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Messages - sergscar

#16
Schematics and Layouts / Re: Passive Tone Circuit
May 28, 2009, 08:56:59 PM
Hi, by the time being, detected some items to adjust:
- Polarity of TL072 is inverted, therefore, you'll have to change the connections accgly
- Polarity of Battery, Led and 1N4001 are inverted

Also, pls note Phil marked some changes on C3 position (check his previous post), and yours is still unchanged

I will try to follow his new schema, and post the result later

Poor Phil, he will have to be patient with both of us...  0:)
#17
Schematics and Layouts / Re: Passive Tone Circuit
May 27, 2009, 10:46:30 PM
Hi Zappacat,
As I told before, i'm also in the 'learning phase', and I'm very impressed, since I discovered that many shcematics you find in the net can be reproduced by this mean.

You can search the components within the libraries by clicking the "add" button in the left tools' panel, since this will show you search box (down-left).

I quote, here below, the ones I used:

POT: TRIM_US-CIP20C-6MM .
Resistors: R-US_0204/2V (you can change the 2V for something higher...)
Capacitors: CPOL-US085CS-1AR should be ok... (those have polarity)
IC: TL072D (you will have to add it in 2 parts in the schematic, since the pins are splitted in 2)
Power supply: +18V
Jacks: DCJ0202
Led: LED
Diode: 1N4004 (you can change the value...)
Capacitors (wout polarity): CYYC7B5

I guess that's it...
Maybe the components I used are not the right ones, but I guess they accomplish with my needs of designing the board.

Concerning the "tutorial", I do suggest you to download this file:
ftp://ftp.cadsoft.de/eagle/userfiles/doc/veic_pcb_layout_tutorial_010709.doc

In my opinion, this is the best tutorial you will find outthere.

Hope the above of help
regards,
Sergio

#18
Schematics and Layouts / Re: Passive Tone Circuit
May 27, 2009, 09:31:08 AM
Hi Phil,
Big help, of course !
I already had "throwed" all the components inside "Eagle", but some doubts always arise, and the picture clarified most of them.
I've installed Eagle a few days ago, just for doing the "Passive tone circuit" and takes some time to learn the "how to" (in particular, I'm feeling some difficulties for finding the right components in the libraries). Maybe there are easier softwares out there.

Just one more question: COM1, COM2 and COM3 are the Ground connectors for "IN", "LED/-Vcc" and "OUT", respectively ?

Thks again !
#19
Hi mpuckett,
When building my Ruby, I've considered to have both power options (9v battery + 9~12V DCIn) availables, in parallel. However,  I take the simple action of unpluggin' the battery when using the DCIn (or viceversa).

I'm also a newbie, therefore can't give you a complete response to satisfy "all" your questions, but I guess that, by using diodes in the "+" poles of the 2 power supplies, you could run the Ruby with both of them connected at the same time, since the diodes will just permit the current to flow only in one direction (in fact, that's the principle of the diodes)

In case you wish, I can post a picture of how I did on mine (without the diodes...).

Any expert advice out there ?
#20
Hi Joe,
I wouldn't say "100% clean", but much more clear than before.
- In fact the Dean GTX12 doesn't produce any sound if gain pot set to "0", therefore, there will be some distortion, naturally.
- The treble and the mid seems much more "enhanced" and brighter than originally, but not losing the bass.

So far, I had a very good impression (I just tried it for abt 10 minutes), and after running the guitar directly on the amp (bypassing the pre amp) my son and I had the feeling that the sound was "fuggy", that's why I asked a particular question (quoted here below):

Question:
the new setup permits me to run the amp by its original input jack, as wel as through the preamp.
Should I notice any response's difference, in case I decide to use amp's original input jack, considering there's a "bridge" connection (R2 10k, as showed in the picture) between the + and - wires ?


Well, those are my first impressions, and I'm afraid won't be able to test it further until the next weekend.

