Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Other Stuff => Effects => Topic started by: smackoj on March 06, 2017, 02:53:46 pm

Title: What do pedal makers use to "Goop" the circuit board and devices?
Post by: smackoj on March 06, 2017, 02:53:46 pm

I just finished a Soldano SLO-100 (preamp section) clone pedal. This project started out from a pcb I bought from the OLC (Officially Licensed Circuits) Company. It is a small enough board but after adding 5 off-brd pots and connecting wires, I am leery of metal to metal contact inside the box. I would like to use some 'goop' like the big boys use or anything that someone might suggest. There are a couple spots on the top side (parts side) that need a dab before I close the lid. I will probably wedge a piece of cardboard in between the back of the pots and the solder side of the board?
Thanks amigos. 

Title: Re: What do pedal makers use to "Goop" the circuit board and devices?
Post by: pompeiisneaks on March 06, 2017, 07:06:55 pm

Most people, be they amp makers or pedal makers that 'goop' the amp do it to 'hide' the mojo of the device from peekers.  If you're just trying to protect shorts, I'd suggest putting a little GE Silicone II on any bare leads that worry you.  That reduces vibrations anyway, and protects them from grounding, as well as leaving the components visible for later maintenance etc.  If you goop it and something goes wrong, throw it away and build another ;).

You could also just layer the chasiss in that area with silicone to protect from grounds and not touch the board. 

BTW don't use Silicone I it has acid that will etch the components and can ruin them, thus why I suggested using II.

~Phil

Title: Re: What do pedal makers use to "Goop" the circuit board and devices?
Post by: smackoj on March 07, 2017, 12:58:02 pm

I thought about silicon but did not know info like specifically using the II variety. Thanks. I have always liked silicon but don't like the long dry time. It's a trade off like most things.

Good suggestions.  thx

Title: Re: What do pedal makers use to "Goop" the circuit board and devices?
Post by: BetterOffShred on March 07, 2017, 01:43:09 pm

Hot glue works fine for stuff you don't want to move around.  You can also use Epoxy to glue in some standoffs and screw the board to them.
-Brett

Title: Re: What do pedal makers use to "Goop" the circuit board and devices?
Post by: jojokeo on March 09, 2017, 02:13:10 pm

Hi OJ,

I generally like to face the board the other way and then use some packing sheet foam to insulate between the board and the bottom of the enclosure. This works well this way without epoxy and a couple zip ties helps keep things in place.

Title: Re: What do pedal makers use to "Goop" the circuit board and devices?
Post by: smackoj on March 10, 2017, 10:33:37 pm

Looks nice JoJo.  I do mounts like that too but this SLO clone has 4 trim pots that I want to be able to access easily. I would certainly like to get rid of all the pot wires looped over the edge of the pcb.

Title: Re: What do pedal makers use to "Goop" the circuit board and devices?
Post by: uki on March 30, 2017, 07:55:11 am

How about some insulation tape over the pots ? It is easy to remove and replace if needed.