FTL Drive Lite: who might be interested in this?

[ratherdashing]

I'm finishing up production of the second run of FTL Drives (see the group linked in my sig for more info). I expect to be shipping them early next week.

Though I'm proud of this pedal, it is complex, expensive, and a PITA to build. When I factored the above in with the slow-down in demand for the second run (I got five orders as opposed to twelve for the first run), I decided it was a good idea to retire the design. In other words, the current run of FTL Drives are the last that will be built. I know this may come as a disappointment to some of you, and I'm sorry if you really did want one in the future.

BUT ... the news isn't all bad. I still have a bunch of FTL Drive PCB's left over, and it would be a shame to let them go to waste. Instead of building FTL Drives with them, however, I would like to do a simple, bare-bones version of the pedal. It would retain the basic character and quality of the FTL Drive, but in a smaller package with a few less bells and whistles.

For now, let's call it the FTL Drive Lite. I may give it a cooler name at some point. In keeping with the theme, maybe the Raptor?

Proposed specs:

- Single channel overdrive pedal based on TS-808 circuit
- Toggle switch to select between classic mode (green channel, clip select 1) and modern mode (red channel, clip select 5)
- Gain, Tone, and Level controls
- True bypass foot switch
- 9V battery or DC power adapter (up to 18V)
- Housed in a 125B enclosure, 4.5" x 2.5" x 1.5" (about half the size of the FTL Drive)

Basically you're getting a one-channel FTL Drive without the colour knob, presence knob, or fat switch. It's still going to be a really sweet overdrive. I would even venture a guess that this may be appealing to those of you who were turned off by the complexity of the original FTL.

I may allow for a bit of customization on this one, since the PCB is built to accommodate lots of mods. For example, there is no Fat switch, but if you want the same effect as the Fat switch being on, I can easily wire that up.

Pricing will be somewhere around $100 shipped to USA and Canada. I'd start taking orders early next year.

Soooo ... who would be interested in this?

 

[kjrocks]

Re: FTL Drive Lite: who might be interested in this?

I think I would. Just like you said, the FTL interested me but I thought it would have way more than I would use.

 

[LesStrat]

Re: FTL Drive Lite: who might be interested in this?

I'd have to review the video again to see what the "options" did.

I just remember REALLY liking the tone of that pedal.

 

[cayle_6]

Re: FTL Drive Lite: who might be interested in this?

would you happen to ship outside the US?

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: FTL Drive Lite: who might be interested in this?

would you happen to ship outside the US?

In the past I have offered shipping to USA, Canada, EU, and Australia/NZ. The further away you are, the more it will cost you.

 

[cayle_6]

Re: FTL Drive Lite: who might be interested in this?

In the past I have offered shipping to USA, Canada, EU, and Australia/NZ. The further away you are, the more it will cost you.

i could post a link to your thread and youtube video in a local forum. some guys there might be interested, some are also US based guitar players.

i myself am interested as well.

 

[Corbic]

Re: FTL Drive Lite: who might be interested in this?

I'm saddened that I won't be able to get a full FTL Drive (wish I had saved some more money), but I would be interested in this definitely! I'll try my best to put away the money for it, being a college student is awful when you want some many pieces of guitar gear!

 

[pinto79]

Re: FTL Drive Lite: who might be interested in this?

I could be interested in one along with the further stripped down one we talked about.

 

[Reload in 5]

Re: FTL Drive Lite: who might be interested in this?

I think for me I would love to have a version where you still have 2 channels, but only 1 clip selected (maybe that is an option you choose when you order)
Maybe an internal fat switch.
You should have a new thread where current owners can talk about the neccesary features (since they have been using it) and maybe we help you design the lite version.
You know I wanted to order one of the originals, but couldnt get the money in time. So I am interested. I cant guarantee I will order but would like to at least see the idea completed (even if it never gets built)

What would cut down on complexity the most? What would cut down on cost the most?

 

[B Bent]

Re: FTL Drive Lite: who might be interested in this?

It almost sounds like a Home Brew Electronics Power Scream which is IMO the best TS type pedal on the market!!

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: FTL Drive Lite: who might be interested in this?

