Roadster Channel Switching Issues

[mfret1970]

So, I've read most (I think) of the threads about Roadster channel switching issues, but haven't run across this one.

When playing mine on channel 1, I've noticed that occasionally I'll look at the amp, and see that the Channel 1 light isn't lit up, or, it's sort of flickering. Only the light blue FX loop light. Last night, I was playing facing away from the amp; went to change channels, and nothing happened. I turned around and noticed that the Channel 1 light wasn't on. Hit all buttons on the footswitch but nothing would happen. Eventually, I went to the back of the amp and fiddled with the Channel selector switch, and I think that seemed to "reactivate" the foot switch.

None of these issues were noticeable in the sound of the amp, except the lack of channel switching of course. What I mean is, it sounded like it always does, just wouldn't change channels with the footswitch. It did change fine with the knob on the back.

Where to I start to troubleshoot this thing?

 

[Dino334]

The problem is in with the foot switch cable. They're lousy. I've gone through a couple of them before I set my rig up,with rjm midi switching.

 

[mfret1970]

I haven't looked at the cable closely--is it a proprietary configuration or just standard MIDI?

 

[bandit2013]

I believe it is the same cable that is used on the Mark V (also uses 8 pin midi), so fear not, you are not the only one having issue with the footswitch control ( footswitch is different and all wires are used with the V). I have searched only to find that it is not a standard Midi (generally standard midi is 5 pin). Had issues with the effects loop, that was until changing the assignment knob on the back of the amp and all was well after that. I know, different amp and all, but sometimes is a fix for issues with the footswitch glitches.

 

[Chester]

I believe it is the same cable that is used on the Mark V (also uses 8 pin midi), so fear not, you are not the only one having issue with the footswitch control ( footswitch is different and all wires are used with the V).

It is the same cable - I use the same cable on both amps (and interchange FSW) when I'm in a hurry or just being plain lazy :shock: :shock: :shock:

 

[bandit2013]

Here is a trick, I had similar issues with my Mark V. It seems that the amps that use the Din 8 or Din 7 cables have the same or similar type of switching circuits. If you experience problems with the footswitch, and moving or swapping ends of the cable does nothing, try rotating the channel select knob under the footswitch cable socket a few times. If the switch uses silver contacts (most common) they tend to form sulfates on the contact points. Moving the rotary switch will effectively clean the contact surfaces due to the wiping action. You could also replace the Din 8 cable as there are many available if you search for a Din 8 to Din 8 cable (more common with PC, Audio/video disc players.) If you look for a midi cable you will not find one with 8 pins as that does not meet the midi standard.

I had issues with the cable in the Mark V early on. So far the Roadster is doing great but is new so perhaps time will tell.