Lithium Grim ColoredThro Instruction Manual

ColoredThro
Building instructions
v1.0

ColoredThro v1.0
Manufacturers and product names are mentioned solely for circuit identification, and where applicable their trademarks are the
property of their respective owners who are in no way associated or affiliated with the author. No cooperation or endorsement
is implied.
2
Table of contents
PCB layout ............................................................................................................................................... 3
Components ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Power section.......................................................................................................................................... 5
Modifications........................................................................................................................................... 6
Gain mod ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Transistors ........................................................................................................................................... 6
Mix and match..................................................................................................................................... 6
Feedback capacitor.............................................................................................................................. 6
Additional clipping options.................................................................................................................. 6
Build sequence ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Off board wiring ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Potentiometers.................................................................................................................................... 8
Miniswitches........................................................................................................................................ 8
Footswitches and stargrounding......................................................................................................... 9
Alternate Pre-gain switching ............................................................................................................. 10
Biasing ................................................................................................................................................... 11
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................... 12
Schematic .............................................................................................................................................. 13
Read this entire manual thoroughly before you start building the effect! There are some available
options and mods and you should choose which one you want to incorporate before starting your
build.
Last update: 03-10-2017

ColoredThro v1.0
Manufacturers and product names are mentioned solely for circuit identification, and where applicable their trademarks are the
property of their respective owners who are in no way associated or affiliated with the author. No cooperation or endorsement
is implied.
3
PCB layout
Dimensions: 50 mm x 50 mm
1.97 inch x 1.97 inch

ColoredThro v1.0
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property of their respective owners who are in no way associated or affiliated with the author. No cooperation or endorsement
is implied.
4
Components
This PCB gives you the option to build a clone of either a Colorsound Powerboost,
Colorsound Overdrive or Throbak Overdrive Boost. Parts differ per type as described in the
table below. Decide which one you want to build and choose the appropriate parts. You
should also take a good look at the mods section for other options and required parts.
Colorsound
Throbak
Colorsound
Throbak
Part
Power boost
Overdriver
Overdrive Boost
Part
Power boost
Overdriver
Overdrive Boost
C1
220n
220n
220n
IC1
ICL7990S
ICL7990S
ICL7990S
C2
22u
10u
22u
Q1
BC169C
BC109
2N2222A
C3
22u
22u
22u
Q2
BC184C
BC109
2N2222A
C4
22u
22u
22u
Q3
NC
NC
2N404
C5
220p
220p
200p
Q4
BC109
BC109
2N2222A
C6
10u
10u
4u7
R1
NC
NC
2M2
C7
10n
10n
10n
R2
150k
150k
150k
C8
100n
100n
100n
R3
1k2
470R
470R
C9
100n
100n
100n
R4
120k
120k
120k
C10
10n
10n
10n
R5
jumper
12k
12k
C11
22u
10u
22u
R6
4k7
4k7
4k7
C12
220n
220n
220n
R7
5k6
5k6
5k6
C13
10u
22u
22u
R8
39k
39k
3k9
C14
100u
100u
100u
R9
4k7
4k7
4k7
C15
100n
100n
100n
R10
180k
150k
150k
C16
10u
10u
10u
R11
33k
33k
33k
C17
10u
10u
10u
R12
1k2
470R
470R
Cx
100p
100p
100p
R13
12k
NC
NC
D1
NC
NC
1N34A/1N270
R14
470R
jumper
jumper
D2
1N5817
1N5817
1N5817
SW1
jumper 2-3
jumper 2-3
2PDT/3PDT
D3
1N5817
1N5817
1N5817
SW2
NC
NC
SP3T ON/OFF/ON
D4
1N4001
1N4001
1N4001
SW3
SPDT
SPDT
SPDT
D5
NC
NC
LED Red 5mm
VR1**
B10k
B10k
B10k
D6
NC
NC
LED Red 5mm
VR2**
B10k
B10k
B10k
P1*
NC
NC
B500k
VR3**
B10k
B10k
B10k
P2
B10k
B10k
C10k
P3
B100k
B100k
B100k
P4
B100k
B100k
B100k
P5
Jumper 2-3
Jumper 2-3
A100k
Capacitors with values < 1nF are MLCC, values of 1nF –1uF are SMF (except C15, which can be MKT)
and all values > 1uF are Electrolyte. P1-P5 are 16mm Alpha pots (A=log, B=linear, C=rev. log) , VR1-
VR3 are 6 mm trimpots. All parts must be rated 25V+
* The Throbak uses an internal pot. Use a Alpha 16mm (external) or a Bourns 3296W style (internal) trimpot
** See the Biasing section for options before choosing to solder the trimpots!

