Bass Cube Remotes

Irongoats · Post by **Irongoats** » Sun May 18, 2008 9:09 pm

Thanks for keeping us in the loop.

denim · Post by **denim** » Tue May 20, 2008 7:54 am

And taking the time and effort to build them.

Post by **Jacampb2** » Mon May 26, 2008 12:18 pm

Well, preliminary results are in. Prototype remote is working fine. I ended up doing it single sided as there are only three traces on the top of the board and it is easier to solder jumpers than to setup and mill the top side and have it line up with the bottom.

The pros:
It works exactly like the factory remote.

I don't think it looks too bad.

I think I made the sumbitch smaller, it measures 2x1.25, could make it smaller yet if I wanted to kill myslef and make them with smd parts...

The Cons:
I ordered the wrong RJ-11 plugs, I got the damned flavor that is for a telephone handset cord, it takes a narrower modular plug, and there is no such cable with the correct end on either end unless you make it yourself. I of course ordered 12 of the SOBs, but I will get the right ones. Anyhow, I filled a standard phone cord down and the screwdriver is in the pics to hold it in place.

I am not real thrilled with the switch pot. It is evidently only available in the vertical variety from my sources. It was not specified, and I was hoping for horizontal. I found a web site selling what appears to be a similar style of pot to the original, but no data sheet for it, and I cannot setup the PCB w/o the dimensions, I don't really want to order a bunch from an unknown source, but I will go that route if you guys dont like option "b".

Option "B" I can use two of the less expensive non switched pots, and a small push button switch. The board will have to be a tiny bit wider to put all of the controls in the same plane. Another option would be to get vertical frequency pots and keep on with the original switched pot. I kind of like this as it make a tidy mountable package, and the LED can be soldered directly to the board like I have it.

Okay, here are the pics. The milling went well. Took a few trial boards to get it done, but the end result is nice.

Tell me what you want my to do for final layout. Majority rules here, so if you don't like what we come up with, I don't have a problem with you backing out.

Later,
Jason

Post by **stipud** » Mon May 26, 2008 12:55 pm

That is awesome!

Perhaps a solution to your POT issue would be a basscube remote remote... IIRC the LPL pot was the same as the one on the basscube, so you could instead hook up another RJ11 output, plug in an LPL, and use that as your boost control. Then you can leave the freq control module hidden somewhere, since that is much less likely to be changed (or put a second output if you're really nuts

)

Post by **Jacampb2** » Mon May 26, 2008 2:33 pm

It may be the same value, but it isn't the same pot. I have one here, and it has no switch built in. You would not believe how difficult it is to find a pot with a switch that is independent of pot position, i.e., there are a lot that have a switch at the start of the pots travel, like an old school volume knob, but that wont work for this, as most people want to be able to shut it off with out having to readjust.

On an interesting side not, I found a potentiometer IC that allows push button control of the resistance, I may build one based on that just for shits and giggles.

Later,
Jason

Irongoats · Post by **Irongoats** » Mon May 26, 2008 9:11 pm

Nice work I wouldn't have the patience, lol. Whatever you or majority decide I'm game.

Post by **Wakeup** » Mon May 26, 2008 10:37 pm

push button sounds interesting? Pictures?

Post by **Jacampb2** » Tue May 27, 2008 6:21 am

Something like this? It is a mini push on/off SPST switch. With something like this I could likely keep the board the same size, as the small 10K pots have a lot smaller footprint than the switch pot. I can mount these horizontal or vertical. Another option would be a small illuminated toggle, lights up for on, and eliminates the separate LED.

Later,
Jason

pnyryd · Post by **pnyryd** » Tue May 27, 2008 10:05 am

What ever works and makes your work go smoother is fine with me.

Thanks so much for you effort on this project

Post by **Jacampb2** » Tue May 27, 2008 12:28 pm

No problem at all guys, we are just lucky my wife and kids went out of town for a few days, otherwise I may not have had time to get going on it... Getting married and having kids sucks all of the time right out of your day

Wouldn't trade it for anything though...

I am going to try to PM everyone on the list tonight and tell them to get their butts to the thread and vote. I will make another order the next day, whatever we decide. I did already place the order for the correct RJ11 jacks, had to order enough for a digikey minimum order, so I threw them in.

