aion ANDROMEDA DELUXE User manual

ANDROMEDA DELUXE NATURAL OVERDRIVE 1
PROJECT NAME
ANDROMEDA DELUXE
BASED ON
EFFECT TYPE
PROJECT SUMMARY
DOCUMENT VERSION
Nordland ODR-C
An updated version of the definitive Nashville overdrive, handmade by the original circuit designer,
adding three new controls and a number of other small refinements.
Overdrive 1.0.1 (2021-12-17)
BUILD DIFFICULTY
Intermediate
Actual size is 2.3” x 2.42” (main board) and 1.78” x 0.86” (bypass board).
This documentation is for the Deluxe version of the project. Please make sure your PCB matches
the above image (a larger board with six knobs) before proceeding since the part numbering is
different. The original Andromeda is available as a separate project.
IMPORTANT NOTE

ANDROMEDA DELUXE NATURAL OVERDRIVE 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1Project Overview 8Drill Template
2Introduction & Usage 9Enclosure Layout
3-5 Parts List 10 Wiring Diagram
6Build Notes 11 Licensing
7Schematic 11 Document Revisions
INTRODUCTION
The Andromeda Deluxe is an adaptation of the Nordland ODR-C, a boutique overdrive first traced by
Aion FX in 2021, based on the Nobels ODR-1.
The ODR-1 was originally released in 1992, designed by Kai Tachibana as an original circuit for Nobels.
Intended as a budget alternative to the Tube Screamer, the build quality was less than stellar, but to
those who played it, it was undeniable that the circuit itself was something special. It steadily increased
in popularity over the following decades until the present when it’s often seen in lists of the top 10
overdrives of all time.
In 2019, Kai decided to revisit the ODR-1 and update it with a few new features under his own Nordland
brand name. The result is the ODR-C Custom Overdrive, a brilliantly-designed handmade pedal that
occupies the opposite end of the spectrum from the ODR-1 in both build quality and price. It features
three new controls: a low cut that fixes the bass-forward tone of the original, a midrange control that
can boost or cut, and an “overdrive de-compress” (ODC) control that gradually adds higher-threshold
clipping diodes in the soft-clipping stage. Each of the three knobs can be set to a position that emulates
the original ODR-1, so the core circuit is the same change despite all the added features.
The Andromeda Deluxe is based on the audio path of the ODR-C, only cutting out the complex polarity
protection and LED dimmer circuit. Side by side, they should sound the same. But we’ll reiterate that
the original ODR-C is fantastic piece of engineering and it’s worth it if you can find one. Check out the
tracing journal if you want to see what we’re talking about.
USAGE
The Andromeda Deluxe has six controls:
• Gain controls the amount of gain from the op-amp that is fed through the feedback clipping diodes.
• ODC (Overdrive De-Compress) blends in higher-threshold LEDs in the feedback clipping section.
• Spectrum pans between a 700 Hz lowpass filter and a 5 KHz high-pass filter, which is mixed with a
fixed 2.1 KHz frequency boost (upper mids).
• Low Cut blends between two different bass filters to reduce the low-end that is characteristic of
the original ODR-1.
• Mid Boost boosts or cuts frequencies at around 1kHz, with a flat response in the 12:00 position.
• Level sets the overall output of the effect.

ANDROMEDA DELUXE NATURAL OVERDRIVE 3
PARTS LIST
This parts list is also available in a spreadsheet format which can be imported directly into Mouser for
easy parts ordering. Mouser doesn’t carry all the parts—notably potentiometers—so the second tab lists
all the non-Mouser parts as well as sources for each.
View parts list spreadsheet →
PART VALUE TYPE NOTES
R1 33k Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R2 1M Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R3 3k3 Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R4 2k7 Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R5 10k Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R6 1k2 Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R7 820R Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R8 1k5 Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R9 2k2 Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R10 12k Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R11 10R Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R12 39k Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R13 12k Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R14 10k Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R15 5k1 Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R16 10R Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R17 10R Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R18 2k2 Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R19 150k Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R20 3k3 Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R21 1k2 Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R22 43k Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R23 3k3 Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R24 100R Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R25 100R Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R26 1k2 Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R27 100k Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R28 10k Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R29 10k Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R30 22k Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R31 4k7 Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R32 22k Metal film resistor, 1/4W

