Dead End FX Splinter crackle and static

[fuzz]

Question: I am getting some static and crackle when the pedal is on, but not playing. The catch is, 99% of the components are reclaimed from older obsoleted electronics. I have swapped transistors so it’s likely not that. Any suggestions as to where to start? I wanna say I’ve had this “issue” with other percolators but I cannot recall…

 

[darwin999]

Might be bad solder joints. I notice that the solder doesn't always wick up onto the lead of your devices, e.g., on the two diodes at back left. Perhaps reflow the solder joints, and (if you have it) use a noncorrosive flux on any problematic joints (sometimes used parts can have oxide on the leads). I use Superior No. 30 SuperSafe liquid soldering flux, have had the same bottle for perhaps 20 years - I only occasionally reach for it, but it works.

Post in thread 'Lead Solder Buzz'

Jun 6, 2024

I recently had a PCB where I was having issues, despite decades of soldering experience + quality solder. Realizing that I likely had a bad solder joint, I then visually re-checked &/or retouched every joint to no avail. But sometimes a solder joint will incorporate a small oxide layer that acts as a low-voltage diode in the circuit, but you won't find it with a DMM because it's measuring voltage biases the diode into conduction.

So I pulled out my trusty old 8 oz container of Superior No. 30 SuperSafe liquid soldering flux...

• darwin999

• 

Also, you can track the signal through the circuit (e.g., with a probe) and watch/listen for static to isolate where the problem(s) occurs.