SOLVED Son of Ben Preamp - Potentiometer grounds the output in enclosure

[GS4558]

The classic "pedal works until put in the enclosure" problem, except I already know that potentiometer ("Bass" control) touching the bare metal enclosure is causing the output signal to short into the ground, and I still have no idea how to resolve this issue. This also happened during my Muffin Fuzz build with the "Tone" knob, which I hap-hazardly resolved the issue by wrapping electrical tapes around where it would touch the enclosure. However, as I am building this for a friend of mine, I would like a much more effective solution to this problem. Thank you in advance!

 

[KR Sound]

If it’s the dual pot, then you need to make sure you cover the entire back of it so it’s not shorting at the board.

 

[GS4558]

Not having any issue with the dual gang, the problem child is the single ganged one that is right next to it

 

[p_wats]

Are you using pots without plastic covers on the bottom? If so, it could be touching the board and shorting.

 

[GS4558]

I'm just putting on few layers of electrical tape on the back, but it still works when I push towards the board when out of the case, so I assume that's not the issue?

 

[Laundryroom David]

I'm just putting on few layers of electrical tape on the back, but it still works when I push towards the board when out of the case, so I assume that's not the issue?

Can you post a pic or two? Would help us see what you’re seeing. Gut says you need a plastic pot cover to insulate it.

 

[GS4558]

 

[KR Sound]

Is it possible you have a short elsewhere? The soldering could be a lot cleaner, and there are lots of strands all over the place.

A bit of advice- tin your wires before you attach them on and off-board. It will keep all those joints nicer and you won’t run the risk of a little tiny wire causing havoc. And maybe turn your iron up a bit- do you know what it’s set on?

 

[GS4558]

My soldering iron's usually set at 325F.
I built a pedal with tinning all the wires once, but I struggled to put the tinned wires through the PCB holes due to it being thicker by solidified solder, are there any tips and trick for an easier process?

 

[GS4558]

Update: Added electrical tapes on top so the pot body would not make contact with the pot leg from the one above and it seemed to do the trick and I have no issue now.

 

[Laundryroom David]

F or C?

Pot covers are your friend. Electrical tape will betray you.

If you use a hotter iron, you should get a light coat of solder on the wire you’re tinning. If you’re not going to tin stranded wire, consider buying solid core wire.

good luck!

 

[GS4558]

Mistyped, I meant 325 Celcius, sorry about that.
And yeah, after this experience I will for sure invest in the pot covers.
I'll try setting my iron hotter for tinning wires next time.
Thank you!

 

[KR Sound]

Mistyped, I meant 325 Celcius, sorry about that.
And yeah, after this experience I will for sure invest in the pot covers.
I'll try setting my iron hotter for tinning wires next time.
Thank you!

Try using 24 gauge wire next time also. It’s thinner and fits nicely when tinned.