Build Your Own Clone Message Board

Hey everybody. This is my first time building a pedal, and I'm having issues. I am getting nothing but a solid buzz from the pedal, similar to the sound you get just before you plug your cable in all the way, unless I "complete the circuit" by putting my fingers on each cable tip on the input/output. I'm using a 9V battery. I'm assuming it's a grounding issue, but I'm hoping you all can help out.

Also, The number 1 slot on the boost (right side) footswitch is not showing any power when I test it with the multimeter.

And BTW, I am aware that I put the LED on the wrong side of the board. Momentary mind fart. I wanted to submit to you before I went on about continuing.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Derrick

The quality of your soldering is pretty poor. I would suggest getting some perf board and some components at your local Rat Shack or equivalent and practicing.

Post some photos showing the jacks and their wiring to the PCB so we can confirm that you've got the connections right.

Here's a picture of the jacks.

It appears that you have the adapter jack wired to the PCB all wrong. See page 26 of the build instructions. The lug of the adapter jack labeled "Tip" is ground and should be connected to the - (minus) eyelet next to the "ring" eyelet. The lug labeled "Sleeve" should go to the eyelet closest to the Boost Level pot. The lug labeled "Ring (N.C.)" goes to the + eyelet that is between the - eyelet and the other + eyelet.

Thanks for the quick reply. I fixed the adapter wiring, and now have power. But it's still just a loud hum, and the OD side LED will not turn off. Can this simply be the soldering quality?

If the OD LED won't turn OFF then it's possible you have a bad stomp switch. Give this thread a read...

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=31545

The hum you're hearing could be due to poor soldering.

Since you had the adapter jack wired wrong there's also the possibility that you fried the op-amp.