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
