Tremolo footswitch problem

bwnorton · **Joined:** Fri Jun 03, 2011 5:04 am **Posts:** 20

My footswitch just started acting up. It has worked just fine for several months. Now when I push the switch, the output drops to about 5%, basically nothing comes out. When I switch it off, clean signal runs through no problem. If I turn it on and jiggle the actual footswitch, it comes on and off. Seems like maybe a bad footswitch? I've checked all the solder joints and no issue there. Even when I jiggle the switch, it is not doing anything to the PCB or making any contact with anything.

Any other ideas? Is it common for footswitches to go bad? I've included some photos and posted a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioYIm97ZcuY

Thanks!
Bryan

Stephen · **Posted:** Mon Jun 06, 2011 6:55 am

Got any pix that are in focus?

bwnorton · **Joined:** Fri Jun 03, 2011 5:04 am **Posts:** 20

This is the only other one I have, but I'll try to get more. It all looks clean and solid. I wonder if its inside the switch?

Did you see the video?

bwnorton · **Joined:** Fri Jun 03, 2011 5:04 am **Posts:** 20

Wow those are huge photos. I need to shrink them next time!

Stephen · **Posted:** Mon Jun 06, 2011 7:48 am

The first thing I would do is re-solder the stomp switch. The pix are too blurry to tell for sure but your soldering looks a bit cold and skimpy on the solder. Once you've done that I would check continuity between the lugs of the switch as you move the button like you did in the vid. If it still cuts in and out I would try a new switch.

bwnorton · **Joined:** Fri Jun 03, 2011 5:04 am **Posts:** 20

Thanks. So are you suggesting I resolder the lugs, or the eyelets on the PCB? Or both?

If that doesn't work, can you recommend the type/brand of switch and the gauge of wire I should use to replace it?

Thanks!

dcountry13 · **Posted:** Mon Jun 06, 2011 8:05 am

bwnorton wrote:

Thanks. So are you suggesting I resolder the lugs, or the eyelets on the PCB? Or both?

If that doesn't work, can you recommend the type/brand of switch and the gauge of wire I should use to replace it?

Thanks!

Resolder the lugs and the PCB eyelets. The extra 20 seconds of work will assure you that is not the issue.

In the US? Get a footswitch from Mammoth Electronics:

http://www.mammothelectronics.com/4SFS3PDT-LS-p/800-1005.htm

$3.50, plus first class shipping option will be your cheapest bet.

bwnorton · **Joined:** Fri Jun 03, 2011 5:04 am **Posts:** 20

Great. Thanks for the help.

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Tremolo footswitch problem

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