How to install a nanolog device

So, you've taken the quantum plunge. Or maybe you're interested in getting some Nanolog Devices, but aren't sure ​on how to go about installing the devices into your circuit board. 

Either way, our Nanolog Devices are actually quite simple to integrate into both new and existing circuits. There's several ways to get started, all of which will require a soldering iron outside of machine mounting processes. There are some short videos at the end of this post that will walk you through the various ways to successfully integrate your device into a circuit. 

Wiring a nanolog device

A simple wire set-up can be extreme effective for testing devices in a circuit, as well as swapping out different styles of components. There are two gold-plated sockets on each Nanolog Device, with one being located on each end of the unit. Simply place the bare wire through the sockets, bend towards the outside of the unit, and solder. 

​This process is of course not ideal for final products, however can be great way to try new things quickly in the prototyping stage or for testing. This method is great for seeing how Nanolog Devices will perform with existing circuits. 

thru-hole mounting a nanolog device

Thru-hole mounting will require the use of header pins. These parts do not come with the devices, however can be purchased from almost any component provider, and suggested links are provided below. 

​The main advantage to the thru-hole mount is the convenience and "switchability" that this approach affords. Once the pins are installed on the device, they can be easily mounted and unmounted either directly on to PCB boards, or onto sockets to attach to PCB boards.

For this to work the spacing of the sockets that the device will be inserted to must be properly defined. ​

This means that the sockets the thru-hole mounts will be placed in should be 12.54 mm across. Orientation is not a concern, as long as the spacing is correct. 

We have a few preferred options for header pins, however any option will work as long as the width fits in the 1.1 mm spacing of the Nanolog Device. Header pins can cost as little as 5 to 15 cents per unit:

Short Pins: Wurth Electronics Inc. P/N 61300111121 (these are the parts used in our video below)
Long Pins: Samtec Inc. P/N TSW-101-15-T-S

Surface mounting a nanolog device

Our devices have a gold plating that extends to the bottom of the device. This allows them to be soldered directly to a PCB, assuming the solder pads of the PCB correctly outline the device dimensions pictured above (being 15 mm x 7 mm). 

This is a very quick and easy way to mount a device. Simply place within the solder pad outline, and solder each gold plated edge. This requires no additional parts, and is a sturdy approach to pedal building. Done properly, it's very secure and takes up minimal space. The downside to this approach is the interchangeability aspect, as this method is not easily changed once applied. For this to work, you will need a working PCB layout with the correct traces defined.

Surface mount

Benefits: ​simple and secure application, minimal space, no extra parts required

thru-hole pin

Benefits: high interchangeability, easy to solder pins with a holder

wiring

Benefits: quickest and easiest way to test and experiment with a Nanolog Device

About nanolog devices

Our Nanolog Devices are a new class of electronic component, and operate using "molecular electronics". A single Nanolog Device can replace a pair of clipping diodes (silicon, germanium) and even pre-amp tubes to create dynamic, warm, and organic overdriven tones. These devices are 100% analog, and as such, they have a very low milliamp draw. 

The softer clipping of these devices eliminates much of the harsh, "tin-like" buzziness that traditional diodes create. Additionally, the devices provide a warmer low-mid range response, and overall increased dynamics. 

For more information, please visit our Devices page that describes how these devices operate, the science behind them, and the many clear benefits they provide. 

ordering a nanolog device

Our Nanolog Devices can be purchased in single or small batches directly from Small Bear Electronics.

For larger orders, 100+ units, please contact our VP Marketing directly for additional information.  

For technical support please do not hesitate to reach us, we will likely get back to you in less than 24 hours. 

Quantum clipping explained - justnick

If you want to visit the beginning of Nanolog Devices, check out this video by JustNick published in 2014. It's a pretty in-depth explanation of the clipping, harmonics, and differences that they provide. He's using the very first guitar pedal prototype ever designed, built by the legendary ​Dr. Scientist. Since then we've made many improvements, upgraded our device construction, accomplished years of scientific testing, and even built a new "N3" model. 

Quick note: a "molecular junction" is the technical term for Nanolog Device. Molecular Junction "A" is now "N1" and Junction "B" is now "N2".