ColoredThro v1.0
Manufacturers and product names are mentioned solely for circuit identification, and where applicable their trademarks are the
property of their respective owners who are in no way associated or affiliated with the author. No cooperation or endorsement
is implied.
5
Power section
The effect has been designed to be able to operate on 9V or 18V using an internal charge pump. SW3
enables you to switch dynamically between the 9V and 18V setting. If you do not want to use the
switch then do not forget to solder a jumper between the middle pad and the desired voltage pad.
NEVER let the outer 2 lugs of SW3 tough each other and also never connect all 3 pins of SW3
together. If the IC gets hot then there is a short in the power section and you must disconnect the
effect immediately from the adapter and find the fault.
You can choose between 3 options for the power section:
1. No charge pump:
Do NOT install: C16, C17, D2, D3, IC1, J1 and SW3
Extra jumpers: SW3 on 9V pad and middle pad
The effect can now be used with a standard 9V adapter or an 18V adapter
2. Charge pump using a ICL7660S:
Place all components as stated on the PCB and
connect a jumper wire between leg 1 and 8
(marked J1)of IC1. Do not forget to place the jumper
before placing the DIP-8 socket for IC1.
NB. Only use the 7660S and not any other
version without the S.
The effect can now only be used with a 9V adapter but you can switch it internally to 9V or
18V using SW3.
3. Charge pump using a LT1054:
You can place all components as stated on the PCB just do NOT connect J1 (pin 1 and 8 of
IC1)!!
The effect can now only be used with a 9V adapter but you can switch it internally to 9V or
18V using SW3.
Which IC should I choose? ICL7660S or LT1054? In this application it does not really matter. The
LT1054 can give more current @18V (100mA) than the ICL7660S (45mA @18V) but the ColoredThro
does not draw that much current in any configuration. On the other hand the ICL7660S is much
cheaper than the LT1054, so that could be a good reason to use it. But then again, maybe you have a
stash of LT1054 you want to use.

ColoredThro v1.0
Manufacturers and product names are mentioned solely for circuit identification, and where applicable their trademarks are the
property of their respective owners who are in no way associated or affiliated with the author. No cooperation or endorsement
is implied.
6
Modifications
Gain mod
The standard 10K gain pot (P2) has all the action crammed up at the end of the sweep. To make it
more versatile you could use a C5k of C1k pot instead.
Transistors
Q1,Q2 and Q4 can be any silicon transistor you can think of. 2N2222A, 2N508, 2N3904 etc, etc. Note
that I modified the PCB so it can both fit standard modern transistors (CBE) and eg. vintage BC169C
(CEB). Double check the datasheet of your transistor to be sure that you connect the right pin to the
right pad! Here is an example of connecting a 2n5088 to Q1
And also a BC169C to Q1
NB The pin layout for Q2 is different so watch carefully when inserting the transistor in the correct
pads.
Q3 (only used in the Throbak) can be any germanium PNP transistor you like 2N404, AC128, AC132,
etc. or you could even replace it with a germanium diode by connecting the cathode to Q3 B and the
anode to Q3 C
Mix and match
You could mix a few options of different versions to get a custom effect. I think it would be a good
idea to add R1 (pull down resistor) and P5 (volume) to the Colorsounds. This way you can reduce the
pop when switching on the effect and add a volume control. You could also consider adding the
clipping options to the Colorsound (D1,Q3 and D5, D6 using SW2).
Feedback capacitor
Cx is an optional filter to reduce the harshness and some high frequency hiss from the effect
perceived by some. You can experiment with values between 100pF and 470Pf.
Additional clipping options
Originally the Throbak does not come with the LED setting, only the germanium. If you do not want
this, you can leave out D5 and D6 and use a SPST instead of the SP3T in SW2. Otherwise you can
always experiment with different types of LED’s or use 1N4148, 1N914, etc.

