Clean Blade Boost v1.0
7
Biasing transistors
To bias the boost to your liking you can turn trim pots VR2 and VR3 to get it set to your liking. The
best way to start is to set them both to 4k7 between pin 2 and 3. This is the same value as the
original and should work if you are using the 2N5484. Try to get the drain (D) voltage around 9V. But
remember, if 9V does not sound good to you… try another value!
As alternatives you can try J201, 2N
5485,
2N5457, 2N5458, MPF102. It is reported however that the
2N5484 is still the best option.
NB. Even transistors of the same type may vary a lot in specs. I advise you to have at least 10
transistors per type to allow you to find the right ones for your circuit. So, if you cannot bias a
2N5484 to 9V, try another one!
Troubleshooting
All PCB’s have been e-tested 100% in the factory, so there should not be a connection problem on
the PCB itself.
The board is not working (at all), what now?
Check if your 9V is plugged in correctly (and/or soldered correctly on the board).
Check that you oriented the capacitors, IC’s ,transistors and diodes the right way. MKT
capacitors and resistors do not need to be oriented.
Check if you used the correct values of the components. For resistors you can look here:
http://www.diyaudioandvideo.com/Electronics/Color/
Double and triple check your soldering! A lose or cold solder can be really bad for your board.
Replace the IC’s and transistors, one might be defective. Before doing that first unplug the 9V
and wait 5 seconds.
