SansAmp BDDI Problem

SoonerMatt · #1 02-11-2009, 06:04 PM

So I finally got my BDDI in the mail today and, like I would be with any new pedal, plugged it in and began playing with the settings. Except nothing changed. The tone was altered, albeit very slightly, but when I pressed the stomp button the light did not light up. I flipped the switches and that gave some change, but when I turned the knobs nothing happened. I tried a fresh battery, daisy chain, putting it in a wall wart by itself, nothing.

When I press the stomp button I hear the sound of metal sliding but I don't hear any internal click or anything indicative of it being engaged.

Ideas?

FTR, I bought it used and it did not come with an owner's manual or power supply, just a 9V.

Jake of Bass · #2 02-11-2009, 06:06 PM

I have a dodgy switch on mine, I have to fiddle with it sometimes to get it going.

If you you can't get it on, you need a new switch.

SoonerMatt · #3 02-11-2009, 06:13 PM

That's what I thought it would be. Would I have to send it in to Tech21 or could my local shop take care of that?

niftydog · #4 02-11-2009, 06:26 PM

You should hear a slight click, but not a big clunk like a true bypass footswitch.

The footswitch is actually a thing called an "actuator" which is just a spring-loaded button - a second spring attached to the end of the actuator pushes the 'real' switch which is mounted on the circuit board.

Sometimes the spring gets bent out of shape, or compressed, and doesn't properly actuate the switch. You might need to disassemble the thing and stretch or straighten the spring.

Otherwise, the switch itself might also be dodgy, and these can usually be replaced easily by someone who's handy with a soldering iron.

bassyeah · #5 02-11-2009, 06:27 PM

the switch does not "click" on that pedal at least not on mine (I have 3).
One thought I have... are you plugging into the Output close to the input (the one that says "parallel")? If so switch to the other output by the direct out.

BTW... you can find the manual online however it is difficult to find. There is a thread in TB with links to many of the Tech 21 pedals

good luck

Jake of Bass · #6 02-11-2009, 06:30 PM

Mine does click, when it gets going. Sometimes it clicks, comes on, and goes off again.

You could send away for it but it might just be easier to ask your local shop. Try to get as much info into the process as you can, as learning about these things is always good.

bassyeah · #7 02-11-2009, 06:36 PM

here is the thread with the Tech 21 manuals... Tech 21 Manuals

SoonerMatt · #8 02-11-2009, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by niftydog

You should hear a slight click, but not a big clunk like a true bypass footswitch.

The footswitch is actually a thing called an "actuator" which is just a spring-loaded button - a second spring attached to the end of the actuator pushes the 'real' switch which is mounted on the circuit board.

Sometimes the spring gets bent out of shape, or compressed, and doesn't properly actuate the switch. You might need to disassemble the thing and stretch or straighten the spring.

Otherwise, the switch itself might also be dodgy, and these can usually be replaced easily by someone who's handy with a soldering iron.

Just popped it open and I only see one spring attached to the actuator's piston. It's long enough to just touch the "real" switch once the actuator's button is pressed down all the way. There isn't anything going to the actual "gimme some noise" button.

That's a relief. I assume this is the sort of job that I could have my local tech take care of. Unfortunately since I'm in Norman there's no authorized Tech21 dealer.

niftydog · #9 02-11-2009, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoonerMatt

Just popped it open and I only see one spring attached to the actuator's piston.

The second spring I mentioned is hidden within the housing, don't worry about that one, it's irrelevant in this case. The important one is the one you see sticking out the bottom - it should be directly activating the switch on the circuit board.

Quote:

It's long enough to just touch the "real" switch once the actuator's button is pressed down all the way. There isn't anything going to the actual "gimme some noise" button.

So it's only just touching? Then stretch the spring out so that it's long enough to activate the switch on the circuit board.

Quote:

That's a relief. I assume this is the sort of job that I could have my local tech take care of. Unfortunately since I'm in Norman there's no authorized Tech21 dealer.

If the only problem is the spring, then don't waste your time sending it to anyone! Just tweak it yourself as described above.

The other option is to adjust the actuator mounting height - loosen the top nut and tighten the bottom one, this will move the whole assembly down closer to the circuit board.