ColoredThro v1.0
Manufacturers and product names are mentioned solely for circuit identification, and where applicable their trademarks are the
property of their respective owners who are in no way associated or affiliated with the author. No cooperation or endorsement
is implied.
7
Build sequence
Soldering this board can be very complicated for some people since the solder pads are very close
together. Use a magnifying glass to make the job easier. The trick to soldering a PCB is to work from
small to big components. My building sequence suggestions in this section are based on the parts I
used myself. Sometimes some components are smaller (or bigger) so always use your own common
sense and change the order accordingly. Usually capacitors can differ a lot in size depending on their
rating and value.
Note: Do not blow on your solder in an attempt to cool it down. That can result in a bad join that
might corrode!
Start by soldering the resistors except for R4, R6 and R14 (unless it is jumped). Next come the diodes
D2, D3 and D4 and then the MLCC capacitors. If needed you can create a jumper using a spare piece
of lead from a resistor or diode.
If you want to experiment with other transistors then you could socket them instead of soldering
them to the board. You’ll need a some 20 SIL sockets, break off the sockets and solder them to the
board. Now is the time to solder these sockets on the PCB as well as the socket for the IC. Place the
transistors and IC once you are finished with all soldering and off board wiring!
Now continue by soldering small SMF and MKT capacitors then solder the diodes D5 and D6 and the
VR trimpots.. The rest of the resistors R4, R6 and R14 come next and should be mounted upright.
Ditto for D1. Next you can solder D5 and D6 and then finish with soldering the electrolytes.
I suggest you now drill the holes in your enclosure so you can use it during the off board wiring.
Note: Really take some time to determine where to place the pots, switches, jacks and PCB in the
enclosure before you start drilling. Measure twice, drill once.
You are almost ready to rock, well… not really. The difficult part starts now.
Besides the components mentioned in the Bill Of Materials table, you will need:
2 input jacks. 2 mono jacks if you are not going to use a battery but only the 9V adapter. 1
mono (for output) and 1 stereo jack (for input) if you will be using both a 9V battery and the
9V adapter.
2 x 3PDT footswitch (9 pins)
2,1mm DC jack (isolated).
9v battery clip (optional).
22 gage stranded hook-up wire.
LED holders. This enables you to mount the LEDs in the enclosure.
2 x LED (3mm or 5mm depending on your taste)
Hammond 1590BB case (or similar) in your favorite color.

ColoredThro v1.0
Manufacturers and product names are mentioned solely for circuit identification, and where applicable their trademarks are the
property of their respective owners who are in no way associated or affiliated with the author. No cooperation or endorsement
is implied.
8
Off board wiring
Potentiometers
In the pictures below you see the correct pin numbering of the pots (Alpha 16mm style).
Solder the wires accordingly and it is always a good idea to twist the wires together to create a sort
of extra shielding against external noise.
You can break off the pin I marked with the yellow circle with a small pair of pliers.
Miniswitches
* The Throbak uses an internal trimpot for the pre-gain. If you do not want an extra external pot you
can substitute the P1 Alpha pot for a internal trimpot (Bourns 3296W style)
1 2 3
1 2 3
1 2 3
P1 Pre-gain*
P2 Gain
P3 Treble
1 2 3
1 2 3
P4 Bass
P5 Volume

ColoredThro v1.0
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property of their respective owners who are in no way associated or affiliated with the author. No cooperation or endorsement
is implied.
9
Footswitches and stargrounding
Ring
Sleeve
Tip
Tip
Sleeve
Cathode (short leg)
Anode (long leg)
Cathode (short leg)
Anode (long leg)
R led1
R led2
Note that R led1 and R led2 are 4k7 resistors. You can change this value depending on the type of
LED you use but 4k7 is safe enough for almost all LEDs for both 9V as 18V.
It is now time to place your transistors and IC in the sockets if needed. Connect everything, build it in
your enclosure and enjoy your effect!
The sleeve on the output jack is not connected on purpose. Make sure the output jack is in good
electronic contact with the enclosure else you can try and connect the sleeves of the input and
output together. If you test the unit outside of an enclosure you need to connect the output sleeve
to ground!
Pregain
Effect On/Off

