Boss FV-500H mod (expression pedal)

Boss FV-500H expression pedal mod for linear response with no dead zones
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updated July 26, 2022

Description

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DISCLAIMNER N.1: I am not responsible for any damage to your equipment, use this informations at your own risk.


DISCLAIMNER N.2: I own a FV-500H but everything described should be also valid for FV-500L 


The stock Boss FV-500H pedal has dead spots at begin and end of travel. Moreover, the response is not linear because of the stupid mechanics and the feeling is very unreliable because of the short angular rotation of the potentiometer. Luckily, the chassis construction is very good and the pedal is smooth, so I decided to give a new life to it.


You will need:

  • A couple of hours of free time
  • A stereo TRS female jack
  • A linear 10k potentiometer
  • Basic soldering and electronic skills


Important: After the mod you won't be able to use it as a standard volume pedal because it will have only the EXP connection.


STEP 1:

Print the pedal gear and the pot gear. I used PLA for prototyping but ABS, PETG or ASA are even better. If you can print nylon it should be the best option.


Depending on your potentiometer shaft you may need to modify the small gear design.

Optional: print the included hole caps.

STEP 2:

Remove everything from the stock pedal except for the potentiometer bracket.






STEP 3:

Install the new potentiometer, the pot gear and the pedal gear. When fixing the parts, check the angular position of the pot.


STEP 4:

Solder the wires from the pot to the jack, at this point you should really know what you are doing to avoid any damage to the equipment.

The wiper of the pot should be wired to the tip or the ring of the TRS jack, depending on the polarity of the device you are connecting to.





STEP 5:

Enjoy the smooth and linear response!

 

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