More Tips For Making Your Own Stomp Box
Jul 8, 2011 DIY effects pedals
GAPco Chicken heads
Knobs !!
A DIY stomp box always looks better with knobs that are “á la mode” … GAPco have a full range of popular knob styles.
One point worth considering … the retro-styled “Chicken Head” knobs are much easier to feel your way around in the gloom that surrounds your feet in many clubs … this, of course, is not an issue if you are Mr Clapton.
Socket to me !!
Low Voltage (DC) power jacks are pretty much essential with anything using DSP or tubes, rather than the continual hassle of changing one-shot or rechargeable batteries.
GAPco stock both metal and plastic types, in the most popular pin sizes.
If you are likely to be using a mixture of pedals on a single power supply, then use the plastic types, otherwise you will have issues with hum loops, and may have issues with polarities.
Power to the People !!
Due to WEEE, ROHS and H&SE regulations, GAPco do not presently supply plug-top power supplies, but, this situation WILL change in the near future.
When choosing a wall-wart (plug-top) type of power supply, be sure to add up all the power requirements of your pedals, and make sure that you have a power unit rated IN EXCESS of your total requirement.
For example, if you add your milliamps up to 400, get at least a 500mA supply, and, ensure that it is a REGULATED DC output (unless you know FOR SURE that your pedal requires AC)
Multi-voltage power supplies are not recommended, as it is so very easy to over-volt (possibly causing damage) or under-volt (causing malfunction) – likewise, avoid switchable polarity types.
GAPco DIY pedal kits
If you MUST use switchable power units, because nothing else is available, it is recommended that you set them correctly, then drop some silicone rubber sealant over the switches to prevent accidental movement.
GAPco would recommend using a multi-output power supply, each output being “Galvanically Isolated), or, a separate plug-top power unit for EACH pedal.
Daisy-chaining pedals with both signal AND power can cause hum loops and interference pickup (beer-pumps etc !!)
If you want to build your own pedals, but need a “leg-up” to start with, take a look at GAPco’s range of pedal kits … build them just as they are, or use them as a foundation for your own “custom sound”
Tags: build your own effects pedal, chicken heads, dc jacks, diy pedal kits, jack sockets, knobs, plastic jacks, stomp box
Tips for Making Your Own Stomp Box
Jul 7, 2011 DIY effects pedals
GAPco foot switches
Making your own effects pedal is a lot easier now that GAPCo offer you a one-stop-shop for the hard-wearing components you need.
Always use good quality boxes, and don’t make them too small … you’ll regret it when they fly about !!
Push-button footswitches must be specifically designed to withstand the rigours of a size twelve boot landing on them with great force … ours fit the bill.
It is always preferable to use at least three-pole switches for latching (push-on, push-off) applications, so that you can have a confidence LED as well as true-bypass operation.
Always use STATUS LEDs for any latching function so that you know from a distance, SILENTLY, how things are set up.
GAPco plastic jacks
Regarding jack sockets: many folk prefer the open-frame style as being more rugged, which they are, but, they are not recommended where supply polarities may be mixed … the sleeve of the jack-plug will generally connect to the case, whereas, with plastic jacks, this is not a problem. GAPco sell both types.
Batteries should be “hard-clipped” into the system, using moulded assemblies. Battery holders can be unreliable in boxes that get kicked around on stage, or thrown into the kit-bag after a gig.
Unless you are Rudolph Nureyev, position your footswitches at least 5cm in from any edge, otherwise you’ll find the box summersaults … professional switches take some stomping !!
If you are right handed, locate instrument input jack on the right-hand side (looking from the top), and vice versa if left-handed. Otherwise your cable will drape across your feet !!
View the full range of GAPco spares here
Tags: battery snaps, build your own effects pedal, footswitches, jack sockets, pedal enclosures, plastic jacks, spares, stomp box
