SOLVED SOLVED - Fuzzy Fox - Low Volume and Hissing

[orangetones]

Recently put together a Fuzzy Fox and it is very hissy and low volume when on. It is definitely not working right. The voltages line up with what has been posted in GGG and other forums for each transistor. I have also checked all the cap values and resistor values. Wondering where I might start looking for the problem? Next step will be to take the board our and look for any solder bridges, but my soldering is generally ok. Thoughts? I can post board pictures soon too.

 

[music6000]

Recently put together a Fuzzy Fox and it is very hissy and low volume when on. It is definitely not working right. The voltages line up with what has been posted in GGG and other forums for each transistor. I have also checked all the cap values and resistor values. Wondering where I might start looking for the problem? Next step will be to take the board our and look for any solder bridges, but my soldering is generally ok. Thoughts? I can post board pictures soon too.

Post a Good quality picture of the PCB & Components so the resistors can be clearly seen!

 

[orangetones]

Here is the board. Lots of rosin on the back... I have just cleaned that off. I'll give it a try in a bit to see if that has anything to do with it. Otherwise, what are people's thoughts for a starting point? I can do the "reflow all joints" just to check as well.

 

[orangetones]

Anyone?

 

[flemming]

Did you check those diodes with a tester or DMM to make sure they are oriented correctly? I have some D9Ks that look that and the cathode end is not the side with the red stripe. There's a good chance all of those are backwards.

 

[jeffwhitfield]

Yeah, definitely check the orientation of the diodes. Plus, if memory serves, the FoxX Tone Machine circuit can be a bit noisy anyways. Try running it first in your chain to see if that helps.

 

[Mir9]

After using my clone, and a couple different commercial clones, I guess it's not a very loud fuzz.

I don't want to affect the sound by changing the clipping germanium diodes, so I plan on modding that recovery stage. It seems like an easy solution, I hope.

 

[music6000]

Here is the board. Lots of rosin on the back... I have just cleaned that off. I'll give it a try in a bit to see if that has anything to do with it. Otherwise, what are people's thoughts for a starting point? I can do the "reflow all joints" just to check as well.

Sorry missed seeing the follow up & Pictures!
Looks like all the Components are correct.
Does the pedal work fine in Bypass mode?
The other Members are correct that some of the Germanium Diodes use the Stripe as Anode so they may all be facing the wrong way.

 

[orangetones]

So, those diodes were the issue. I guess in all other instances that I've used them it has always just been clipping diodes, so the directionality didn't matter. Thanks for the push in that direction. Cheers. Pedal sounds fantastic

 

[music6000]

So, those diodes were the issue. I guess in all other instances that I've used them it has always just been clipping diodes, so the directionality didn't matter. Thanks for the push in that direction. Cheers. Pedal sounds fantastic

Awesome !!!!