bjoish
Joined: Jul 06, 2010
Posts: 596
Stockholm
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Posted on Jan 29 2015 03:07 PM
Hi Warioblast
For solving hum problems you need to experiment.
When you short the guitar input to ground, is there any difference?
When you short the 'reverb-return'-signal to ground, hum disappears?
Try to twist the in and out wires. (almost as good as shielded wire)
Make sure the chassis is connected to ground.
Maybe the circuit board picks up hum.
Can you post some pictures?
Try another power supply if you got one. I dont recommend the 14V 450mA power supply for continuous use.
You can also check if turning the power adapter 180 deg and plug it in again, have any effect.
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warioblast
Joined: Nov 23, 2014
Posts: 98
Dijon
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Posted on Jan 30 2015 02:23 PM
Hi Björn and thanks for the support.
I hadn't turn my amp on for weeks, and after today's quick test, it turns out this is where the hum comes from.
I'll report back tomorrow, with pics, when everything will be boxed up.
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Snufkino
Joined: Nov 03, 2009
Posts: 228
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Posted on Jan 31 2015 02:38 PM
UK users: Where did you get your chassis for the circuit? (Assuming you went with a standard Fender-style tank) I've had a look at the usual suspects, ebay, Banzai, Musikding at the sheet metal enclosures but was curious what others went for.
I've just got my tank in the post, which I hope is the right one: Accutronics BB3C1B. And will hopefully get the surfy circuit in the post next week, then I just need.... everything else.
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crumble
Joined: Sep 09, 2008
Posts: 3158
Guildford England
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Posted on Jan 31 2015 03:16 PM
Snufkino wrote:
UK users: Where did you get your chassis for the circuit?
I bought my chrome Mojo chassis through Allparts UK by enquiring. They wrote back saying they were cutting back on Mojo imports but they'd order one for me and placed me on some kind of order list. It arrived two weeks later slightly used but in excellent condition, at under £50 I wasn't complaining. Expect to see the same chassis for double price elsewhere in Europe. Oh, and no import duties.
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warioblast
Joined: Nov 23, 2014
Posts: 98
Dijon
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Posted on Jan 31 2015 04:11 PM
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crumble
Joined: Sep 09, 2008
Posts: 3158
Guildford England
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Posted on Jan 31 2015 04:43 PM
I like the way the aluminium panel matches the cloth. Looks neat and strong construction. Congrats!
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ludobag
Joined: Jun 05, 2010
Posts: 620
at south of
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Posted on Feb 01 2015 05:31 AM
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bjoish
Joined: Jul 06, 2010
Posts: 596
Stockholm
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Posted on Feb 01 2015 06:00 AM
Yes, very nice! 
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hamerman55
Joined: Jan 18, 2015
Posts: 13
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Posted on Feb 02 2015 04:03 PM
My reverb pan, bag and RCA cable is due in tomorrow. Toolbox and Surfy Bear in transit.
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wfoguy
Joined: Dec 11, 2011
Posts: 2123
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Posted on Feb 02 2015 05:20 PM
I'm really enjoying this thread. I've had a set back on my 51 Ford project that has delayed the start of my kit but I'm not sad. It's great seeing what everyone else is doing.
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Gilette
Joined: May 04, 2014
Posts: 734
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Posted on Feb 07 2015 06:07 AM
This is a 15 watt switching power supply I'll use for my Surfy Bear. It measures 1" x 2" x 3" an the output can be adjusted. The input ranges from 100 to 240 volts and it costs 12 euros. If you're interested the model is RS-15-12 by Mean Well.
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Snufkino
Joined: Nov 03, 2009
Posts: 228
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Posted on Feb 07 2015 09:41 AM
Got my tank, circuit (and sticker!) Now I just need to get the other parts to arrive and draw up the plans for the cab then I can get to work. I'm aiming for a typical cab, small as possible, in dark green tolex.
Oh, and SANCHO PANSEN: Check your pm's!  (didn't want to start a thread.)
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ElBirkerio
Joined: Dec 17, 2012
Posts: 519
Vienna
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Posted on Feb 07 2015 12:52 PM
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hamerman55
Joined: Jan 18, 2015
Posts: 13
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Posted on Feb 08 2015 08:05 AM
I got my Surfy Bear kit yesterday (apparently the snow and other weather issues delayed the mails). I was shocked at how small the circuit board was, and am reconsidering case options. I bought the Harbor Freight case that Stratdancer used, and now I'm thinking instead of drilling out the toolbox, rather to install the circuit in a medium-sized stompbox I have and run the RCA connectors to the pan. I bought the pan bag along with the pan from Amplified Parts, and figure I can Dual-Lock the bag to the side of the toolbox, and have the box loose in there. I can use the toolbox to carry cables, picks and such, then hook up the pan for the reverb when I get to the gig. This way, the toolbox serves two uses.
I also was thinking about other pan options as well. Has anyone tried any of the more hi fi options listed by Amplified Parts in there pan article? As the Surfy Bear is able to switch pans easily, one could have a traditional pan for Surf, and switch to a three spring pan for other styles, for example. I'm thinking I might give that a try, as there is ample room in the Harbor Freight box for two pans.
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bjoish
Joined: Jul 06, 2010
Posts: 596
Stockholm
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Posted on Feb 09 2015 05:19 AM
ElBirkerio wrote:
so ... ordered one too. will combine it with a TAD pan and a fat transformer. shall i make a second housing for those in the nearby area?
yours wolfi
If you prefer to keep everything in one housing, I recommend that you experiment to find out if the power supply radiates hum or not.
hamerman55 wrote:
...and now I'm thinking instead of drilling out the toolbox, rather to install the circuit in a medium-sized stompbox I have and run the RCA connectors to the pan.