You should have a new thread where current owners can talk about the neccesary features (since they have been using it) and maybe we help you design the lite version.

x2

And for the love of Web 2.0,

 

[BloodRose]

Re: FTL Drive Lite: who might be interested in this?

OMG!! Listened to the clip again and cant WAIT to get the pedal! Honestly sounds like what Ive wanted for years! May replace a bunch of pedals..

I most likely will be interested in a Light too.. depending on what circuits you put in it. Use that when I go jam and keep my drive safe at home..

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: FTL Drive Lite: who might be interested in this?

I think for me I would love to have a version where you still have 2 channels, but only 1 clip selected (maybe that is an option you choose when you order)
Maybe an internal fat switch.
You should have a new thread where current owners can talk about the neccesary features (since they have been using it) and maybe we help you design the lite version.
You know I wanted to order one of the originals, but couldnt get the money in time. So I am interested. I cant guarantee I will order but would like to at least see the idea completed (even if it never gets built)

What would cut down on complexity the most? What would cut down on cost the most?

Sorry if this seems rude, but I'm not really soliciting design ideas with this thread. The main design is pretty much firm in my mind.

There's a great Steve Jobs quote that I love, and it applies perfectly here: "People don't know what they want until you show it to them."

HOWEVER ... I can assure you that I have taken user feedback into account on both the second run, the FTL Drive Lite idea, AND two new designs that are in the works ( ). I actually sent out a survey to all the first run customers and got lots of good results back. I also use the pedal myself (the prototype, not a production model) regularly, AND I get good in-person feedback from three other people in my area who own the pedal.

Two channels means one extra foot switch plus a larger enclosure plus more holes being drilled plus more lettering, wiring, blah blah blah. I definitely do not want to do a two channel pedal for the Lite. If you're really keen on a two channel pedal, I have another idea for an OD + Distortion that I may do next year sometime.

The most expensive parts by a long shot are the enclosure and the six position rotary switch (clip select). Going to a smaller enclosure saves a buck or two. Eliminating the clip select switch saves a whopping six bucks. A pot + a pointer knob is about $2.50, so going from six knobs to three saves $7.50-ish. Going to two clip select positions instead of six saves about a dollar worth of diodes, LED's and FET's. Getting rid of channel switching saves $2.50 for the stomp switch and about a dollar for the two-color LED. Less holes in the enclosure means I pay less to have them drilled (pinto79 doesn't work for free, unfortunately).

Perhaps more important than saving money for me is saving TIME. Not having to mount and wire up all the crap listed above will save me hours and hours of build time and test time. If I save money on parts, I pass that savings on to the buyer in the form of an affordable price. If I save time, I get to keep that myself

In any case, I am certain this will result in a great OD pedal that lots of people will enjoy.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: FTL Drive Lite: who might be interested in this?

I'll buy one.

 

[Uk Ant]

Re: FTL Drive Lite: who might be interested in this?

I do like the idea, the FTL does sound the business but I wouldn't really want all the options available.
That all said it's a little outside my price range, especially if you count in shipping, import taxes etc.
Then again I could try building my own tubescreamer clone... or is that a tad too crazy.

 

[Reload in 5]

Re: FTL Drive Lite: who might be interested in this?

Sorry if this seems rude, but I'm not really soliciting design ideas with this thread.

HOWEVER ... I can assure you that I have taken user feedback into account on both the second run, the FTL Drive Lite idea, AND two new designs that are in the works ( ). I actually sent out a survey to all the first run customers and got lots of good results back. I also use the pedal myself (the prototype, not a production model) regularly, AND I get good in-person feedback from three other people in my area who own the pedal..

Not rude at all. You just told me that you have already done what I suggested (for the most part)

Two channels means one extra foot switch plus a larger enclosure plus more holes being drilled plus more lettering, wiring, blah blah blah. I definitely do not want to do a two channel pedal for the Lite. If you're really keen on a two channel pedal, I have another idea for an OD + Distortion that I may do next year sometime.

