Project description
One of the classic distortion boxes found in the Distortion Hall-of-Fame! Raw, fuzzy distortion and lots of volume can be pushed out of this sucker!
Verification status
Built it; sounds like a Rat ;)
Schematic
There are lots of schematics out there to build the Rat. Som of them excellent, some really bad. I've chosen this schematic as it seemed 100% (vintage) correct.
Layout
I based this layout on this one found on the website of Aron Nelson and modified it to fit nicely in a B enclosure.
Mods
Ruetz mod: just remove R8 and/or C4, or replace R8 with a 1K pot.
Booster: remove the clipping diodes D2 & D3.
You can also experiment with different kind of clipping diodes like symmetric/asymmetric setups, LED's, Germanium diodes, etc.
List
Click here to see the bill-of-materials as a list or download it as a comma separated values file (.csv).
Code
BB Forum code
HTML code
Comments
wORKINK OR NOT
Submitted on April 29th, 2013 by AnonymousI all,
Can anyone confirm if it is working?
Rat Problem
Submitted on April 13th, 2013 by AnonymousFinished my build but cant figure out the problem. All that's heard is ticking (motorboating). The filter and volume seem to be working, but no audio signal coming through. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.
Not working?
Submitted on November 9th, 2012 by AnonymousI've got it all rigged up but R1 has turned into a burner...I'm not quite sure what the problem is? no noise, just a burning resistor. any idea why that might be? where i should i start debugging?
R1
Submitted on November 9th, 2012 by adminR1 's sole purpose is to burn up if there's a short circuit. If you measure between GND and +9v you'll get a very low resistance, which indicates a short circuit.
Check all components and tracecuts and scrape all tracks between the traces clean with the tip of a knife. If you can't pass through it easily with your knife, you should clean up the soldering.
Also check if the effect doesn't touch the enclosure!
8.2k Resistance across the
Submitted on November 13th, 2012 by Anonymous8.2k Resistance across the ground and positive power. Still a bit confused as to what i'v got wrong? Rechecked positioning to all components and trace cuts. Still have not a clue what i'v done wrong ha! I'll have to keep looking.
Verified
Submitted on July 30th, 2012 by AnonymousBuilt it and it works fine.
Sure!
Submitted on May 26th, 2011 by HaroldAll 100k pots are equal, but the taper (lineair/logarithmic/etc) and/or durability may vary.
potemtiometers
Submitted on May 25th, 2011 by AnonymousIm kinda new all to this so i have a question( may be stupid), but does 4mm Mono 100k pots work? :D