If you wish, please ask specific questions abt the performance, and I'll post the results asap.
I'll also try to record some samples, posting it here, for your easy comparision.
#21
Schematics and Layouts / Re: Passive Tone Circuit
May 25, 2009, 11:02:41 AM
Hi Phil,
Thanks a lot for your post !
I'll squeeze my brains (with the help of the "Eagle" PCB software...) to create a PCB layout and proceed building the circuit.
I don't know if I can find the "printer selector boxes" here but, if not, I'm pretty sure some alternatives may arise.
Keep you posted abt outcomes !
B'rgrds,
Sergio
#22
Hi guys,
I've already done the preamp circuitry, as well as tested it with the Dean GTX12.

From the input jack of the Dean (inside the amp), I've soldered 2 wires, which I've added the 2 resistors (10k), as suggested by JM Fahey (see picture below)



In the preamp (Ruby-LM386), I've left the gain "open" (20db Gain), keeping the original 10K linear pot as volume control (see picture below)



I don't know if by doing it this way it should react different than the "better solution" proposed by JM Fahey (replacing the "R2" - 10k resistor - with a 10k linear pot, for acting as a master volume). Comments on this issue ?

The result:
- Much clearer sound from guitar, if compared with original setup
- Louder volume, without necessity to get a higher gain (distortion) from the op amp

Question:
the new setup permits me to run the amp by its original input jack, as wel as through the preamp.
Should I notice any response's difference, in case I decide to use amp's original input jack, considering there's a "bridge" connection (R2 10k, as showed in the picture) between the + and - wires ?

Thks a lot your comments.
#23
Hi guys,
I'm also interested in Phil's offer...
Phil, can you post it, or point-out some link for us ? I'd try it in 2 different scennarios: my Dean GT12, and a TDA2040's amp I'm making. Thanks a lot !
Sergio
#24
Hi guys,

Diggin' in the net, I've found an old (but interesting) book, which I wish to share with you.

Electronic Projects for Musicians, Craig Anderton, Amsco Publications (year unknown), starts teaching, in a very friendly manner, the basic of electronics bringing 27 DIY projects to the readers, including preamp, compressor, super-tone, etc... (all Solid State).

Here you have the Rapidshare link: http://rapidshare.com/files/236483674/Electronics_for_Musicians.pdf

Hope you enjoy, extracting interesting things for your use/knowledge.

Cheers !
#25
Hi guys !,
I've browsed the entire site, and seems to be the directory (and the files) have been removed from the server.

At the present stage, the only possible solution should be that some of our friends post the files/schema in some place, and link it here. Obviously, if someone copied/downloaded them !

Rgds,
Sergscar
#26
JM Fahey, hello
You are right. I've just realized that expressed myself bad.
I was willing to say "... void to use it as a preamp if powered with over 9v...".
Anyway, this mistake generated a new light => I can even use it if powering with 12V, however, reducing the output current (maybe I've to use higher resistors).
Sorry and thks again !  :tu:
#27
Hi JM Fahey !
Nice and clear explaination.
So, I'd do this ONLY if running the Ruby on 9V (just as a reminder: LM386 can be powered at a max. of 12V !).
I'll do my homework and post some feedback.
Thanks !
#28
Hi JoeCool, thks for your comments.

It's good to know that this may work. My only concern was not to damage the amp.
Maybe the output of LM386 is weak enought for non damaging the amp, and according to your feedback "...I ran my little gem (similar circuit to the ruby, based on the lm386 still) directly into my Dean Markley K-20X with no problems..." seems it won't.

Pls, keep us posted once your preamp project is finished !
In the meantime, i'll give a try to this configuration and post the results in the forum.
#29
Hi guys !
I'm playing a little with my Ruby amp, wishing to add some features to this little marvel.

One of the options I see is to use it as a preamp, pluggin' it to a old 15Watts' "Dean" amp I have found in a "twilight" zone of my house (a sort of "Lost & Found" room...  ;D )

The question is:
May I plug the instrument in the Ruby and create a line-out connection, which should go to the input of the Dean Amp ?

I've found (inside SSGuitar forum) a link to a line-out schema, which I post here below:



Additional questions:
- Should I use this from the Spk out of my Ruby ?
- Shall I disconnect the spk from the Ruby, or it can remain connected ?
- Can this connection damage the Dean ?

Thanks in advance for your help !

#30
Hi Syndromet.
Many thanks, your PDF is very useful !