New Paperweight Day!

Shmone · #1 08-15-2010, 05:13 AM

A few days ago, my brother returned from the USA after being there for 2 months and he bought me a gift - an EBS ValveDrive! (this thing is gorgeous!).
anyways, I open the box and obviously, the included transformer is for american 110V (the voltage here is 220V) and I don't have a spare 12V AC transformer anywhere.
So after waiting a few days, I bought today a 220V to 110V converter and finally plugged the pedal only to find out that it won't turn on

I checked the transformer with a multimeter hoping that the problem isn't with the pedal but the transformer works just fine

The Israeli EBS dealer wasn't very helpful and they told me to try and contact EBS, I mailed them and now I'm waiting for an answer.
this just sucks!

Thanks for listening to me whine, the post doesn't have much purpose besides sharing my unpleasant experience.

Amit.

RickenBoogie · #2 08-15-2010, 07:53 AM

Try changing the valve? It has travelled, right? Check it out.

Shmone · #3 08-15-2010, 08:08 AM

Will changing the tube void the warranty?

Edit: yes, it has traveled.

KarateKid25 · #4 08-15-2010, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shmone

Will changing the tube void the warranty?

It shouldn't. Either way, I doubt you would have a valid warranty anyway.

Shmone · #5 08-15-2010, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KarateKid25

It shouldn't. Either way, I doubt you would have a valid warranty anyway.

Why?

cheapbasslovin · #6 08-15-2010, 08:41 AM

Are you not getting anything? Not even LEDs? If a valve was bad, I still think you would get some shiny lights. Did you try metering the power supply at the connector?

Wud · #7 08-15-2010, 08:56 AM

I think if you do still have a warranty it will only be relevant in the country where the item was originally purchased.
It's also possible that running the pedal on a different voltage to that which was set in the factory will void any warranty, even if done via a transformer.

Shmone · #8 08-15-2010, 08:57 AM

Nope, not even LEDs. If by power supply you mean the 12V AC adaptor that plugs to the wall than I did and it works fine.

Shmone · #9 08-15-2010, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wud

I think if you do still have a warranty it will only be relevant in the country where the item was originally purchased.
It's also possible that running the pedal on a different voltage to that which was set in the factory will void any warranty, even if done via a transformer.

I used an external 220V to 110V converter and than connected the 110V to 12V AC original adaptor that came with the pedal. Also, before buying the converter I asked EBS about it and they said that the pedal is fine with 220V.

Wud · #10 08-15-2010, 09:04 AM

Yep it should run fine when used with a transformer.
Did you only ask EBS if it would work with a transformer, or did you also ask them about the terms of the warranty ?

Shmone · #11 08-15-2010, 09:08 AM

Didn't ask them about the warranty, it never occurred to me that a company might advise me to do something that will void the warranty.
Besides, their warranty doesn't say anything that I might've done:
http://www.ebs.bass.se/2009/service.htm

dannybuoy · #12 08-15-2010, 09:12 AM

Check the small print on the adapter, most 12v switchmode power supplies work on 110v - 240v. Even if it doesn't, you'd be far better off getting a native 12v adaptor than getting a big bulky step down transformer in order to use the original one.

Wud · #13 08-15-2010, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shmone

it never occurred to me that a company might advise me to do something that will void the warranty.

You'd be surprised!
I don't get that impression with EBS though.
Good luck with it anyway, and let us know how you get on.

Shmone · #14 08-15-2010, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannybuoy

Check the small print on the adapter, most 12v switchmode power supplies work on 110v - 240v. Even if it doesn't, you'd be far better off getting a native 12v adaptor than getting a big bulky step down transformer in order to use the original one.

You are right but the ValveDrive doesn't use a common 9V DC power supply, it uses a 12V AC and there wasn't any in the shop I was looking and I didn't feel like waiting more to check my new pedal!

The original power supply has this written on it:"INPUT: 120V AC 60Hz".

@Wud - Thanks for your help, I'll update when it'll work, I even thought about doing a review.

RickenBoogie · #15 08-15-2010, 10:00 AM

Once you get the power supply sorted, hopefully you've got a fuctioning Valve Drive, 'cause it is a fantastic pedal. Hope it all works out.

Shmone · #16 08-15-2010, 10:05 AM

The power supply doesn't seem to be the problem. I contacted Amazon (the pedal was bought from them) and it seems like they are going to replace it

.

champbassist · #17 08-15-2010, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shmone

The power supply doesn't seem to be the problem. I contacted Amazon (the pedal was bought from them) and it seems like they are going to replace it

.

I wanna know how that worked out. Why would Amazon replace it?

dannybuoy · #18 08-15-2010, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shmone

You are right but the ValveDrive doesn't use a common 9V DC power supply, it uses a 12V AC and there wasn't any in the shop I was looking and I didn't feel like waiting more to check my new pedal!

The original power supply has this written on it:"INPUT: 120V AC 60Hz".

@Wud - Thanks for your help, I'll update when it'll work, I even thought about doing a review.

Ah, I thought it was the more common 12v DC supply. I would still look for another adaptor though if you're using one of those heavy step-down transformers.

Shmone · #19 08-15-2010, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by champbassist

I wanna know how that worked out. Why would Amazon replace it?

Its still within the 30 days return policy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannybuoy

Ah, I thought it was the more common 12v DC supply. I would still look for another adaptor though if you're using one of those heavy step-down transformers.

Its not that heavy but it is bulky. I'm going to get a proper power supply eventually.