Fuzz Aldrin Screwdriver build

[Daveyaj]

Hey all, I am in the process of putting together the screwdriver version of the Fuzz Aldrin. I’m understanding all of the component swaps, but I do have a couple of questions on the additional parts added. The additional diode that is attached parallel to R4, does that have to be under the board or can it just be right on top next to the resistor?
Also, the cap C101 that is parallel to C100. The notes on this refer to it connecting to the positive terminal and the input ground right next to it. Can I run that from the actual DC Jack to the ground on the input jack as well or does it have to connect on the board and can it be up top on the board? I have looked at all the build pictures I can find of this pedal and I don’t see those components on any of them. Thanks for any clarification.

 

[Feral Feline]

I'm not the expert around these parts, or any parts, but...
Whatever mod you add, make sure it doesn't interfere with the other components/functionality of the pedal.

Also, try to keep the leads of any mod short, so they aren't acting like antennae — the enclosure may shield the circuit from external RFI, but can't protect the "antennae" from internal RFI-related stuff such as an LFO or power/signal cross-talk.


RESISTOR & DIODE
Put the extra diode wherever it'll best fit, under the board on the solder side is fine UNLESS it then gets in the way of a pot sitting flush, for example.


If going on top, I think it's preferable to solder the diode to R4 prior to inserting the components into the board and soldering them. Treat it like making a miniature ladder; it's probably better to solder the resistor to the diode and insert the diode because generally diodes have thicker legs (leads) than resistors.

You could use a 1/8w resistor for R4 to give more space for the diode on the top (normal component side) of the board.
Make the resistors leads physically wrap around the diode's leads, then solder them together, then insert the diodes leads into R4's spot on the board.


PARALLEL CAPS
I'd try to fit the parallel caps together, space permitting.
This goes back to keeping leads short so they don't act like antennae. Maybe I'm being too cautious and the electrical-engineer experts and sage-builders wizened with experience are laughing their keesters off at my suggestions, for all I know/don't know.

You said you're in the process of building this, and I find a lot of suggestions for mods are meant for AFTER the pedal is already built.
I would rather have the parallel caps together on the board, space permitting, or one above board and one below board, my last choice would be to run from the DC jack to the input jack (which I've done on at least one build, IIRC).


Caveat Emptor
I've not looked at the build doc, nor builds with the mods, the mod notes, not looked at any of these. I'm strictly responding directly to your post, so I don't know where there's space and where there's not for this particular build.