Should work great, just remember to keep the MOSFETs attached (but isolated) to the stompbox!
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ElBirkerio
Joined: Dec 17, 2012
Posts: 519
Vienna
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Posted on Feb 09 2015 05:34 AM
hi!
bjoish wrote:
ElBirkerio wrote:
so ... ordered one too. will combine it with a TAD pan and a fat transformer. shall i make a second housing for those in the nearby area?
yours wolfi
If you prefer to keep everything in one housing, I recommend that you experiment to find out if the power supply radiates hum or not.
erm - I rather meant making a second wood cabinet for people in my greater vicinity 
yours
wolfi
— http://www.surfgrammeln-san.org
https://www.facebook.com/BaluUndSurfgrammeln
http://greencookierecords.bandcamp.com/album/coming-out-soon-los-chicharrones-del-surf-10
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hamerman55
Joined: Jan 18, 2015
Posts: 13
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Posted on Feb 09 2015 08:06 AM
bjoish wrote:
hamerman55 wrote:
...and now I'm thinking instead of drilling out the toolbox, rather to install the circuit in a medium-sized stompbox I have and run the RCA connectors to the pan.
Should work great, just remember to keep the MOSFETs attached (but isolated) to the stompbox!
I have a question about the MOSFET heat sink arrangement. It sounds like the place on the board where you peel off the plastic is the MOSFET heat sink, and should not be connected to ground. But it does need to be connected to metal to radiate heat away from the circuit. Is this correct? What I am thinking is to mount all the pots, jacks and switches in the top half of a metal box, but leave the back off. Then use the plastic tray of the toolbox to mount the box. Could the circuit board heat sink then be connected to the plastic, or should it be connected to a small metal plate. I guess I'm trying to get a sense of how much heat to expect from the MOSFETs. I don't want to screw the board to plastic and then have the heat melt the plastic.
From what I saw from the original design, there were free standing heat sinks mounted to the board. I am not sure exactly how the new SMD board handles the heat without radiators. Could you elaborate?
thanks
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bjoish
Joined: Jul 06, 2010
Posts: 596
Stockholm
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Posted on Feb 09 2015 09:16 AM
hamerman55 wrote:
bjoish wrote:
hamerman55 wrote:
...and now I'm thinking instead of drilling out the toolbox, rather to install the circuit in a medium-sized stompbox I have and run the RCA connectors to the pan.
Should work great, just remember to keep the MOSFETs attached (but isolated) to the stompbox!
I have a question about the MOSFET heat sink arrangement. It sounds like the place on the board where you peel off the plastic is the MOSFET heat sink, and should not be connected to ground. But it does need to be connected to metal to radiate heat away from the circuit. Is this correct? What I am thinking is to mount all the pots, jacks and switches in the top half of a metal box, but leave the back off. Then use the plastic tray of the toolbox to mount the box. Could the circuit board heat sink then be connected to the plastic, or should it be connected to a small metal plate. I guess I'm trying to get a sense of how much heat to expect from the MOSFETs. I don't want to screw the board to plastic and then have the heat melt the plastic.
From what I saw from the original design, there were free standing heat sinks mounted to the board. I am not sure exactly how the new SMD board handles the heat without radiators. Could you elaborate?
thanks
Since the FET Reverb is based on a Class A amplifier (just as 6G15) the MOSFETs gets hot.
The small size of the SMD board makes it dependent on a metal plate/chassis to dissipate the excess heat. The special tape on the MOSFETs conducts the heat but isolates the MOSFETs from the chassis (ground).
I guess the minimum size for a metal plate would be about the same size as the circuit board. The MOSFETs can stand 175 degrees but I dont think its a good idea to have any components operating at that temperature for a long time.
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novamax
Joined: Jan 23, 2015
Posts: 105
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Posted on Feb 10 2015 09:06 AM
I just got my surfy bear working and wanted to share some experiences.
1) As a hobbyist in a flat, I usually play via DAW with plugin. Amplitube contains a digital original Fender Reverb effect which worked well for me (although I had little chance to compare). I now tested the bear, which sounds like a perfect t-bone steak compared to a hamburger patty (=VST). It's creamy, much more 3D, and spoiled me completely for the prior setup...
2) I did not get it to work first - The error was sitting in front of the PCB with a solder iron in his hand. Bjoern patiently helped me analyse my wiring by photos and my description, and I just had to wiring errors due to a lack of experience with PCB wiring. I rarely have so helpful and dedicated service from companies with much more expensive products (who actually make their living with it) like I had from Bjoern.
So here's a big public "Thank you!" and a warm recommendation for anyone who is thinking about getting high reverb effect at more-than-fair costs and who can wield a solder iron without burning himeself... 
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novamax
Joined: Jan 23, 2015
Posts: 105
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Posted on Feb 10 2015 09:44 AM
Oh, and one more observation:
I ab-used the surfy bear with mixer on zero in my DAW-signal chain, which gave noticeably more valve-character to the signal (warm and dynamic, less artificial). Someone speculated whether you can use it as a valve amp substitue at least for clean sounds - Well, it seems to be a great valve pre-amp modulation effect for digital home-recording which I integrate standard (also for non-reverb sounds)
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