Mod Wave - User Manual

1 Copyright © 2014 by modkitsdiy.com
Use these instructions to learn:
How to build a stand-alone tube reverb unit.
How to prepare shielded wire.
How to make vintage style RCA cables.
The Wave is a versatile stand-alone, tube driven spring reverb unit. It can be used in front of your guitar amp
or as a line-level, analog reverb effect for the recording studio. Two controls allow you to serve up a wide
range of wetness, from just a touch to over the top psychedelia. The "dwell" control adjusts the input signal
level driving the tank and the "reverb" control adjusts the level of output reverberations from the tank.
The Wave (K-MOD103)
www.modkitsdiy.com
Features
Rack Mountable - requires 3U of rack space
Line Level RCA connections - (1) Phono In and (2) paralleled Phono Outs
Footswitch Jack - cuts signal to the reverb tank input only, allowing the last reverberations to decay fully.
(Use a standard one button latching footswitch box with a mono ¼" plug).
Reverb Switch - provides an instantaneous cut of the reverb signal before and after the tank.
INOUT
POWER
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
DWELL REVERB
REVERB
SWITCH
GUITAR
OUT
GUITAR
IN
Rear Panel
1A
FAST BLO
120VAC
PHONO
IN
PHONO
OUT (1)
PHONO
OUT (2)
FOOT
SWITCH
Please note, there are no labels for this kit. The controls, switches and connectors have
only been labeled on this drawing to indicate their function.

Mod Wave Specifications

General

Arpeggiator	Yes
Modulation	Extensive modulation matrix
Oscillators	2 per voice
Wave Sequences	Yes
Effects	Reverb, Delay
Keyboard	37 keys, velocity-sensitive
Controllers	Pitch Bend wheel, Modulation wheel
Audio Outputs	L/Mono, R (1/4" TRS balanced)
Headphones	1 x 1/4"
MIDI	In, Out
Power	AC adapter
Envelopes	3 Envelopes
Connectivity	USB, MIDI, Audio

Summary

SAFETY

The One Hand Rule

Safety precaution for working with high voltages using a DMM.

SOLDERING TIPS

Making Good Solder Joints

Detailed instructions for creating reliable solder connections.

WIRING TIPS

Wire Types and Applications

Details the different wire types and their uses in the kit.

SECTION 1 - Mounting of Top Components

Step 1: File Chassis Holes

Step 3: Mount Tube Sockets and Shields

Covers attaching 9-pin tube sockets and their shields.

Step 5: Mount Output Transformer (TR2)

Details attaching the output transformer to the chassis.

Step 6: Mount Power Transformer (TR1)

Explains securing the main power transformer to the chassis.

Step 9: Mount Reverb Tank

Details securing the spring reverb tank to the chassis.

SECTION 2 - Mounting of Rear Components

Step 1: Mount Power Cord Receptacle

Explains installing the AC power input receptacle.

SECTION 3 - Mounting of Front Components

Mount Power Switch and Controls

Installs power switch, reverb switch, and potentiometers.

SECTION 4 - Making Wire Connections

Step 1: Connect Output Transformer (TR2) Wires

Details wiring the output transformer according to the diagram.

Step 2: Connect Power Transformer (TR1) Wires

Covers wiring the power transformer according to the diagram.

Step 5: Connect Filament Wires

Step 6: Connect Power Supply Wires

Step 7: Connect Reverb Driver & Components

Step 9: Wire Front Panel Components

Step 10: Prepare Shielded Wires

Step 10 Continued: Connect Shielded Wires

Connects shielded wires and checks for shorts for signal integrity.

Step 11: Connect Remaining Tube Socket Wires

SECTION 5 - Mounting Electronic Components

Step 1: Connect Diodes

Step 2: Connect Filter Caps & Resistors

Step 4: Connect V1 Components

Step 5: Connect V3 Components

Step 6: Connect V4 Components

SECTION 6 - Assemble and Fasten the Cover Plate

Step 2: Mount Cover Plate

Wave Troubleshooting Supplement

DC Voltage Measurements

Lists test points and expected DC voltage readings for troubleshooting.

Measuring AC Voltages from the Guitar Signal

Guitar Signal AC Voltage Tests

Details procedures for measuring AC signal levels for troubleshooting.