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I've just completed a Thor distortion pedal kit from OLC and it doesn't work. Not even a sound, even when the pedal is not on. I've done some preliminary troubleshooting and everything looks right but I have some suspicion that I am missing something basic but critical. The build guide that I downloaded was not as good as it could have been and was really missing when it came to offering tips.

Here's what I know.

Power is there because the light comes on when the switch is pushed.
No sound comes through even when the pedal is not engaged therefore the signal is stalled somewhere.
I notice that unlike an amp, the circuit does not appear to ground to the chassis.
My soldering was good.

any basic things to look for?

thx

I would suggest making yourself a simple signal tester. I think BYOC has some instructions on their site or maybe their forum. Basically, you create a simple set of leads that allow you to tap into the circuit anywhere along the signal path to see where it goes south. Just attach an alligator clip to the ground (sleeve) and a probe tip to the hot (tip) of a quarter inch female plug.

Guitar --> instrument cable --> pedal input jack --> signal tester probe end -----------> signal tester female end --> instrument cable --> amplifier.

Just clip the alligator clip (ground) to the pedal chassis (assuming the input jack is grounded to the chassis) and move the probe along the signal part of the circuit. You'll find exactly where the signal falls away.



A simpler way of doing it is to simply sacrifice an old guitar cable. Don't bother with the female plug nonsense. Just cut one end off and attach the alligator clip and probes. This way, your tester is longer (to reach the amp), but you don't need to worry about the female quarter inch plug.

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