ColoredThro v1.0
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property of their respective owners who are in no way associated or affiliated with the author. No cooperation or endorsement
is implied.
10
Alternative Pre-gain switching
By design the Pre-gain pot (P1) remains in the circuit even when pre-gain is switched off. This may
cause some unwanted behavior of the pre gain pot. When you turn it all the way down it will cut off
all sound as it will ground the signal. If you turn it up it will add some extra resistance to ground even
when off. This may not really influence your sound, but you can alter the wiring to completely cut out
the pot when switched off. To do this I advise you to use a 3PDT footswitch. You can wire it like this:
500K
Cathode (short leg)
Anode (long leg)
R led2
Sleeve

ColoredThro v1.0
Manufacturers and product names are mentioned solely for circuit identification, and where applicable their trademarks are the
property of their respective owners who are in no way associated or affiliated with the author. No cooperation or endorsement
is implied.
11
Biasing
The transistors Q1, Q2 and Q4 need to be biased. The best way to do this is by using the biaspots
VR1-VR3.
The Colorsounds did not come with bias pots, but had fixed resistors. These values are mentioned in
the table below. If you prefer you can place resistors instead of the trimpots. If so, omit the trimpots
and instead connect the fixed resistors with the correct value mentioned below to the pads marked 1
and 2of VR1-VR3.
However, I recommend that you use the trimpots. Every transistor is different and may or may not
sound optimal with the given values. Start by setting the trimpots to the values mentioned in the
table (preferably before soldering them to the pcb). To measure the resistance correct use an digital
multi meter and measure the resistance between pins marked 1and 2. For your convenience I
marked these pins also on the backside of the PCB. After setting the pots, test the effect. If it does
not meet your expectations you can measure the voltage per transistor. I marked the collector pads
of each transistor on the backside of the PCB. Use the red probe on these pads and the black probe
to ground to get a good reading. Adjust the corresponding trimpot to get to the target voltage. If
both techniques do not give you your optimal sound then find your own sweet spot.
Colorsound
Throbak
Target voltage
Biaspots
Transistor
Power boost
Overdriver
Overdrive Boost
@9V
@18V
VR1
Q1
4k7
6k8
5k6
2.5V
5V
VR2
Q2
1k8
1k8
2k
5V
10V
VR3
Q4
3k9
1k8
1k5
6.5V
13V
Note that turning VR1 does not really influence the collector voltage of Q1 as it is connected to the
emitter.

ColoredThro v1.0
Manufacturers and product names are mentioned solely for circuit identification, and where applicable their trademarks are the
property of their respective owners who are in no way associated or affiliated with the author. No cooperation or endorsement
is implied.
12
Troubleshooting
All PCB’s have been 100% factory e-tested and out of every batch I receive I build an effect to double
check, 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). Pay special
attention to the polarity.
Check that you oriented the capacitors, IC’s ,transistors and diodes the right way. SMF, MKT
and ceramic capacitors as well as resistors do not need to be oriented. A likely sign of
incorrect capacitors and/or orientation is when an effect is sputtering, rumbling or
“motorboating”.
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 loose or cold solder can be really bad for your
board.
Replace the IC and/or transistors, one might be defective. Before doing that first unplug the
9V and wait for 5 seconds.
Check that you have good/high grade components. A lot of Chinese sourced parts are fakes
(especially high end opamps, audio capacitors, vintage diodes and transistors) so be careful
that you source your parts from reliable suppliers.

ColoredThro v1.0
Manufacturers and product names are mentioned solely for circuit identification, and where applicable their trademarks are the
property of their respective owners who are in no way associated or affiliated with the author. No cooperation or endorsement
is implied.
13
Schematic