If Mr PPCB spent more time on filling build docs with info, it would take away time spent tracing new circuits and developing new project-boards.
There are a lot more projects here than any of diy pedal site, yes that is true. But how many of the projects are just TS, Big Muff or fuzz pedals that are pretty much all the same. I would rather have more variety and more in depth documentation than have 50 modded TS boards. That's just me though, and I seem to be in the minority and that's fine as well. It's not in fashion to have an opinion that is not in line with the majority here. I accept this, but I will speak my truth when these threads pop up.
It's true, there are a lot of variants of the old standbys here, but those are great for people to cut their teeth on.
It would be cool if the documentation for PCBs here that have trimpots would make note of what they are for and what to look/listen for when adjusting.
But hey, the led lights up, so its mostly working, just gotta get the audio going.
I think the point that @thewintersoldier is making is that lack of documentation is not the reason basic projects turn up in the troubleshooting forums along with the more difficult ones.
It's lack of skills mostly and not documentation.
It would be nice if people cut their teeth on Fuzz Faces and Rangemasters instead of Low Tides.
To come back to the OP: IF you have the schematic that should be all you need to understand what a trimpot is doing in the circuit. Some functions in pedals have entered the popular lexicon so that you don't need to have a book written about it to know what's up. I get what you are asking but if you have a Paragon Mini with a trimpot that says Treble/Presence, that should be all you need to know, etc.
I've been waiting (and complaining) about missing doc for the full-sized Electro Vibe for some time now. It's finally here, so I'm happy on that one.
I can't wholeheartedly agree with this. Yes the forum can share collective knowledge, but I shouldn't have to lean on anyone to build something. How can one just figure it out if they don't have an original unit in front of them to get readings from? I don't have an issue with doing some research but I want to be able to do it without asking for help and that requires documentation.
I think the sheer quantity is an allure for many people, but they underestimate what actually goes into a successful build. It’s unreasonable to expect that that would be assumed knowledge for a beginner.
I would like to add that I don’t think ‘simple’ circuits like Fuzz Faces (or any of the early fuzzes really), are great for beginners. They are temperamental circuits that require attention to component specs. Simpler beginner circuits shouldn’t require that level of knowledge. Op-amp overdrives or distortions seem like a much better beginner project. There are plenty of options with low part counts. But, we’re losing the original point of the thread here.
This. So much this.It would be nice if people cut their teeth on Fuzz Faces and Rangemasters instead of Low Tides.
Is that your final answer?I don't think there's any question that the build documentation needs improving in a lot of areas. The format is a constantly evolving process, nothing at PedalPCB is ever "finalized" and suggestions are always welcomed.
I've started naming the trim pots more intuitively in recent projects (rather than TRIM1, TRIM2, etc) and have attempted to notate any target voltages/settings when possible but I do agree it would be helpful to list their functions in the doc.