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Business Card Fuzz Build Documentation

Writer's picture: Kyle KamrathKyle Kamrath

Updated: May 1, 2023

Thanks for building one of our business card fuzzes!


Please note, this is an “Always On” pedal, and while you can use it in any pedal chain, the lack of a bypass switch means it will always be part of your sound.


It is recommended that you read all of the Build Notes below before assembling, there are some important instructions that may help.


You should have all the items listed in the Bill of Materials below. If you are missing anything (or if you need any clarification on the build) please contact Strange Loop Audio by email and let us know and we will send you the missing parts.


Pistol Shrimp Board View
All parts should be assembled on this side of the board
 

Bill of Materials:


We have provided a few different options for the LED, different colors change the tone of the fuzz.


The NPN transistor we have provided is a 2N3904, cautionary note, the screen print of the transistor shape is printed backwards, please read the section on the transistor assembly carefully.

 

Build Notes:


  1. We recommend starting with the smaller components, resistors/capacitors, and move on to the larger components.

  2. The resistors and the capacitors are all non-polarized, so they can be assembled in either direction.

  3. The pads are fairly small so a liberal use of flux is recommended to make the soldering go smoothly.

  4. When installing the LED, ensure that the flat on the LED is aligned with the flat shown in the print on the PCB. Sometimes the flat on the LED is hard to identify, so it may help to align the legs of the LED as shown in the reference images below.

  5. IMPORTANT NOTE: When installing the NPN transistor, you must disregard the screen print on the PCB, and install the transistor “backwards”, as shown in the reference images below. Reference the datasheet for the 2N3904 transistor here.

  6. The openings for the power jack are slightly oversized, in order to secure the jack properly, a large amount of solder may be needed.

  7. We have provided a reference image of the final build, please use it as a guide for any questions you might have.

4. LED Assembly
4. LED Assembly

5. Transistor Assembly
5. Transistor Assembly


 
"It is an inherent property of intelligence that it can jump out of a task which it is performing and survey what it has done."
- Douglas Hofstadter (Gödel, Escher, Bach)
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