Search results

  1. SparkyCal

    Tips on how to cut a pcb

    I need to cut a pcb board do that it will fit better in my guitar pedal enclosure. Any tips on how to cut it using ordinary things around the house or workshop. I am googling it as well but I would rather hear it from someone here who has done it.
  2. SparkyCal

    Now the Fun Begins

    Now that I have managed to build overdrive pedals with the 4558D op amp and with the TL082, I have gone back to my breadboard which holds the base circuit. I told myself that after I built the pedals, I'd go back and experiment with different diodes and the like, in the distortion loop. I've...
  3. SparkyCal

    Paint shop

    I am using a stainless steel enclosure for my overdrive pedal that I built. I am in the decorative stage. I am wondering what kind of patient would be best to use. I am thinking of designing a simple logo to put on the top of the box. Any ideas? thank you
  4. SparkyCal

    Just When I Thought it was Going to Be Easy

    As many of you know, I successfully built an overdrive pedal using the 4558D double op amp IC, with the help of the kind folks here. My journey can be found on this thread: https://www.electronicspoint.com/forums/threads/back-to-the-breadboard.295296/ The schematics I used can be found here...
  5. SparkyCal

    The Final Act

    So, I have managed to build an overdrive pedal, complete with a real stomp switch and a LED that lights when the effect is active. The only thing left to figure out, is how to include an A/C plug that, when plugged into an adapter, cuts off the 9 volt battery power, and runs on the AC adapter...
  6. SparkyCal

    Stomped Out

    I have trying to build my first pedal that includes a real 9 pin stomp box switch, and a LED light that shows when the effect is on. I have attached the schematic and wiring diagram I am working from. I wired it as instructed, but am getting the following results: When the switch is stomped...
  7. SparkyCal

    The Latest Build

    So, here is why latest build. I used Saran Wrap to wrap the circuit so that it does not touch the sides ofd the steel box. During this playing, I switched the pickup switch on my guitar three times. The first pass is the two pick ups combined, the second pass is the bridge pickup , and the last...
  8. SparkyCal

    The Coffee Sip Tip

    So, many of you will know that I am a novice who is like a 2 year old with questions, when it comes to electronics ;-) I thought I'd share a tip; for novices. Building a circuit is exciting. If you're like me, you can't wait to make your next solder connection so you can see the magic unfold...
  9. SparkyCal

    Boxed In- why doesn't it work when in the box

    I have built the a guitar stomp box overdrive circuit. It works great. However, when I put it in ther box and faster the pots and guitar jacks to the box, and close it, it stops working. The details of this build are in this thread...
  10. SparkyCal

    Possible?

    I have a statue in the yard of an angel with her hands cupped. I’d like to build a little battery powered circuit that turns on a yellow LED driven by a light sensitive diode? The idea is that the LED comes on only when it’s dark out. Is this possible. Does anyone have a simple schematic I...
  11. SparkyCal

    Wire

    I was going to buy 22 gauge wire to make breadboarding leads. I happened to be at the dollar store and bought 6 spools of wire for $4.50. The wire is thin, silver and solid (no strands). It is the perfect fit for breadboard holes and it came in red and black sheathing. I am wondering if this...
  12. SparkyCal

    Op Amp Substitute?

    Do you think I can use a 4558d op amp, in place of the op amp called for in this circuit? https://www.instructables.com/Make-Your-Own-Simple-Theremin/ Thank you
  13. SparkyCal

    Breadboard Question

    Hi Guys.... I bought a bigger breadboard. Here is the one I bought: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00KHE7O7Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I am wondering what the two busses on the top are used for. Presently, I am using the top horizontal buss to run my + and - to the...
  14. SparkyCal

    Requesting Ideas for my Next Venture

    I am relatively new to electronics and have most recently graduated from successfully building a distortion pedal for my guitar (With thanks to Bertus, AG, Harald and others). I am now looking for my next project. Here is my criteria: Must not be too complex (I am a newbie) Must have a...
  15. SparkyCal

    Geting Grounded

    I am still learning about circuit building. Presently, I am using PCB circuits. I plan to stick to that, as it is my preference. I know there are Vero boards etc., and I have tried them, but they are just not for me. One of the issues I encounter when using PCB boards is grounding. Presently ...
  16. SparkyCal

    Power supplies

    I’m wondering what it means for a power supply to have a single positive supply, and not a negative one. I have always seen power supplies with two leads: a positive and a negative. Is there another variation? thank you
  17. SparkyCal

    Back to the Breadboard

    AG, Bertus and Halrald, and anyone else.... I need to really drill down to see if my distortion pedal woes are due to using faulty op amps. Thus, I need to go back to basic breadboarding, so that I don't drive myself and others nuts. Can you tell me if this will work: I have two variable...
  18. SparkyCal

    Distortion Pedal Redux

    So, now that I successfully built a distortion pedal circuit, with the help of people here, I decided to try something else. You will recall that I initially started with the attached schematic. Along the way, we made the following adjustments: The voltage divider circuit was substituted with...
  19. SparkyCal

    Power Supply Leads question

    1. I have a power supply that I lost the test leads to. Unlike your normal banana plugs that sort of have splinters on the plug (the part that actually inserts into the power supply's - and + ports), the leads have slits, but they do not balloon out. Basically, they look like straight pins, but...
  20. SparkyCal

    I'm Back- sort of

    Hi Bertus and my other friends here. You may recall that after an almost daily presence on this forum, I packed it in with my interest in electronics. However, I am revisiting this interest and have assembled a portable, multi shelf unit on wheels, that houses a scaled down version of my...
Top