Crate B160XL problems...

[calebbarton]

Hey guys,
I have a B160XL that has been shutting off after about 15 mins of playing. It will come back after turning it back on but then it shuts off again. No idea what is causing the problem.

I have checked the boards for burn marks, none. I have made sure the amp is not limiting out. The problem persists and Im not sure why.

Has anyone else had the same experience and SOLVED the problem? I know its a crate and that means everyone is going to tell me that the only reason this is happening is because its a crate. I am really more interested in what is causing the problem electronically, not whats wrong with the brand of amp.

Anyone???

[lofreek]

I worked in the SLME service department from 1995 - 1997.

Is it actually powering down, or are you just losing signal?

Several Ampeg and Crate models suffered from the audio being blocked one or more of many potential issues;

1. cold or broken solder joint on the input jack (this jack gets much use)
2. dirty contact within the FX loop return jack (this jack is seldom used and accumulates dirt)
3. dirty contact within the footswitch jack for mute (also seldom used and accumulates dirt)

Solder joints need to be touched up, and the jack issues can be remedied by a good cleaning.

If it is actually powering down, then it might be thermal. The bias might be off causing it to run hot, or the temp sensor might be out of whack.

There were sooo many QC issues I had to deal with back then. Poor quality jacks and poor solder bath performance were extremely common.

[BassmanPaul]

If this is a head what speakers are you using with it?

Paul

[calebbarton]

Originally Posted by lofreek

I worked in the SLME service department from 1995 - 1997.

Is it actually powering down, or are you just losing signal?

Several Ampeg and Crate models suffered from the audio being blocked one or more of many potential issues;

1. cold or broken solder joint on the input jack (this jack gets much use)
2. dirty contact within the FX loop return jack (this jack is seldom used and accumulates dirt)
3. dirty contact within the footswitch jack for mute (also seldom used and accumulates dirt)

Solder joints need to be touched up, and the jack issues can be remedied by a good cleaning.

If it is actually powering down, then it might be thermal. The bias might be off causing it to run hot, or the temp sensor might be out of whack.

There were sooo many QC issues I had to deal with back then. Poor quality jacks and poor solder bath performance were extremely common.

that actually makes a lot of sense. thanks!