hum issues from powered pedal board

[j_nition]

hey guys.

I have and older powered pedal board made by washburn that I am starting to notice some mild hum issues with. Not so noticeable when only powering 2 pedals but now I have 4 on the board and it is much more pronounced, especially at church through the big PA and so much so that I can't even think about going direct out of my BDDI at the end of the chain.


One thing to note is that at some point, a previous owner changed the power cord to a cheap one with an unpolarized plug end like you'd find a lamp or something.

Do you think if I swapped it out for a larger gauge cord with a grounded plug it would help? If so, when I wire it, do I just secure the ground lead on the cord end to the chassis of the board with a sheet metal screw?


thanks!

[RickenBoogie]

Personally, I'd start over. Sounds like the previous owner screwed the pooch with it. Who knows what else is wrong. The ungrounded plug is certainly bad, but I'd just start freash with something quality.

[bongomania]

I'd have to agree. It wasn't good quality to start with, and now it's old and worn out.

[j_nition]

Thanks R.B. thats an option... but I like the size of the board, it's in a fitted flightcase style enclosure, and it has a bypass switch.

cost of something comparable is at least $200
vs.
replacing the power cable and plug $5.00

[bongomania]

Well, if you do the $5 fix and it works, then great--and if it doesn't work, then you're only out $5 and nothing bad happened.

[j_nition]

thats what I'm hoping for!

So my question is more of a wiring question I guess... mainly do I anchor the ground wire on the cord to the chassis?

[bongomania]

I would poke around inside the unit to see where it may have been grounded previously. There may be an obvious bit of loose wire, or a big lump of solder all by its lonesome, or a screw or nut that has been dyed/painted green. If you don't find such a thing, then the chassis is a decent start.