Pedal building / general electronic tools

FatBoy

Ok so after having a listen to kayDUB's DODO, I doubt I'll be able to resist the urge to build my own pedal for too long. One problem is that I have ZERO knowledge about electronic stuff and teh tools involved. After having a chat with my esteemed fellow chataholics, I have gathered that I need at the very least a multimeter and a soldering iron thingy.

Can any of you recommend specific brands / models? I don't want el cheapo stuff, but also don't need the top of the line stuff.

Any other tools you think would come in useful? Lets use this thread as a general guide to the tools of the trade.

nick

Im keen on attempting to build one too ? was going to make a turn past yebo on the way home and see if I could pick up some bits to make something like one of these. probably the fuzz or muff.

pop to brights for a multimeter/soldering iron, dont need anything too fancy ?

CDee

Don't forget a decent breadboard and wiring kit. Use the breadboard to test your design first and play around with it before putting it on the PC board. You'll also probably need a solder suck tool to go with the soldering iron.
?

kayDUB

Don't forget to READ, READ, READ and then READ some more! there is so much stuff on the intermenet thingy to help us out.

I bought a multi-meter, only used it a few times, but yah, it helped me to realise i left some jumper wires out! i think mine was around R200 from yebo, it can measure the usual aswell as transistor hfe... whatever that is. (I will get there!)

I think I listed the things I bought under http://www.guitarforum.co.za/setup-mods-and-repair/my-first-pedal-build!/msg27283/?topicseen#msg27283, but I left out a drill, soldering iron, solder sucker and solder cos i had those already.

If you keen on the DOD 250, then this link is invaluable! http://gaussmarkov.net/wordpress/circuits/overdrive-250/
there are links to the schematic, parts list, pcb layout, etc.

Heath

i am going to be trying the tube screamer , and the noisey cricket amp this weekend , luckily i already have everything , tools wise .

one thing i can never stress enough is a decent multimeter check out the pawn shops and 2nd hand stores and try find a decent fluke multimeter , it will last you a life time and give you accurate readings , specially when checkin caps and resistors or even just checking voltages and amperage you need accurate readings which you won't get on a cheap meter

FatBoy

Thanks for all the tips guys!

Gearhead

When buying a soldering iron, you might want to go for a temperature controlled one (usually station). I recently bought a Magnum made in Sandton (did not know any stuff comes from there, thought they only consume ? ) and I must say it's really worth every rand cent. 8)
Used to swap between a 15W iron for the smaller stuff and a 40W for larger things, but it's a pain. A temperature controlled iron gives you more power when soldering larger stuff and not more than you need when doing SMDs. The Magnum is about the same price as a Weller iron!

nick

bought all the bits for a Fuzz pedal, R52 so far. found out the guy forgot 2 input jacks and the DC 9v plug, will collect that tommorow and attempt to build it ?