The most expensive parts by a long shot are the enclosure and the six position rotary switch (clip select). Going to a smaller enclosure saves a buck or two. Eliminating the clip select switch saves a whopping six bucks. A pot + a pointer knob is about $2.50, so going from six knobs to three saves $7.50-ish. Going to two clip select positions instead of six saves about a dollar worth of diodes, LED's and FET's. Getting rid of channel switching saves $2.50 for the stomp switch and about a dollar for the two-color LED. Less holes in the enclosure means I pay less to have them drilled (pinto79 doesn't work for free, unfortunately).

Perhaps more important than saving money for me is saving TIME. Not having to mount and wire up all the crap listed above will save me hours and hours of build time and test time. If I save money on parts, I pass that savings on to the buyer in the form of an affordable price. If I save time, I get to keep that myself

Well, technically your time IS money. I should have said "what saves the most time / money"
I have no issues with your pricing or design methods BTW. I just was too broke to get the last pedal. I may be too broke this time as well. Or I may find the design doesnt work FOR ME. It could be the baddest best stompbox on the planet, it still wont be for everyone.


So, are you building a prototype? I wanna see it. I should be able to get a good idea of the sound from the old clips though.

edit: Alright, take me off the list. I think clip 3 was my favorite. Crap. The pedal had eveything I wanted, maybe too much (I could have done without clip select, gotten 3 only, and the color knob could have gone)
Maybe I can get one used one day. Great job anyway, excellent work. Clip 1 is pretty sweet though.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: FTL Drive Lite: who might be interested in this?

Not rude at all. You just told me that you have already done what I suggested (for the most part)


Well, technically your time IS money. I should have said "what saves the most time / money"
I have no issues with your pricing or design methods BTW. I just was too broke to get the last pedal. I may be too broke this time as well. Or I may find the design doesnt work FOR ME. It could be the baddest best stompbox on the planet, it still wont be for everyone.


So, are you building a prototype? I wanna see it. I should be able to get a good idea of the sound from the old clips though.

edit: Alright, take me off the list. I think clip 3 was my favorite. Crap. The pedal had eveything I wanted, maybe too much (I could have done without clip select, gotten 3 only, and the color knob could have gone)
Maybe I can get one used one day. Great job anyway, excellent work. Clip 1 is pretty sweet though.

If you really like Clip 3, it wouldn't be too much of a stretch for me to give you that instead of 5. I picked 5 because it got the most favorable responses in the survey. From my perspective, I could go with any of 3, 4, or 5 for the Modern mode. I might make that a custom option, in addition to the fat mod.

There will be no prototype. The FTL Drive is, essentially, the prototype for this. I already know the circuit works and sounds good. The only aspect of this I would really need to prototype is the control layout and lettering, and I can do that on paper.

 

[Uk Ant]

Re: FTL Drive Lite: who might be interested in this?

If you really like Clip 3, it wouldn't be too much of a stretch for me to give you that instead of 5. I picked 5 because it got the most favorable responses in the survey. From my perspective, I could go with any of 3, 4, or 5 for the Modern mode. I might make that a custom option, in addition to the fat mod.

I take it a certain amount changes can be made (as you are not exactly doing it in a production line) with very little time/cost to your self, and that really appeals.
I mean who wouldn't want an almost bespoke pedal for a hundred bucks?

 

[Reload in 5]

Re: FTL Drive Lite: who might be interested in this?

If you really like Clip 3, it wouldn't be too much of a stretch for me to give you that instead of 5. I picked 5 because it got the most favorable responses in the survey. From my perspective, I could go with any of 3, 4, or 5 for the Modern mode. I might make that a custom option, in addition to the fat mod.

There will be no prototype. The FTL Drive is, essentially, the prototype for this. I already know the circuit works and sounds good. The only aspect of this I would really need to prototype is the control layout and lettering, and I can do that on paper.

dang you! I now retract my retraction. I just ordered a cool cat timmy copy (before I saw this thread).
UGH.......

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: FTL Drive Lite: who might be interested in this?

I take it a certain amount changes can be made (as you are not exactly doing it in a production line) with very little time/cost to your self, and that really appeals.
I mean who wouldn't want an almost bespoke pedal for a hundred bucks?

Yes, you have the right idea. That's a great way of thinking of it.

The main difference between original and Lite is that the original lets you tweak all these options yourself. The Lite is more restricted in that way, but the tone and quality are still there.