pulsating LED

[zilla]

Gentlemen,

I have some OD/distortion pedals that I would like to add a pulsating indicator LED to. these pedals are IC or JFET based.

I want something similar to the effect when you use LEDs as clipping diodes, but these circuits don't use clipping diodes.

Any suggestions on how to do this?  Should I tap into the raw guitar input signal for the positive side of the LEDs?

Thanks

Tim

[jkokura]

It sounds like you want an envelope control to brighten your LED, so that the harder you strum the LED gets brighter. Sound about right?

Jacob

[zilla]

correct.

[slimtriggers]

I think chromesphere has a shared project for a sound-to-light pcb.  Should do what you're looking for.

Hopefully he won't mind my posting this:

[midwayfair]

Don't take the raw guitar signal -- you'll weaken it by splitting it. Instead, tap the output of the first transistor, decouple it, and then make a simple envelope circuit. You can just use basics of the rectifier from any simple optical compressor for a good example -- those are made to create a voltage swing appropriate for an LED so you don't have to tinker as much. Omit the hold cap from whatever you use. This is a MUCH lower parts count than sound-to-light, though it will only be able to light up a couple LEDs (sound to light can do something like .