gtfields13
Well-known member
Having finished a not-too-bad, maybe-kinda-decent year, I wanted to recap my descent into effect pedal madness.
First, I am glad I landed here. I have learned a lot since I placed my first order for a PCB in February (and resurrected a 20yr dormant Mouser account). I have learned enough that it's embarassing where I started 10 months ago.
Along the way I (- maybe - everything is relative to where you are) might have binged on PCBs over the summer. I discovered the magic of open-source software (KiCad) and the ridiculous ease with which parts, custom-printed cases, and PCBs can be ordered from around the world. I discovered people who are happy to share stuff with you - gratis (@MichaelW - waving at you), or find your mistakes (@Nic!).
Part of this adventure has been building a vision that includes learning more electronics, hands-on building (I find this meditative), building logistical tools (also meditative for me), crafting a business plan, and creating visual designs. This is all part of filling the time and space as my children are growing and off to college. Maybe it's a vanity project, but my goal is to sell enough in 2026 to cover some costs, and as time goes on and I am in the community, I hope to add building new friendships, too.
I ended the year on a build-down campaign to try to eliminate the PCB backlog. I just about hit my goal (and will have done, by the time I head back to work next week - UPS delivery willing).
My Pedal Adventure tally comes down to:
4 pedals pending completion (missing parts)
+ 8 pedals completed, needing cases (3 in demo cases, one ready to go in it's final case)
+ 14 completed pedals (12 in Phido Sound dress), with two out on loan to get some feedback from players.
and 11 PCBs that still are untouched.
I also ended up with a half-dozen, maybe not completely novel, but circuits of my own, with a few breadboard and ready for PCB.
Next up for me:
- Social media push on the first 5 pedals
- Finished case designs for the next 5 pedals
- My first complete customized PCB design
- A push into stereo effects to go with my synth gear.
I look forward to spending some of my 2026 with all of you!
First, I am glad I landed here. I have learned a lot since I placed my first order for a PCB in February (and resurrected a 20yr dormant Mouser account). I have learned enough that it's embarassing where I started 10 months ago.
Along the way I (- maybe - everything is relative to where you are) might have binged on PCBs over the summer. I discovered the magic of open-source software (KiCad) and the ridiculous ease with which parts, custom-printed cases, and PCBs can be ordered from around the world. I discovered people who are happy to share stuff with you - gratis (@MichaelW - waving at you), or find your mistakes (@Nic!).
Part of this adventure has been building a vision that includes learning more electronics, hands-on building (I find this meditative), building logistical tools (also meditative for me), crafting a business plan, and creating visual designs. This is all part of filling the time and space as my children are growing and off to college. Maybe it's a vanity project, but my goal is to sell enough in 2026 to cover some costs, and as time goes on and I am in the community, I hope to add building new friendships, too.
I ended the year on a build-down campaign to try to eliminate the PCB backlog. I just about hit my goal (and will have done, by the time I head back to work next week - UPS delivery willing).
My Pedal Adventure tally comes down to:
4 pedals pending completion (missing parts)
+ 8 pedals completed, needing cases (3 in demo cases, one ready to go in it's final case)
+ 14 completed pedals (12 in Phido Sound dress), with two out on loan to get some feedback from players.
and 11 PCBs that still are untouched.
I also ended up with a half-dozen, maybe not completely novel, but circuits of my own, with a few breadboard and ready for PCB.
Next up for me:
- Social media push on the first 5 pedals
- Finished case designs for the next 5 pedals
- My first complete customized PCB design
- A push into stereo effects to go with my synth gear.
I look forward to spending some of my 2026 with all of you!
