Distortion Plus

COMPONENT LIST

PCB
PCB   DISTORTION PLUS DIY PCB GUITAR EFFECT

Capacitors        
C1    1n      1NF 0.001UF 100V 5% POLYESTER FILM BOX TYPE CAPACITOR
C2    10n    10NF 0.01UF 100V 5% POLYESTER FILM BOX TYPE CAPACITOR
C3    47n    47NF 0.047UF 100V 5% POLYESTER FILM BOX TYPE CAPACITOR
C4    10p    10PF 50V MULTILAYER MONOLITHIC CERAMIC CAPACITOR
C5    1u      1UF 50V RADIAL TANTALUM CAPACITOR
C6    1n      1NF 0.001UF 100V 5% POLYESTER FILM BOX TYPE CAPACITOR
C7    1u      1UF 100V 105C RADIAL ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITOR 5X11MM

Diodes
D1    1N270    1N270 GERMANIUM DIODE DO-7
D2    1N270     1N270 GERMANIUM DIODE DO-7

IC        
IC1    TL071     TL071 OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIER J-FET PDIP-8 TL071CP
(IC1 Socket    8 PIN DIP IC SOCKET ADAPTOR)

Resistors        
R1    1M      1M OHM 1/4W 1% METAL FILM RESISTOR ROYAL OHM
R2    10k     10K OHM 1/4W 1% METAL FILM RESISTOR ROYAL OHM
R3    4.7k    4.7K OHM 1/4W 1% METAL FILM RESISTOR ROYAL OHM
R4    1M      1M OHM 1/4W 1% METAL FILM RESISTOR ROYAL OHM
R5    10k     10K OHM 1/4W 1% METAL FILM RESISTOR ROYAL OHM
R6    1M      1M OHM 1/4W 1% METAL FILM RESISTOR ROYAL OHM
R7    1M      1M OHM 1/4W 1% METAL FILM RESISTOR ROYAL OHM
R8    1M      1M OHM 1/4W 1% METAL FILM RESISTOR ROYAL OHM

Potentiometers
VOL    100k-A    100K OHM LOGARITHMIC TAPER POTENTIOMETER
GAIN    500k-C    500K OHM C500K 500KC ANTI-LOG TAPER POTENTIOMETER

PCB

PCB SCHEMATIC

MODIFICATIONS

The original circuit uses two 1N270 germanium diodes. Replacing the diodes allows you to explore a range of distortion tones: germanium diodes (1N60, 1N270, or 1N34A) produce a softer, smoother distortion. Silicon diodes (1N914 or 1N4148) deliver a harder, more aggressive tone. LEDs create a fuzzier, crunchier sound. You can also experiment with different combinations, either symmetric or asymmetric clipping.

Germanium diodes typically have a lower output volume, you can raise the output level by mounting two diodes in series.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF COMPONENTS

Resistors

Resistors don't have polarity, so you can place them in any direction. Determine their resistance value by using a multimeter or by reading the color bands.

Electrolytic capacitors

Electrolytic capacitors have their value and maximum voltage rating printed on the body. The negative pin is indicated by a white stripe along the can, and it also has a shorter leg. The longer leg is positive. Never exceed the maximum voltage rating. Ensure the capacitor's voltage rating is at least double that of your power supply (e.g., use an 18V capacitor for a 9V power supply).

Polyester capacitors

Polyester capacitors don't have polarity and can be placed in any direction. Their value is marked using a three-number code. The first two numbers represent the first and second digits of the value, and the third number is the multiplier code (read in picofarads, pF).

Ceramic capacitors

Ceramic capacitors don't have polarity and can be placed in any direction. Their value is marked using a three-number code. The first two numbers represent the first and second digits of the value, and the third number is the multiplier code (read in picofarads, pF).

Integrated Circuits

Integrated Circuits (ICs) have their model number printed on them. A notch, a half-circle, or a small dot indicates the correct orientation on the PCB.

Diodes

Diodes have their model number printed on them. The polarity (cathode) is indicated by a stripe or ring near one end. This ring corresponds to the polarity marking on the PCB.

Led diodes

LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) have polarity. The cathode is indicated by a flat edge on the side of the LED's plastic casing and a shorter leg. The longer leg is the anode. On the PCB, the cathode is marked with a flat side and the anode with a round side.

Potentiometers

Potentiometers have their resistance value marked on them. They are also marked with a letter to indicate their taper: A for logarithmic, B for linear, and C for reverse logarithmic.