NTMB only working in bypass mode

[adammazza]

Just installed an NTMB in my MTD Kingston KZ5 along with a set or Norstram Big Splits. For some reason it's only working when I bypass the preamp. I do not get any sound when the preamp is engaged. Battery connector looks to be connected properly, and the battery is good. Any idea what would cause this?

Thanks

Adam

[excane]

My guess would be to double check the hot and grounds from the pickups, make sure they're soldered correctly to the pots and preamp.

Do you have the push/pull for active/passive or a toggle switch?

[adammazza]

I have a push/pull for active/passive. If the pickups weren't wired correctly wouldn't they not work at all?

Thanks

Adam

[excane]

Did you buy the NTMB prewired and just soldered in the PU's, battery terminals, and output jack?

[adammazza]

Yes I did, but I had to solder on some extra wiring to lengthen the wires.

Adam

[excane]

Hmm...I'm not sure then. Yes, if the PU's are working in passive, it seems like they're wired correctly. It's possible something is wrong with the pre. Just double check the battery leads, fresh battery, etc. Eliminate all the possible easy variables up front.

[adammazza]

The one thing I'm not sure of is the output jack. I couldn't use the one that came with the pre so I used the existing, which has 3 leads, I grounded to the center, then ran my volume to one side, and my negative battery (black) lead to the other. Would I have a problem if those were reversed? If I did have them reversed would bypassing the pre even work?

thanks

Adam

[John Bigboote]

My bet is you have the jack leads reversed, since having the jack wired properly is required to get voltage to the preamp (it's your "switch").

HTH,

-jb

[adammazza]

thanks, I will give that a try (tomorrow, I've had enough with soldering for the evening)

Adam