Sub Mini Tube Booster with the JAN 6418

Here is a stripboard layout I did for a preamp/boost using the JAN 6418 subminiature tubes I have been experimenting with lately. It is based on the schematic from the previous post, but rather than powering the heater with a 1.25-volt battery, I utilized an LM317 voltage regulator and a 100-ohm resistor. This ultra-simple circuit … Read more

Low Power Vacuum Tube PreAmp

I have wanted to learn more about vacuum tubes for years but was always put off by the extremely deadly power requirements. Working with low power sources for so long, I have blown my fair share of capacitors, which is scary enough for me. Recently I discovered the world of sub-miniature vacuum tubes and the … Read more

Germanium Fuzz using MP16b PNP transistors

The perfect layout for using the MP16b transistors that I have been importing from Russia. This layout is based on the Sabro Fuzz Face layout. I moved the bias from inside to the top so you can go from scuzzy velcro to full-on fuzz. I also dropped a line from the vero that was unused. … Read more

Pitch control for cassette players

Figured I might as well post this stripboard layout that I did for the cassette player speed mod. It is based on a drawing from the old Casper Electronics website. Only requires a small piece of stripboard (4×6 ) and 5 components. There are other ways to affect the speed of a tape player motor … Read more

SUPER-FUZZ clone time

From underground alt-punk legends like the Butthole Surfers and The Cramps to full-on heavy metal icons like Black Sabbath, the SUPER-FUZZ pedal has a distinct sound that is heavy, fuzzy, and righteous all at the same time. The Univox Super-Fuzz pedals are the most common version of the circuit but Shin-ei licensed the design to … Read more

Speak and Math MidiSpeak

When I saw the midi speak kit online I knew I had to have one for my Speak and Math. The circuit-bent Speak and Math is already a ton of fun to play with. Sick, sputtering, looping glitches, word fragments, and random number strings are common, so getting it to trigger along with your drum … Read more

POTAR Design Devices