Sunfoam
SunFoam is a version of the Foam2 pedal where I have simply (relatively simply) replaced the pressure sensor with a solar panel. Making it so you can control time with a light source. I figured that blinking or fading lights make to control delay time is probably a really fun idea!
Sunfoam User Guide
The pedal uses 9VDC power (2.1mm jack: center-negative).
Input is on the right side (black ring) and output is on the left (white ring).
Triple Bypass:
This pedal uses a unique bypass switching system that I call “Triple Bypass”, where you have three different “modes” for turning the pedal on and off:
- Short Press: Works like any regular pedal. Press to turn it on and then press to turn it off.
- Momentary/Hold: If you press and hold for about 1-2 seconds the pedal will enter a hold mode. Here it will simply stay in the state it entered when pressing down the button, for however long you decide to hold down the button, and then return when you release the button. So if you press down when the pedal is turned OFF it will stay ON for as long as you hold the button pressed down, and vice versa.
- Tap Tempo Bypass: If you quickly double tap the bypass button (either when on or off) the pedal will enter the Tap Tempo Bypass mode. Here the pedal automatically turns itself on/off in whichever tempo you tap. So to change tempo you simply tap a new tempo.
N.B. SunFoam continuously counts the time since your last tap. So if you have been in a tempo for some time and give the footswitch another single tap, it will set your new tempo based on the time between the pervious tap and the new tap - upto a maxium length of around 1min.
To exit Tap Tempo Bypass you simply press and hold the button for about 2 seconds. Note that when exiting this mode the pedal will be ON (regardless of if the pedal is in an OFF or ON state).
Controls:
SunFoam is a version of my Foam2 pedal where I have simply (relatively simply) replaced the pressure sensor with a solar panel. It’s a PT2399 delay with the time parameter being controlled by a solar panel. So by taking your phone or any other light source you can do all kinds of crazy time jumps! The controls are super straight forward with full focus on giving you creative light control.
The top “X” knob is your Mix control. From 100% dry, to introducing delay, to slight overdriving of the delay lines
Below that is the “F” knob, which sets the Repeats/Feedback. Fully clockwise to self-oscillate (more in shorter delay times).
The “T” knob controls the Delay-Time - counter clockwise for shorter delay-times and clockwise for longer delay-times. It works together with the Solar Panel to set the range of effect - like a sensitivity control. So based on your settings you can (literally) push the PT2399 chip too far, which will simply cut the signal. In that case just dial it back to find where you want it.
Solar Panel: Shine a light, cover with your hand, enjoy!