The Dan-Echo Infinite Repeats mod, also called the R10 Mod, is a modification that allows you to force the DE-1 to self-oscillate.
In it’s stock form, the Repeats knob doesn’t allow you to reach infinite repeats. The R10 Mod pushes the Dan-Echo to its’ limits by introducing a toggle switch for infinite repeats. A change in the resistance value for R10 is also necessary to access longer repeats with the knob dimed all the way.
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The schematics shown here are excerpts from the original tracer, Mr. Basoni from March 28th, 2013.
Compatible Versions
The Infinite Repeats Mod is known to be compatible with both through-hole and surface-mount versions of the Danelectro Dan-Echo.
There is at least one surface-mount version of the Dan-Echo that doesn’t have a PT2395. This modification is only verified for versions of the Dan-Echo that have the PT2395 chip.
Required Tools for the Dan-Echo Infinite Repeats Mod
Standard tools typical of guitar pedal modifications are required to carry out the Infinite Repeats Modification. These instructions assume you have the knowledge to operate the tools and carry out the modification without doing harm to your Dan-Echo.
| Tool | Recommendation | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Soldering Station/Iron | Weller Digital Soldering Station – WE1010NA | Amazon | eBay |
| Solder | Kester Solder 24-6040-0027 | Amazon | eBay |
| Wire Strippers | Klein Tools 11063W Wire Cutter / Wire Stripper, Heavy Duty Automatic Wire Stripper Tool | Amazon | eBay |
| Precision Tweezers | 6PCS Precision Tweezers Set | Amazon | eBay |
| Drill Press | 10 in. Bench Mount Drill Press, 12 Speed by Central Machinery | Amazon | eBay |
| Drill Bit Set | DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set with Pilot Point | Amazon | eBay |
| Automatic Center Punch | Automatic Center Punch, Pamiso 5.1 Inch Spring Loaded Drill Punch Tool | Amazon | eBay |
| Deburring Tool | General Tools 196 Short Length Hand Reamer & Countersink, 3/4″ | Amazon | eBay |
Surface-Mount Version
In order to modify the surface-mount version, the best tool to have is a hot-air desoldering station. Having a hot air station will help you desolder surface-mount components.
Required Parts for the Dan-Echo Infinite Repeats Mod
For the through-hole version you’ll need a through-hole resistor. For the surface-mount version, you’ll need a surface-mount resistor. All parts are shown below.
If you would like to purchase a general parts kit instead of purchasing parts individually I recommend through-hole resistor kits and surface-mount resistor kits. They have the value needed for the Infinite Repeats Mod, among many others that you might encounter in your circuit bending endeavors.
Parts List
Below is a list of the required parts for the Infinite Repeats Mod:
| Part | Qty | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| ON-ON Toggle Switch | 1 | Taiway SPDT On On Switch – Solder Lug – Short Shaft | LoveMySwitches |
| 12kΩ Resistor (Through-Hole only) | 1 | 12K OHM 1/8W 1% METAL FILM RESISTOR | Tayda |
| 12kΩ Resistor (SMD only) | 1 | 12K OHM 1/8W 1% 0805 SMD CHIP RESISTORS | Tayda |
Dan-Echo Infinite Repeats Mod Instructions
For both versions, the Infinite Repeats Mod is generally the same. Only the steps involving the circuit board itself need to change.
Depending on where you decide to mount the toggle switch, the Infinite Repeats Mod might make it so you can’t use a battery with the pedal. This shouldn’t be too much of a nuisance however, since the Dan-Echo naturally drains the battery very quickly. Just note that if you still want to use the battery, you can do so by mounting the toggle switch in a different position than what is shown in these instructions.
Throughout these steps refer to the schematic below. The resistance R10 is normally 15k stock. This modification changes that to 12k ohms in order to allow more Repeats into the feedback path.
The toggle switch inside the dashed blue line is the only part that requires mounting.
1. Replace R10
The first step is to replace resistor R10. Whether you’re modifying a through-hole or surface-mount Dan-Echo, the resistor is in the same spot: right in front of the Repeats potentiometer.
Replacing R10 on the Through-Hole Version
For the through-hole version, use a soldering iron and a pair of precision tweezers to remove the stock R10 resistor (15k ohms). Then, you can use a desoldering pump to remove the excess solder. Third, slide in the new resistor (the recommended value is 12k ohms) and solder it in. Finally, clip the leads.
Replacing R10 on the Surface Mount Version
As for the surface-mount version, I usually use the hot air station and a pair of electro-static tweezers. I hold the resistor in place with the tweezers while heating up the solder pads with the hot air. Once the resistor heats up to a point where I can easily lift, I remove the hot air and let the circuit board cool.
Afterwards, I’ll rework the solder pads with a thin layer of new solder. Finally, I’ll place the new resistor onto the pads and use a soldering iron and tweezers to install the new resistor.
2. Prepare the Toggle Switch
The second step is to prepare the toggle switch. Cut and strip two wires that are long enough to reach from the toggle switch to the circuit board.
One wire should be connected to the common (middle) lug. The second wire connects to one of the two outside lugs.
3. Connect the Toggle Switch to the Dan-Echo
The second step is to connect the toggle switch to the Dan-Echo circuit board. The location of the wires depends on whether you have the through-hole or surface-mount version.
Connecting the Toggle Switch for the Through-Hole Version
On the through-hole version, you can solder the two wires directly to the two leads of the resistor, respectively.
Connecting the Toggle Switch for the Surface-Mount Version
For the surface-mount version, it gets a little cramped. To deal with the lack of space, solder the first wire to the center lug of the Repeats knob. Then, solder the second wire to the negative polarity lead of C24 on the underside of the board.
4. Drill and Mount the Toggle Switch
Finally, we’ll need to install the new toggle switch. You’ll first need to drill into the enclosure, making certain that the placement of the switch is correct for you.
I’ve found that the best spot to mount the switch is just over the battery compartment. But, in order to place it there, you’ll need to scrape out the foam that keeps in the battery. I use an Xacto knife for this procedure.
This position makes it impossible to use a standard 9V battery with the Dan-Echo. I personally didn’t mind this since the Dan-Echo doesn’t have good battery life anyway.
That said, if you still want the ability to use a 9V battery with the Dan-Echo you can opt to place it in the space just next to the battery compartment. As long as you use the recommended toggle switch, it should fit.
Dan-Echo Infinite Repeats Mod Audio Sample
This audio clip features the results of performing the Infinite Repeats mod. Throughout the clip I’m playing with the Repeats knob position. You can easily get a feel for when it edges on the verge of infinite feedback, just to have it tamed into behaving with a simple roll of the Repeats knob.
At the end of the clip you can get a sense of what real infinite repeats sounds like!
Meet the Author:
Hi, I’m Dominic. By day, I’m an engineer. By night, I repair and modify guitar effects! Since 2017, I’ve been independently modifying and repairing guitar effects and audio equipment under Mimmotronics Effects in Western New York. After coming out with a series of guitar effects development boards, I decided the next step is to support that community through content on what I’ve learned through the years. Writing about electronics gives me great joy, particularly because I love seeing what others do with the knowledge they gain about guitar effects and audio circuits. Feel free to reach out using the contact form!
The Tools I Use
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