and the jacks in the enclosure. Double check to ensure that a pot is not twisting when you tighten it and touching a lug to the enclosure. Pics will help, tremendously.

EDIT:  okay so the pots are board mount so no twisting and your switch and jacks look fine. Can you pull the PCB and take pics of the solder side? 
Electros properly oriented?

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Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: Hexjibber on February 04, 2014, 01:48:47 PM
Quote from: Jabulani Jonny on February 04, 2014, 12:20:15 PM
EDIT:  okay so the pots are board mount so no twisting and your switch and jacks look fine. Can you pull the PCB and take pics of the solder side? 
Electros properly oriented?

Thanks for the reply man, will try and take a solder side shot tonight to see if that helps. I've checked and double checked the electros, as well as the diodes and IC.

I've got a real feeling I'm going to absolutely kick myself when I do get this working so I'm hoping it turns out to be something obscure that I never would have known about! ;)
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: Jabulani Jonny on February 04, 2014, 02:45:09 PM
Yeah, the wiring looks really clean and you've done plenty of pedals before so it's got to be something out of the ordinary.


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Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: Hexjibber on February 05, 2014, 03:06:36 PM
Update on this, I started a thread on FSB and someone spotted I have a 2.2 OHM in R1 instead of a 2.2M and that is what will be causing the short. I ordered the wrong one from Banzai so was doomed from the outset, another lesson learned though!  :-[

Thanks to everyone who suggested things for me to try, pretty sure this will be the culprit though.

Cheers,
Graham
Title: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: Jabulani Jonny on February 05, 2014, 03:28:42 PM
DOH!  Glad you got it figured out. Need a 2.2M?  I can a mail a few


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Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: Hexjibber on February 05, 2014, 03:33:46 PM
Quote from: Jabulani Jonny on February 05, 2014, 03:28:42 PM
DOH!  Glad you got it figured out. Need a 2.2M?  I can a mail a few

Yeah it's a weird mix of relief and annoyance for which DOH! sums it up perfectly! ;)

Thanks for the offer man, that's very kind of you, I've got some on order already though! :)
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: raulduke on February 05, 2014, 03:35:32 PM
Cool build, and amazingly cool etch dude.

Really nice work!
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: Hexjibber on February 05, 2014, 03:39:16 PM
Quote from: raulduke on February 05, 2014, 03:35:32 PM
Cool build, and amazingly cool etch dude.

Really nice work!

Thanks man! :)
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: Bret608 on February 05, 2014, 07:43:27 PM
Post again once you get it working and let us know how you like it! I did something similar on a Distortion + build. Should've been 1m, I used 100k. That's what I get for trusting my eyes to read those color codes!  ;)
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: Hexjibber on February 06, 2014, 12:04:33 PM
Quote from: Bret608 on February 05, 2014, 07:43:27 PM
Post again once you get it working and let us know how you like it! I did something similar on a Distortion + build. Should've been 1m, I used 100k. That's what I get for trusting my eyes to read those color codes!  ;)

Yeah will do man once I get the part through, got a rehearsal this weekend so will be able to give it a good go!

So frustrating that all it took was one wrong look at the BOM and a couple of clicks which then lead to hours of banging my head on the table! ;)
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: Roctopus on February 06, 2014, 09:20:58 PM
such a great build! the etch is fantastic and i love the LED placement. A+ bro!
Title: Re: Transparent Overdrive
Post by: Hexjibber on February 07, 2014, 09:15:08 AM
Quote from: Roctopus on February 06, 2014, 09:20:58 PM
such a great build! the etch is fantastic and i love the LED placement. A+ bro!

Thanks man! Actually got it up and running last night and very pleased with it, albeit only through my semi working 5W practice amp! Seems like the kind of pedal that could have multiple applications though and I'm sure will prove very useful!