Build Your Own Clone Message Board

I've finished assembling the envelope kit and it works, but not very well.
The Sensitivity knob only has effect when turned almost to max.
The Range knob have very little effect.
The Attack knob has a screech when turned nearly off.
All in all, the pedal reduces volume compared to bi=pass mode and does not sound very good.
Manual mode, is reduced volume and no way effect.
Pictures attached in case somebody has some suggestions.

I see two suspect joints right off the top. By the footswitch at 7 o'clock or so and directly underneath. Try re flowing those to start. Also make sure the back of the pots are not making contact with anything.

Thanks, JohnL

I've re-soldered the two spots you pointed out and looked over the whole build and found nothing else that looks suspect.
The LED comes on.
Bi-pass works perfectly.
Manual mode - reduces volume slightly and kills some high end and no wah effect.
Envelope Filter mode - As describe earlier, not much effect and very spotty variation.The knobs are only sensitive in a very small range and there is a very small sweet spot where the knobs will produce sound. I have played with an auto wah before and really enjoyed the effect. Can I be expecting too much from this build?

JoeW

The only thing I can't see in your otherwise excellent photos are the pot values. Can you confirm these are in the right place? In particular, the C250K at Sensitivity?

One other thought, have you checked that the back of the pots are not touching any of the leads on the board? That can cause all sorts of problems. If that or the pot value being are not the issue then i would say its time to get a signal probe and start poking around to fine where you have signal and where it goes funny.

I checked the pot values and locations, they are correct.
I have all kinds of space between the back of the pot and the board and in addition, have cut pieces of electrical tape for the backs of the two pots that could make contact.
I'm not sure I would know where to start with a signal prope, as I don't know what one is.

Aside from the two solder joints that were mentioned earlier, I think you should reflow almost all of your joints. If you get full flow-out on all your joints, you can immediately rule out any solder issues. I would hit the resistors again, and make sure the tops and bottoms are fully flowed. My general rule of thumb is that if you can see the eyelet, you're not flowing enough.

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The tone is in my hands?!
Email: nick@buildyourownclone.com