Footswitch doesn't switch channels (TripleRecto 2channel)

[r0nn!e]

Hello,

I've bought THIS FW, because I had this one before and it worked fine for channel switching but now it doesn't work!

Diode is lightning up when plugged in but there is no action when pushing button. Only diode on FW is changing state from ON to OFF. Strange is, that this same footswitch can activate and deactivate FX LOOP so it should work. The other old ESH footswitch I have is able to change channels so it probably isn't amp problem.

Ideas?

Blackface triple recto from 1994 - revision G it is. What footswitch do I need for activating FX LOOP which I want use for volume jump up?

It could be done by manual switching on the back of the recto.

 

[domct203]

Welcome to The Board.

You can use any standard latching (or momentary) type footswitch with a 1/4 mono plug into the external switching jack.

See page 11 of your manual.

Dom

 

[r0nn!e]

Hey, thanks for answer.

Are you sure it should be a MONO plug? Couldn't it be STEREO plug? I haven't seen a word about MONO / STEREO thing in the manual.

I'm trying with this ordinary footswitch and MONO cable:
http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/5691/fotografie0065.jpg

The behaviour is like this:

- FX BYPASSED -> channel volume sets volume
- all other 4 possibilities on the FX knob -> MASTER LOOP volume on the front panel sets volume, which is still same -> with FX ON it has same volume as with with FX OFF

The diod on the footswitch is very weak when activating LOOP but I think it isn't connected with this.

Ideas?

 

[Ua the Destroyer]

Unless you put something in the loop your volume isn't going to change when the loop is on or off. i.e. a boost pedal, or volume pedal. A boost pedal will give you an increase in volume but a volume pedal can be configured to drop the volume when the loop is engaged so that fx on us your rhythm tone and fx off is you lead tone. This can be more effective if you have your loop modded to to series.

 

[domct203]

Hey, thanks for answer.

Are you sure it should be a MONO plug? Couldn't it be STEREO plug? I haven't seen a word about MONO / STEREO thing in the manual.

It is a MONO jack. Shorting TIP to GROUND will make the switch.

Here is the schematic:

I'm trying with this ordinary footswitch and MONO cable:
http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/5691/fotografie0065.jpg

I have no idea what kind of footswitch that is so I can not help you there.

The behaviour is like this:

- FX BYPASSED -> channel volume sets volume
- all other 4 possibilities on the FX knob -> MASTER LOOP volume on the front panel sets volume, which is still same -> with FX ON it has same volume as with with FX OFF

This is normal and is explained in your manual. When you "Hard Bypass" the FX Loop it removes the LAM (Loop Active Master) from the signal path as well as the FX Loop Buffer circuitry.

The diod on the footswitch is very weak when activating LOOP but I think it isn't connected with this.

Again, I have no idea what kind of footswitch that is so I can not help you there.

Dom

 

[r0nn!e]

Hey there,

thanks for answer and patience.

I've found out that trying to use any pedal to boost the volume totally sucks on this monster. So I've made sacrifice - I'm using clean channel as duplicated hi-gain with higher volume for solos and it totally kills!

Problem resolved at least until I'll need clean channel for live playing.

 

[domct203]

Hey there,

thanks for answer and patience.

I've found out that trying to use any pedal to boost the volume totally sucks on this monster. So I've made sacrifice - I'm using clean channel as duplicated hi-gain with higher volume for solos and it totally kills!

Problem resolved at least until I'll need clean channel for live playing.

Have you tried a good EQ pedal? The MXR 10 Band Graphic EQ is perfect for what you are trying to do. An "up-front" lead tone is more than boosting the volume. Don't be afraid to boost the mids on the EQ to make your tone "cut" without overpowering the rest of the band. Try the EQ out front, boosting the mids and output level. You can try it in the FX Loop as well, but remember, the FX Loop is Parallel, and may not yield the expected results if you are cutting frequencies as well as boosting them. Also, boosting level & freq's out front can give you more compression and sustain in the preamp, something very useful for a smooth lead tone regardless of style.

Dom

 

[r0nn!e]

Hello,

I've bought THIS FW, because I had this one before and it worked fine for channel switching but now it doesn't work!

Diode is lightning up when plugged in but there is no action when pushing button. Only diode on FW is changing state from ON to OFF. Strange is, that this same footswitch can activate and deactivate FX LOOP so it should work. The other old ESH footswitch I have is able to change channels so it probably isn't amp problem.

Ideas?

 

[r0nn!e]

Hello,

I've taken photos of wiring, so:

Old ESH footswitch - switches channels perfectly!

New SoundKing footswitch - can't switch channels, diode works, activating FX LOOP works.

What do I need to rewire in the new FTSW to make it work?

 

[Third Age Amps]

Maybe you should just buy the proper footswitch. You can find them for $20 on eBay or get a new one from Mesa.

 

[domct203]

Maybe you should just buy the proper footswitch. You can find them for $20 on eBay or get a new one from Mesa.

Agreed, but I can't find a single original Mesa footswitch on eBay, and only one for a MKIII for $20.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_sop=15&_nkw=mesa+foot+switch

Dom

EDIT: Found one, but it's $35 + shipping, and without a label.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mesa-Boogie...955?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item1e6f29a0a3

 

[r0nn!e]

Buying another footswitch is option but it is not needed anymore. The problem was in POLARITY lol!

Yesterday, I have brought electro technician over to my apartment and we were figuring it out... well it took 32 minutes to find out....

Just inverted polarity and it switches just fine now! )