Photos of the new arrival

Graphics

I’ve just taken delivery from the USA – and it looks great. I’m still waiting on the step-down transformer (I ordered this from Amazon – hope its suitable for audio applications) before I can try it out. I’ll be sure to upload some samples.

Giving the beast a clean with luke warm soapy water. All knobs taken off for a clean with cotton wool buds and more soapy suds.
I stitched this together from a few shots, hopefully useful to anyone wishing to get this printed for a clone
Nice and tidy inside – no dust! I checked the miniature transformer for any parts numbers, alas nothing here. I’m hoping someone can advise how to spec this.
I might need some spare fuses if the step-down transformer isn’t suitable!
Looks good enough to put on a tshirt!

You may have noticed a new header image to this blog. Taken straight from my new unit. Looks like its got some history! Can’t wait to try it out.

I own one

Updates

I have recently imported an IVP from USA to UK. Details to follow! I plan on opening it up to check out more details of the transformer voice section and recording some samples.

Just need to buy a step-down-transformer so I can use it on UK mains electricity. Any recommendations?

Current Eagle PCB Files

Schematics / Manuals / Documents

For anyone who would like to download my Eagle PCB files, I have uploaded them to Google Docs:

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B6VBixi1JI91U2p2V2RlMFYxX2s

Information on CadSoft Eagle PCB Software here:

http://www.cadsoftusa.com/

Please share any further development of the schematic here so others may benefit.

Creative Commons License
ProjectIVP Schematic by Christian Bird is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at projectivp.wordpress.com.

Transformer Pedal Schematic – ‘SkreddZog’

Miscellaneous

I recently discovered an interesting thread on DIY Stomp Boxes (http://www.diystompboxes.com/) detailing a experimental circuit based around a transformer for that “Cranked, Overdriven Small Tube Amp Emulation” sound. Looks interesting!

SkreddZog circuit found at DIY Stomp Boxes forum http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=40910.msg314681#msg314681

I have posted in the forum for any further information. Other interesting pedals for purchase at http://skreddypedals.com/

Seems like it was based on the “Gar” Garnet Herzog… I need to do some more digging… http://www.garnetamps.com/herzog.htm

New Direction

Updates

This project is going to be taking a new direction. I was planning on an all out clone of the original unit, but this is proving to be quite a complex (and time consuming!) task, so simplicity is needed. I am looking to begin with a clone (as close!) of the distortion section as an effects box.

Input

Possibility of basic tone shaping

On/off switch

Distortion control

Output

More to come…

Transformer for the ‘Tube Voice’

Schematics / Manuals / Documents

It appears that the original transformer in the ‘Tube Voice’ circuit, the 80TM018, is no longer in production.

'Tube Voice' description from original advertising material

After checking out different websites and forums, it seems there are a few options:

Use a ‘close enough’ replacement
Such as: Triad Magnetics TY-141P / Xicon 42TM018-RC.
Possible issues would be frequency bandwidth mismatches, making for a less ‘full’ sound.
 
Custom-wound
Rebuild the original. This would obviously be best for an accurate version of the IVP, but relies on having the technical specs (which I dont).

I feel a ‘close enough’ option is fine for the moment, but would consider outsourcing the componenet to a manufacturer if I could get hold of good spec’s and the price was right. Perhaps a bulk order for a few of us would be economical.

WIP Update 31.10.11

Updates

Below is the latest version of the board… looking pretty much there.

A few things I’m not sure about are the diodes by the two channel inputs. On the original drawings they seem to be soldered between the different pins of the IC’s underneath the pots, but to make things neater I’ve decided to make room for them on the component side and add a few jump wires.

Another area of concern is around the right edge, as the original drawing is completely faded here.

Also, as I have yet to source a suitable transformer for the tube voice, the footprint may have to change.

The files desperately needs some serious checking over, hopefully with someone else’s fresh eyes too!

WIP Update 26.10.11

Updates

So, I havent posted here for a while but would like to update what’s currently going on (some short term items from the Things To Do page).

  1. Finishing the board around the output and final effect loop section which is proving difficult to keep true to original due to poor quality schematics
  2. Trying to locate a suitable miniature transformer for the tube voice effect. There is a thread on Electrical Audio where I’ve asked for help – fingers crossed!
  3. Once board is almost finished, I will send out for some quotes for manufacture or will create a test board to CNC at my studios model making room.
  4. Check, double check and triple check and share here!
I expect to have the board completed by the weekend, watch this space!