Mod THE PILEDRIVER - User Manual

1 Copyright © 2012 by modkitsdiy.com
Use these instructions to learn:
How to build an effects pedal for clean boost.
The PileDriver is a clean boost that will provide up to 38 dB of voltage gain to your guitar signal. Use it to
push your preamp into overdrive or as a line driver if you are experiencing signal degradation from your
effects chain.
THE PILEDRIVER (K-920)
Unplug when not in use
to save battery life.
Warning: This circuit was designed for use with a 9 VDC power supply only.
Signal Input
(From Guitar)
Signal Output
(To Amplifier)

Mod THE PILEDRIVER Specifications

General

Brand	Mod
Model	THE PILEDRIVER
Category	Music Pedal
Language	English

Summary

Soldering Tips

Component Lead Preparation

Bend and wrap component leads around connection points for secure attachment.

Lead Securing

Ensure component leads wrap sufficiently to hold themselves in place.

Proper Soldering Technique

Heat both component lead and connection point before applying solder.

Solder Joint Quality

Apply sufficient solder for a shiny, smooth joint; trim excess leads.

Section 1 - Mount Jacks and Terminal Strip Components

Diodes Mounting

Mount diodes to lower holes of terminals #1/#3 and #3/#5, do not solder initially.

Capacitor and Solder Terminals

Mount capacitor end to terminal #3, then solder terminals #1, #3, and #5.

MOSFET Installation

Mount BS170 MOSFET, connecting Source to #2, Gate to #3, and Drain to #4.

1 M Resistor Placement

Mount 1M resistors between terminals #1 & #3 and #3 & #4.

5.1 K Resistor Placement

Mount the 5.1K resistor between terminals #5 & #6.

Wire Connection #4 to #6

Connect terminals #4 and #6 with a 2-inch tinned wire.

10µF Capacitor Installation

Mount the 10µF capacitor with positive end to #6 and negative end to #7.

100 K Resistor Placement

Mount the 100K resistor between terminals #7 & #8.

Section 2 - Mount the Potentiometer and Footswitch

Potentiometer Mounting

Mount the potentiometer, bending the mounting tab if necessary.

Footswitch Installation

Mount the footswitch, ensuring correct orientation of solder lugs.

Section 3 - Wiring the PileDriver

Potentiometer to Terminal Strip Wiring

Connect Potentiometer Lug #1 to Terminal Strip #2.

Battery Clip Connections

Connect red wire to Terminal Strip #5, black wire to input jack ring lug.

Footswitch to Terminal Strip Wiring

Connect Footswitch Lug #6 to Terminal Strip #7.

Footswitch to Output Jack Wiring

Connect Footswitch Lug #5 to the tip lug of the output jack.

Footswitch Lug Wiring

Connect Footswitch Lug #1 to Footswitch Lug #4.

Footswitch to Input Jack Wiring

Connect Footswitch Lug #2 to the tip lug of the input jack.

Ground and Potentiometer Wiring

Connect output jack ground lug to Potentiometer Lugs #2 & #3.

Capacitor to Footswitch Wiring

Connect the .1µF capacitor to Footswitch Lug #3.

Section 4 - Finishing Up