CONTEST Happy New Years Limited Parts Contest

[Feral Feline]

So now I know what a Fire Stick is.

Silly me, I thought it was just, you know...

 

[Cybercow]

Hi everyone!

Happy New years! I hope everyone has had their fun because now its time for a little competition!

Today I want to announce a limited parts contest that is being held by Chuck D. Bones and I!

The contest is about designing a circuit while being limited to a simple set number of rules. The contest is organized in such a way that it allows newcomers and experienced forum members to either get their footing in circuit design or to challenge themselves. We are hoping this brings in some friendly competition where you guys can show off your best designs! This is a contest after all and we are looking for your best!


Time:
The Contest will last for 6 weeks. The final entry must be entered by FEB 15th. After that date the contest will be closed and all entries will be judged.


The Rules:
1. No more than 30 parts (pots, switches & jacks not included)
2. No more than three knobs
3. No more than one trimpot
4. No more than one toggle switch
5. No more than one stomp switch
6. Parts have to be readily available from the usual sources, including eBay.
7. No high voltage. Anything above 40V is forbidden for safety reasons.

Entries will be judged by a secret panel based on tone, originality and cleverness.
*Judges Decisions are Final*

*Minimum entry is a working breadboard.*
*Stripboard will also be accepted*

*A photo of the finalized entry is mandatory.*

*Extra credit will be awarded to those who make a pcb but not for neatness. The reason behind this is some forum members have experience making boards and i believe an unfair advantage will be at play here.*

*Extra credit for a sound clip will be awarded as well.*

Prize:

Way Huge Fat Sandwich that was traced by our forum Circuit Wizard @Chuck D. Bones

Wish you all the best and have fun making some cool circuits! If you have any questions about the contest (Like a BC module for voltage supplies.) feel free to message me! Just dont expect any help

-Steve

Got sum quekstions to aks about the rules if you don't mind . . . . .

1) Does the circuit have to be "original"? - OR - Please define "original".
2) Does the 'circuit' have to be a complete, sound modifying/creating "pedal" circuit?
3) Is a commonly found 'module' (like a BC module for voltage supplies) be counted as one part?
4) To be clear on the parts count - the parts-count does NOT include pots switches and/or jacks (who's number maximums are defined in rules #2, #3, #4 & #5).

Ana Happy New Year to all!

 

[steviejr92]

@Cybercow

To answer some of your questions.

1. No the circuit does not have to be original but uniqueness is something the judges value...

2. Yes. It must operate stand alone and do something useful when you plug it in between a guitar and amp. A simple kill switch qualifies, but probably won't win.

3. Can you specify a parts number for the BC module?

4. Yes the parts count does not include the pots, switches, and or jacks but they do have a limit which is explained in the next set of rules.

 

[Chuck D. Bones]

So now I know what a Fire Stick is.

Silly me, I thought it was just, you know...

Or maybe a euphemism?

 

[Giorfida]

So we concluded that the IR loader is a no go because it would need a digital module.

Otherwise utility pedals are a go!

Wasn’t thinking IR loader - just using that as an example of a pedal dependent on other pedals to be useful. Don’t want to give away my idea until I see if I can get around to turning my idea into a reality lol

 

[KR Sound]

Here’s mine- Atari Punk Console into a Bazz Fuss. It’s 11 components and I had to make a 556 using two 555s. Kinda fun to play with and I’ve always wanted to check out both of them.

 

[steviejr92]

Thats really really cool.....and only 11 components!

Its almost like the 2nd pot is a keyboard!

 

[Chuck D. Bones]

First of all, I want to compliment you on entering something instead of asking about the rules.
Two questions:

1. How does it sound when you plug a guitar into it?
2. Can we see a schematic?

 

[KR Sound]

I should have a guitar input go directly to the Fuzz and see if it can handle both signals at the same time. And it’s actually kinda cooler when you turn both knobs at the same time. If a step tone generator can be considered cool

This is how it's set up I believe:



The pinouts for using the two 555s as a 556:

 

[Chuck D. Bones]

Does the Bazz Fuss really change the tone?
I'm gonna have to breadboard this!

 

[steviejr92]

Hi everyone!

Just giving the thread a bump to see how things are moving along! Anyone come up with any more entries???

By the way one month left!

 

[Chuck D. Bones]

If anyone needs a little inspiration, take a look at the breadboard contest from two years ago. Most of the entries comply with the rules for this contest.

 

[Chuck D. Bones]

Here are a couple circuits I whipped up to show that it's possible to build something good with 30 parts or less.

One is a dirt pedal and the other is an EQ.

 

[Bricksnbeatles]

@KR Sound’s entry has me inspired— does it not have to specifically be an effect? Stand-alone noise-generators are fair play too? I need to break out the breadboard ASAP

 

[KR Sound]

I should probably have a guitar input in there at some point just to be fair.

Lots of good stuff here:

Circuit Snippets

 

[steviejr92]

@KR Sound’s entry has me inspired— does it not have to specifically be an effect? Stand-alone noise-generators are fair play too? I need to break out the breadboard ASAP

To answer your question a stand alone noise generator will be accepted as fair play!

 

[Chuck D. Bones]

I was thinking that if Buddy was a contestant instead of a judge, we'd have seen more action on this thread.

 

[BuddytheReow]

I feel like you’re daring me to breadboard something…..

 

[Chuck D. Bones]

I'm on my 3rd one and I can't enter!

I'm actually daring everyone else to post something.

 

[Feral Feline]

Trying to figure out how to get rid of 1 or 2 components to get within the damned 30 limit!