ANDROMEDA DELUXE NATURAL OVERDRIVE 4
PARTS LIST, CONT.
PART VALUE TYPE NOTES
R33 5k1 Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R34 1k Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R35 1k2 Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R36 150k Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R37 150k Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R38 10k Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R39 13k Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R40 150k Metal film resistor, 1/4W
R41 470R Metal film resistor, 1/4W
LEDR 4k7 Metal film resistor, 1/4W LED current-limiting resistor. Adjust value to change LED brightness.
C1 68n Film capacitor, 7.2 x 2.5mm
C2 22n Film capacitor, 7.2 x 2.5mm
C3 150pF MLCC capacitor, NP0/C0G
C4 82n Film capacitor, 7.2 x 2.5mm
C5 220n MLCC capacitor, X7R
C6 2.2uF Film capacitor, 7.2 x 5mm
C7 220n Film capacitor, 7.2 x 2.5mm
C8 1uF Film capacitor, 7.2 x 3.5mm
C9 2n7 Film capacitor, 7.2 x 2.5mm
C10 82n Film capacitor, 7.2 x 2.5mm
C11 1n Film capacitor, 7.2 x 2.5mm
C12 1uF Film capacitor, 7.2 x 3.5mm
C13 22n Film capacitor, 7.2 x 2.5mm
C14 27n Film capacitor, 7.2 x 2.5mm
C15 100n Film capacitor, 7.2 x 2.5mm
C16 8n2 Film capacitor, 7.2 x 2.5mm
C17 68n Film capacitor, 7.2 x 2.5mm
C18 2n7 Film capacitor, 7.2 x 2.5mm
C19 1n Film capacitor, 7.2 x 2.5mm
C20 1uF Film capacitor, 7.2 x 3.5mm
C21 8n2 Film capacitor, 7.2 x 2.5mm
C22 4n7 Film capacitor, 7.2 x 2.5mm
C23 82n Film capacitor, 7.2 x 2.5mm
C24 1uF Film capacitor, 7.2 x 3.5mm
C25 1uF Film capacitor, 7.2 x 3.5mm
C26 100n Film capacitor, 7.2 x 2.5mm

ANDROMEDA DELUXE NATURAL OVERDRIVE 5
PARTS LIST, CONT.
PART VALUE TYPE NOTES
C27 2.2uF Film capacitor, 7.2 x 5mm
C28 47uF Electrolytic capacitor, 5mm Reference voltage filter capacitor.
C29 47uF Electrolytic capacitor, 5mm Reference voltage filter capacitor.
C30 100uF Electrolytic capacitor, 6.3mm Power supply filter capacitor.
C31 100n MLCC capacitor, X7R Power supply filter capacitor.
D1 1N5817 Schottky diode, DO-41
D2 1N914 Fast-switching diode, DO-35
D3 1N914 Fast-switching diode, DO-35
D4 3mm green LED, 3mm, green diffused
D5 3mm green LED, 3mm, green diffused
D6 1N914 Fast-switching diode, DO-35
D7 1N914 Fast-switching diode, DO-35
Q1 2N5457 JFET, N-channel, TO-92 Substitute. Original uses 2N5486.
Q2 2N5088 BJT transistor, NPN, TO-92 Substitute. Original uses BC549C.
Q3 2N5088 BJT transistor, NPN, TO-92 Substitute. Original uses BC549C.
IC1 RC4558P Operational amplifier, DIP8
IC1-S DIP-8 socket IC socket, DIP-8
IC2 RC4558P Operational amplifier, DIP8
IC2-S DIP-8 socket IC socket, DIP-8
DRIVE 250kA
SPECT 50kB Original uses center detent, but this is not required.
LO CUT 25kB
MID 50kB Original uses center detent, but this is not required.
ODC 25kB
LEVEL 50kA
LED 5mm LED, 5mm, red diffused
IN 1/4" mono 1/4" phone jack, closed frame Switchcraft 111X or equivalent.
OUT 1/4" mono 1/4" phone jack, closed frame Switchcraft 111X or equivalent.
DC 2.1mm DC jack, 2.1mm panel mount Mouser 163-4302-E or equivalent.
FSW 3PDT Stomp switch, 3PDT
ENC 125B Enclosure, die-cast aluminum Can also use a Hammond 1590N1.

ANDROMEDA DELUXE NATURAL OVERDRIVE 6
BUILD NOTES
JFET selection
The original ODR-C uses the 2N5486 (MMBF5486) JFET for Q1, which is no longer in active
production. This is very similar to the 2N5457, which is available from Aion FX in SMD format pre-
soldered to through-hole adapter boards and will perform identically in this circuit.
Transistor selection
The original ODR-C uses European-convention BC549C transistors for Q2 and Q3. These are still
readily available, but the Andromeda Deluxe uses the footprint for the USA equivalent 2N5088. If you
want to use the BC549C, rotate them 180 degrees from the PCB footprint since their pinout is reversed.
Both types will perform identically in this circuit.
Using SMD JFETs
Most general-purpose JFETs are no longer available in through-hole format. This PCB uses a hybrid
through-hole/SMD outline for each JFET. An extra “G” (gate) pad is included to accommodate surface-
mount devices without the need for adapters.
SMD JFETs should be oriented as follows:
All surface-mount JFETs use the same pinout, so this configuration will fit any type that we’re aware of.
However, always check the datasheet if you’re uncertain—they’re difficult to desolder.
The BJT transistors (Q2/Q3) also have an extra SMD pad for the collector, so SMD transistors can be
used in the same way, although BJT transistors are still very easy to find in through-hole format.
Capacitor substitution
Due to parts availability, some of the larger film capacitors may be unavailable, particularly the two
2.2uF capacitors (C6 and C27). The original ODR-1 used electrolytic capacitors in these positions and
you can use them here too if you want. In both positions, the positive leg should go in the top pad and the
negative in the bottom.

