SOLVED Flock harmonizing not really harmonizing

Quirkey

Quirkey

Active member
Ok! So I had posted that my flock fuzz was working but after watching some demos of the swarm and messing around for a bit it seems like it’s not actually working as it’s supposed to. Here’s a video:


Basically, the fuzz part is clearly working but the octave knobs either hold a single not or oscillate wildly depending on the other knobs but there doesn’t seem to be a setting where the octaves are producing actually octaves.

I tried swapping out all the ICs for others that I had (but all from the same batches) but no luck. To be honest my knowledge of how these CMOS work is non existent so im not sure which one is responsible for which part of the signal.

Any help or direction appreciated as always!
 
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My build is similar but different. Something is not right when compared to beetronix demos. My fuzz works amazing, I actually would love a small pedal with just this fuzz it’s insanely thick and droned. But the other knobs I just get high pitched signal generation along with the fuzz. If I quickly stomp the FS about a dozen times the constant high pitched signal will go away but for the most part the harmonizing has only occurred a few times. Mostly it’s just the fuzz. I was thinking one or more of my caps are not working properly, it’s almost like I’m getting DC build up.

I thought about building another one but I’m also done with trying to make broke pedals work. I’ve had a few lately. But I will watch this thread for suggestions and see if they apply to mine. Yours is doing more of what it’s supposed to in my opinion. And you are right. These c40 chips are complete foreign to my understanding. But I have two pedals now with them that have issues. Coincidence?
 
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I would double-check the ICs to ensure they're legit and exactly the correct model.

I had a similar problem with the Madbean Tone Virus and discovered I was using a CD40174 which is not the same as the CD4017. (Ordering error.) Sorry if that's not much help. Good luck!
 
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This was my thought too - anyone have any idea of the exact correct ICs that worked for them in this build? Maybe even with sources? I see Jameco has most of these but variations of them. I bought some from mouser and some from stompboxparts.
 
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all 3 CD40xx chips are the BE not UBE... I barely get anything out of mine right now, but I can tell what chips I puit and I follow the BOM on the 1st build of anything..
 
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Yeah for me at least from the printing on the chips mine are all "BE", too. Could it be the TL072? I have a CP in mine not an IP but I thought those were functionally the same?
 
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OK! An update on this as I've done a bit more digging. I replaced the TL072CP with an IP -> no change. I tried a bunch of different CD4017's with no change. Then I realized I have a working captain bit pedal that relies on the CD4024BE. I swapped the one on the flock with a working one from the Captain Bit and wouldn't you know, it was the same thing - long hanging noise. I tried a bunch of the CD4024BE's that I had and most worked as expected in the captain bit but no change in the Flock. SO! Now I'm thinking it might be something with the Rotary switch? Sound possible? Changing the switch actually doesn't do anything to the sound.
 
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Quirkey said:
OK! An update on this as I've done a bit more digging. I replaced the TL072CP with an IP -> no change. I tried a bunch of different CD4017's with no change. Then I realized I have a working captain bit pedal that relies on the CD4024BE. I swapped the one on the flock with a working one from the Captain Bit and wouldn't you know, it was the same thing - long hanging noise. I tried a bunch of the CD4024BE's that I had and most worked as expected in the captain bit but no change in the Flock. SO! Now I'm thinking it might be something with the Rotary switch? Sound possible? Changing the switch actually doesn't do anything to the sound.
Click to expand...
That might be it. My rotary rarely does anything. But sometimes it does. It’s so random. I still haven’t gotten to trouble shooting because my bench is full of half built boards I have to finish first. Figured the first time I try to tackle a pile I get busy in other things. Wonder if I have bridges under the board where the pins connect. That would make sense, can’t see in there and would short out the switch. Might be worth disconnecting and trying it just wired up.
 
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Quirkey said:
Now I'm thinking it might be something with the Rotary switch? Sound possible? Changing the switch actually doesn't do anything to the sound.
Click to expand...
I actually had a problem similar to this with the prototype when I forgot to solder all of the rotary switch lugs, so it's certainly possible, although I would suspect something around the rotary switch rather than the switch itself.

You can confirm that the switch is working fairly quickly with a continuity test.
 
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I just opened up my Flock and think I found the issue(s). And now it makes sense why it works sometimes and others not. Several weak solder joints and I believe the bottom pot is shorting out on the pins of the board. Going add a spacer and reflow all sus joints. Fingers crossed.
 
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GLORIOUS DAY FELLOW PEDAL HEADS.
My troubleshooting bad luck has ended and I’ve discovered the problem with my flock. I’m pretty sure I overheated the PLL chip. Luckily @StompBoxParts makes you buy multiples of everything so I had a fresh new one ready to swap in and holy Moses this thing finally works all 9 options. Super stoked. Now just have to figure out the electric mistress and all my issues will be gone. But before that I’m going to soak In The swarming hot mess of this amazing pedal.
10ABE9EB-0455-401F-B102-439512D72274.jpeg
 
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Quirkey said:
OK! An update on this as I've done a bit more digging. I replaced the TL072CP with an IP -> no change. I tried a bunch of different CD4017's with no change. Then I realized I have a working captain bit pedal that relies on the CD4024BE. I swapped the one on the flock with a working one from the Captain Bit and wouldn't you know, it was the same thing - long hanging noise. I tried a bunch of the CD4024BE's that I had and most worked as expected in the captain bit but no change in the Flock. SO! Now I'm thinking it might be something with the Rotary switch? Sound possible? Changing the switch actually doesn't do anything to the sound.
Click to expand...
If you need another CD4046Be chip to try out let me know I would be happy to send you one of my extras. That was the issues combined with a few bad solder joints on mine.
 
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Quick update! Been super busy with actual job so didn’t have much time last week but I ordered some 4017 from mouser and once they arrived, swapped it in and boom! Harmonies! Then I finally tried to box it up yesterday and (sad trombone) loud squelch! Checked my grounds, looked fine, so now I’m unboxing again and will report back.
 
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Update to the update. IT WORKS. Turns out similar to @Dan0h I had some bad joints on the headers that were connecting the rotary to the board so when it was in the case it was pressing on them and knocking them loose. Reflowed them all and cleaned the board thoroughly and ohhhh yeaaaaah. Going to post a video in a build report shortly. Thanks all for the help! <3
 
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