GUITAR EFFECTS PEDAL BUILDING
There are some minimal skills and tools you'll need to be able to build and design your own effects pedal, such as reading a schematic and proper soldering techniques. But the most important thing is learning how to read a schematic, because they are our map to designing, building, and troubleshooting circuits. Understanding how to read and follow schematics is an important skill for any aspiring pedal builder.
List of tools needed to begin your journey:
- Soldering Iron
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Small Diagonal Cutters
- Rosin Core Solder
- Screw Drivers
- Multimeter
- Electric Drill
- Hacksaw
- File
- Breadboard
- Breadboard Wire Kit
Soldering Iron Station
The advantages of a soldering station:
- Variable temperature, and highly responsive current control (variable wattage)
- Interchangable irons and tips
- Durability, you can replace the ceramic heating elements in the irons
- More power in a smaller package, the irons are smaller diameter and more comfortable than tradtional irons
- Cooler in hand, because they use a small high power ceramic element out at the tip of the iron, the handle stays cooler during extended use.
Needle Nose Pliers
Are both cutting and holding pliers used by artisans, jewelry designers, electricians, network engineers and other tradesmen to bend, re-position and cut wire. Their namesake long nose gives excellent control while the cutting edge near the pliers' joint provides "one-tool" convenience. Because of their long shape they are useful for reaching into small areas where cables or other materials have become stuck or unreachable with fingers or other means.
Small Diagonal Cutters
Diagonal Cutters are pliers intended for the cutting of wire (they are generally not used to grab or turn anything). The plane defined by the cutting edges of the jaws intersects the joint rivet at an angle or "on a diagonal", hence the name.
Rosin Core Solder
Rosin-core solder combines a metal alloy with a pitch-like organic compound; together, the substances melt easily and adhere well to copper and other metals.
Screw Drivers
Phillips and flat head screwdrivers. Used mainly for project boxes or aluminum hammond enclosures.
Multimeter
A multimeter or a multitester, also known as a VOM (Volt-Ohm meter or Volt-Ohm-milliammeter ), is an electronic measuring instrument that combines several measurement functions in one unit. A typical multimeter would include basic features such as the ability to measure voltage, current, and resistance.
Electric Drill
Small drill use to drill holes for part placement in cooper clad boards, after designing and etching your pcb(Printed Circuit Board).
Hacksaw
A hacksaw is a fine-toothed saw, originally and principally for cutting metal. They can also cut various other materials, such as plastic and wood. For example, you will use it to cut cooper clad boards to size after designing your pcb.
File
A file is a metalworking, woodworking and plastic working tool used to cut fine amounts of material from a work piece. You will most likely use to smooth out your cooper clad boards and your hammond boxes if you do your own hole drilling.
Breadboard
Breadboards are one of the most fundamental pieces when learning how to build circuits. You will need a breadboard for building, testing and designing your circuits.
Breadboard Wire Kit
Solderless breadboard jumper wire kit provides 140 insulated, pre-stripped wires. Wires are color-coded. Kit includes 10 pieces each of 14 different lengths, all stored in a snap-shut box.
Garlind Electronic, Inc. 2015 | Designed and Created by Gary Johnson | Email: gjohnson870@yahoo.com