Gerkin Fuzz question

[Vipersassasin]

Are D1 and D2 actually needed here? I see they are both just 3mm LED's but look to be a looper circuit. Why would you utilize LED's instead of an actual diode? I was looking at the traced schematic of the Way Huge somewhere else and it doesn't mention the need for D1 & D2 anywhere... furthermore, all the Diodes are 1N914. Maybe their drawing is incorrect but it looks fairly similar to the schematic here.

Just curious if anyone has built the Gerkin Fuzz and if you actually included the 3mm LED or if you just utilized a jumper in their place.

 

[Betty Wont]

LEDs are "actual" diodes. They are used as clippers in this circuit. Clipping diodes are pretty critical to the sound of circuits that use them.

 

[spi]

There's some versions of the swollen pickle that have don't them, but this one does.

If you don't want to use them, you can leave them out, along with C7 and the clip trim pot (and then will need to jumper between pins 1 and 2 of the trim pot).

There's no real good reason to leave them out though--this circuit adds more flexibility by including them as a clipping option.

 

[Chuck D. Bones]

I have a production Swollen Pickle (s/n AB12P065) and it contains a pair of yellow LEDs. It matches the Gerkin schematic. If you set the Clip trim to 50%, it effectively takes the 2nd stage clipping diodes out of the circuit. Overall, a very dense and bassy Muff.

 

[Coda]

I have a production Swollen Pickle

…sounds painful.

 

[Diynot]

…sounds painful.

Only if it lasts for more than 4 hours

 

[Chuck D. Bones]

Did I mention it was Way Huge?

 

[Vipersassasin]

Another question (sorry, just want to make sure I have the correct info before I order parts and the PCB itself)

Will this trim pot work: https://www.taydaelectronics.com/500k-ohm-trimpot-variable-resistor-6mm.html or do I HAVE to use a 3362P trim pot?

I am way new when it comes to building a pedal but not new to soldering...

 

[Chuck D. Bones]

I would not use that style. Won't fit the board and they're kinda flimsy. You'll be much happier if you use the 3362P trimmer. Sure it costs a little more. Here's a good deal:

https://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/prodinfo.asp?number=G21986

You can score some other stuff them at the same time and amortize the postage.

G22212 - (Pkg 100) Special Purchase 2N3906 PNP Transistor

We made a special puchase of prime 2N3906 PNP general purpose transistors. These are brand new TO-92 case transistors on tape and reel with full length leads. Sold in a package of 100.

www.goldmine-elec-products.com

https://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/prodinfo.asp?number=G25696

 

[spi]

Yes it should work. Some PCBs have a trim pot location like this, specifically for the 3362P style:



And the newer boards are fitted with holes for both styles. The two on the the bottom are connected giving you option of using either style of trimpot.



As you can see, they have slightly different leg locations. However you can probably just bend the legs of the one you're looking at to make it fit, if you're dealing with the first kind. But if you're placing an order, you may as well get the one that fits exactly and not have to worry about making it fit.

 

[Vipersassasin]

Done and done!

I am excited to build my very first pedal and start using it on my board! I will try to post build photos as I go along otherwise will post photos of the completed work.

I am sure I will have some troubleshooting but if not, then maybe I am lucky? LOL

Can't wait for this "Way Huge" project to come to completion.

 

[Chuck D. Bones]

If this is your first pedal build, you might want to peruse this:
https://forum.pedalpcb.com/threads/basic-workflow-tips-for-building-a-pedalpcb.1165/

It's kind of a long read, but if it saves you one "aw shit!" then it will be worth it.

 

[Robert]

Tayda has the 3362P style trimpot:

500K OHM TRIMMER POTENTIOMETER CERMET 1 TURN 3362 3362P

Lead Free - Get It Fast - Same Day Shipping

www.taydaelectronics.com