SCHEMATIC
ANDROMEDA DELUXE BOOST / OVERDRIVE 7
IN
OUT
1N914
1N4148
1N5817
100uF
50kB
25kB
50kA
25kB
250kA
50kB
+9V
100n
GND
33k
1M
3k3
2k7
10k
10k
13k
GND
47uF
VB
GND
VA
VBVA
2N5486
GND
GND
68n
22n
GND
VA
GND
150pF
1k2
820R
220n
82n
GND
1k5
2u2
GND
2k2
220n
GND
1uF
12k
2n7
10R
39k
GND
GND
82n
12k
1n
GNDGND
10k 1uF
22n
5k1
43k
VB
27n
GND
100n 8n2
2k2
BC549C
150k
VB
VA
3k3
GND
1k2
10R
10R
22k
3k3
100R
68n
100R
BC549C
1k2
2n7
100k
10k
VB
VA
GND
1n
1uF
10k
GND
4k7
8n2
GND
VA
GND
22k
4n7
5k1
82n
1k
1uF
GND
1k2
1uF
GND
150k
100n
GND
150k
VB
2u2
150k
470R
47uF
GND
GND
GND
D1
C30
1
2
3
SPECTRUM
1
2
3
LO_CUT
LEVEL
1
2
3
1
2
3
ODC
1
2
3
DRIVE
MID
1
2
3
C31
R1
R2
R3
R4
R5
R38
R39
C28
Q1
C1
C2
IC1A
2
3
1
IC1B
6
5
7
84
C3
D2
D3
D4
D5
R6
R7
C5
C4
R8
C6
R9
C7
C8
R10
C9
R11
R12
D6 D7
C10
R13
C11
R14
C12
C13
R15
R22
C14
C15 C16
R18
Q2
R19
R20
R21
R17
R16
R30
R23 R24
C17
R25
Q3
R26
C18
R27
R28
C19
C20
R29
R31
C21
IC2A
2
3
1
IC2B
6
5
7
84
R32
C22
R33
C23
R34
C24
R35
C25
R36
C26
R37
C27
R40
R41
C29

ANDROMEDA DELUXE NATURAL OVERDRIVE 8
DRILL TEMPLATE
Cut out this drill template, fold the edges and tape it to the enclosure. Before drilling, it’s recommended
to first use a center punch for each of the holes to help guide the drill bit.
Ensure that this template is printed at 100% or “Actual Size”. You can double-check this by measuring
the scale on the printed page.
Top jack layout assumes the use of closed-frame jacks like the Switchcraft 111X. If you’d rather use
open-frame jacks, please refer to the Open-Frame Jack Drill Template for the top side.
LED hole drill size assumes the use of a 5mm LED bezel, available from several parts suppliers. Adjust
size accordingly if using something different, such as a 3mm bezel, a plastic bezel, or just a plain LED.
ø3/8” ø1/2”
0.385”
0.625” 0.625”
x: -0.775, y: +1.71 x: +0.775, y: +1.71
ø9/32” ø9/32”
x: +0.775, y: +0.41
ø9/32”
x: 0, y: -1.775
ø15/32”
x: -0.775, y: -1.775
ø5/16”
CENTER (0,0)
ø3/8”
125B
OUT
SPECTRUM
x: 0, y: +1.71
ø9/32”
MID
x: 0, y: +0.41
ø9/32”
ODC
LOW CUT
x: -0.775, y: +0.41
ø9/32”
LEVEL DRIVE
FOOTSWITCHLED
DC IN
0 1 2
CM
0 1
INCH

ANDROMEDA DELUXE NATURAL OVERDRIVE 9
ENCLOSURE LAYOUT
Enclosure is shown without jacks. See next page for jack layout and wiring.
125B

ANDROMEDA DELUXE NATURAL OVERDRIVE 10
WIRING DIAGRAM
125B
IN +VGND NC NC OUT
PCB
IN
GND +V +V JACK GND JACK
OUTIN
GND GND PCB
OUT

ANDROMEDA DELUXE NATURAL OVERDRIVE 11
LICENSE & USAGE
No direct support is offered for these projects beyond the provided documentation. It’s assumed
that you have at least some experience building pedals before starting one of these. Replacements and
refunds cannotbe offered unless it can be shown that the circuit or documentation are in error.
All of these circuits have been tested in good faith in their base configurations. However, not all the
modifications or variations have necessarily been tested. These are offered only as suggestions based
on the experience and opinions of others.
Projects may be used for commercial endeavors in any quantity unless specifically noted. No
attribution is necessary, though a link back is always greatly appreciated. The only usage restrictions
are that (1) you cannot resell the PCB as part of a kit without prior arrangement, and (2) you cannot
“goop” the circuit, scratch off the screenprint, or otherwise obfuscate the circuit to disguise its source.
(In other words: you don’t have to go out of your way to advertise the fact that you use these PCBs, but
please don’t go out of your way to hide it. The guitar effects industry needs more transparency, not less!)
DOCUMENT REVISIONS
1.0.1 (2021-12-17)
Corrected the drill template. The bottom row of pots needed to be moved down by 0.125”.
1.0.0 (2021-10-22)
Initial release.