Equaliser footswitch erratic

[ozboy]

Like the title says the equaliser on/off foot switch has become erratic, works sometimes not others. I am sure this is due to a bad connection with the cable and I'm just wondering whether it is the cable pin or an internal socket that is more likely to be damaged and what the best way to diagnose and fix the problem is?

 

[jb's 52]

Switch ends
Get another cable
Jiggle at the socket

 

[rocknroll9225]

Yeah, that's a pretty common problem, I had it with mine. The problem is the pin on the cable responsible for switching the EQ not seating fully so the connection will intermittently cut out, turning the EQ off and on randomly. Or at least that's what was happening to me. It's the cable's fault, not the socket's.

 

[bandit2013]

I had different issues. Sometimes the footswitch would completely go whacky, all of the switching relays in the amp would go nuts. First thought cable, swapped ends, new cable, same issue. I took the footswitch apart to inspect for issues (cold solder joints, broken traces on PCB etc... There is a design flaw in the footswitch assembly. Next to the CH1 switch is an afterthought ground screw that is drilled and inserted after PCB assembly. This screw creates a contact point to the extruded metal base along with a wire wrapped around the switch to complete the ground loop. The screw that makes contact to the metal base is placing an extreme bend on the circuit board. This is out of compliance for proper assembly methods and would be rejected based on IPC standards and practices. I had modified my footswitch by changing the screw to a shorter one such that it will not cause a bend in the PCB when assembled, added a ground wire with two #6 ring posts and attached one end to the screw and mounted the other to the metal base with another screw (had to drill and tap the hole). Also had to reflow the solder on the DIN connector. After the repair, I have not had any issues with the foot switch even when moving it while the amp is operating.