There is a slim chance I may be able to find the original pots. I will research more tonight. I don't think that our newest member has posted up yet, but PG-Scott emailed me the original BOM with the manufacturers part numbers for the problem parts I have. If and when he does introduce himself, make sure you thank him as well!

Later,
Jason

marko · Post by **marko** » Tue May 27, 2008 12:29 pm

looking good jason, i would be happy with what ever you go with, shame the original pots can't be picked up from somewhere though!

mark.

denim · Post by **denim** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 9:11 am

This is very cool to be able to follow your work. As for voting, I am in for which ever is easiest for you to build because you are doing this for us.

Post by **Jacampb2** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 2:26 pm

Quick update, I ordered seperate switches, and more pots and the right modular plugs to put all of these together. I have to redesign the cad work for the board to fit the changes, and I can't tell you for sure when I will have them done, as time is still in short supply for me, but the rest of the parts should be here this week, and I will try to get them turned around and out to you guys.

Later,
Jason

Irongoats · Post by **Irongoats** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 5:09 pm

Take your time I don't think anyone is in a rush.

Post by **Jacampb2** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 10:58 pm

I finished the CAD work for revision 2. I ordered more pots, the correct modular jacks, and push button switches. The pushbutton switches are identical to most of the ones used in PG amps. I ordered round button caps for them too (you will see when I get one done). The new board dimensions are 1.75" x 2", so about .5" wider than the first one. It is still going to be tiny. I also added solder pads to allow for jumpers on the top of the board to eliminate the three top side traces, and not have to do point to point wiring on the bottom of the board. I generated the numerical code for the mill already. I am working for the next four nights, but with any luck, if SWMBO doesn't have a lot of crap planned for me, I will get a few turned out on my next days off.

Here is a pic of the new board layout:

Later,
Jason

marko · Post by **marko** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 11:22 pm

great stuff jason, coming on a treat

Post by **Wakeup** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 11:26 pm

Yes GREAT work....And if you need anything from us....I know time and money may get the best of you, if you need ANYTHING please give any one of us a yell...we'll be glad to work with you if we can help ya!

Post by **Jacampb2** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 12:52 am

Yeah, if you can hook me up with about a month of free time with no wife and kids and household projects, I am pretty sure that I could have this project licked, as well as about 350 other things I am working on...

Seriously, my only problem is lack of time. You would think it would be easy to set up the mill and just let it go, but I find myself standing there babysitting it, drool running out the corner of my mouth, and wondering what else I can make it do. It is frigging addictive. I don't know how a CNC can possibly save a job shop money! I am sure it will eventually get boring, but the fact of the matter is, you kind of have to keep an eye on it to be sure nothing goes haywire, or tooling breaks and it sits there cutting air.

I am just glad you all are being patient with me. I hope to be able to offer you guys a cnc cut mounting bracket/housing as well, but I am not sure if I will have time or not.

Later,
Jason

Post by **mhyde71** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 4:08 am

geese dont know how I missed this one here.. I want one too, if still at all possible.. ??? pls thx

Post by **stipud** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 6:46 am

Man, you should sell some of these on eBay to recoup your expenses. Thanks so much for doing this

Post by **Jacampb2** » Sat Jun 14, 2008 4:01 pm

mhyde71 wrote:geese dont know how I missed this one here.. I want one too, if still at all possible.. ??? pls thx

Not to late. I have enough parts for 12. I will put you down for one.

I may put a few on ebay later. All depends on time.

Later,
Jason

denim · Post by **denim** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 9:30 am

No rush. Take your time. You are using your time to make these for us, so I can wait.

Post by **mhyde71** » Tue Jun 17, 2008 9:39 am

denim wrote:No rush. Take your time. You are using your time to make these for us, so I can wait.

here here!

JLUK when/where/& how much for money to send.. no rush, I have gone this long with no remote.. but certainly would like to give it a shot/try one out... keep up good work Mate!

M

Post by **Jacampb2** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 8:44 am

...running the CNC right now, should be turning out 8 pcb's. The wife is being understanding...

Post by **Wakeup** » Wed Jun 18, 2008 8:17 pm

Yay!