Ashdown ABM broke down at the gig...

[CaptainWally]

Hmmm your replacement output mod will look a little different....

actually do this for me..... see those little lightbulb doodads just in front of the filter caps? ( large blue things )..... take a close look at them and see if they're burnt out.....

You mean the fuses? They are still good.

The amp currently won't fire up with those fuses in the unit, but if I take them out it will. That's what made Guy think it was the output module.

Will the new output module work in the '99 amp configuration?

 

[pablomigraine]

You mean the fuses? They are still good.

The amp currently won't fire up with those fuses in the unit, but if I take them out it will. That's what made Guy think it was the output module.

Will the new output module work in the '99 amp configuration?

fires up without them??? (Scratches head)

FDECK...........? opinion?

Passinwind.......?

new board will work fine....

 

[CaptainWally]

fires up without them??? (Scratches head)

FDECK...........? opinion?

Passinwind.......?

new board will work fine....

I guess removing the fuses take the module out of the circuit?

 

[JAUQO III-X]

fires up without them??? (Scratches head)

FDECK...........? opinion?

Passinwind.......?

new board will work fine....

I guess removing the fuses take the module out of the circuit?

Then again,this may be a comedy unfolding

 

[fdeck]

FDECK...........? opinion?

My opinion is, don't ever get this horrible cold that I've got right now. Following the instructions handed down over the generations, I am getting "plenty of fluids."

So I put a new fuse in the power jack. I put in a 1A fuse. Guy was saying it would be a T8A, but I don't think that is right for the power jack is it? Can anyone comment?

I just downloaded the ABM500 owners manual, and the picture of the back panel says 8A for 110 V operation. If you are trying a 1A fuse, it might easily pop just when you turn on the amp, due to current rushing into the power supply filter capacitors.

Anyway, after putting in the fuse, I fired it up without the fuses in the output module. The amp fired up, which I believe is an indication that the problem lies in the output module.

That would be my suspicion too. Can you confirm operation of the preamp when the power module is disabled? That would be a useful clue that the problem is not in the preamp. OTOH the power module could be powering the preamp, so it's not an acid test.

So questions:

- My transformer says 110V on it. How would I be assured the output module is also intended for 110V usage? I couldn't see any writing on it. It does say "400W bass" on it, but I guess that's just a legacy printing issue?

Here is my guess. The 110 and 220 V transformer both step down to the same secondary voltage, so there only needs to be one output module for both worlds. So far so good. The module may date back to a 400W amp product, but many power amp designs are forgiving of being run at a higher supply voltage and delivering more output power if they are overdesigned in the first place. So a legacy printing issue seems probable.

- Do you think requesting a new output module is a good way to go? (assuming Ashdown confirms this is probably the problem) Has anyone swapped one of these out before? It doesn't look too bad.

If it were me, I would try to do a bit more digging. Here is why. The output module contains the power supply and the power amp circuits. Of these, the power supply seems a likely culprit, and power supply circuits are generic enough to be diagnosed by any repair person. In other words, some troubleshooting might be possible by your local non-Ashdown tech.

I would very much like to know where that magic smoke came from, because it is possibly your best clue. Having rotten eyesight, my practice is to look in with a bright flashlight (my bike headlamp) and magnifying glass. Magic smoke typically leaves a whitish residue that will deposit on surrounding parts and on the inside of the chassis. If you can lift the power module out of the case (everything unplugged at this point, don't get fried), then you can inspect the bottom of the board. A cold solder joint might have finally decided to let go. While you do this, be careful what you grab to avoid disturbing the evidence.

Finally, there is also a chance that something on the preamp board shorted out, and if the preamp gets its power from the power module, well, you know. If you can detach the preamp board and replicate the symptoms with only the power module in place, then it is additional evidence against the power module.

I guess, long story short, look for that smoke. Whatever you do, don't detach the power transistors from the heat sink, because reassembly is a chore. Chances are, they can remain attached even when you pull the entire power module.

 

[JAUQO III-X]

I would very much like to know where that magic smoke came from, because it is possibly your best clue. Having rotten eyesight, my practice is to look in with a bright flashlight (my bike headlamp) and magnifying glass. Magic smoke typically leaves a whitish residue that will deposit on surrounding parts and on the inside of the chassis. If you can lift the power module out of the case (everything unplugged at this point, don't get fried), then you can inspect the bottom of the board. A cold solder joint might have finally decided to let go. While you do this, be careful what you grab to avoid disturbing the evidence.

Finally, there is also a chance that something on the preamp board shorted out, and if the preamp gets its power from the power module, well, you know. If you can detach the preamp board and replicate the symptoms with only the power module in place, then it is additional evidence against the power module.

I guess, long story short, look for that smoke.

Now we're on the forensics channel

 

[Fawkes007]

As an Ashdown owner for the past four years, I can honestly say that I have not had the problems with my head that others have had. I have had it serviced once (pot cleaning, point check, replace the lightbulb in the VU meter) and it works like a charm. Everybody loves it.

I have owned a lot of different amps over the years. The ones that "blowed up real good" at the worst possible times were GK 800RBs, and I pushed those suckers every day. My Ashdown has been babied by comparison, but it still had little quirky things that needed to be addressed. Nothing serious.

Your amp is 7 years old...usually at that point in a piece of electronic gear's life something is bound to go wrong. It has to do with the amount of heat generated. Power amps fail, circuits become unsoldered, ec. ALL amps have their issues. My repair guy isn't crazy about Eden; he doesn't like their "short box" design and claims it leads to problems down the road. As with anything, YMMV. I just hate to see a decent amp builder get slaughtered online over a 7 year old piece of equipment that has been used.

 

[CaptainWally]

As an Ashdown owner for the past four years, I can honestly say that I have not had the problems with my head that others have had. I have had it serviced once (pot cleaning, point check, replace the lightbulb in the VU meter) and it works like a charm. Everybody loves it.

I have owned a lot of different amps over the years. The ones that "blowed up real good" at the worst possible times were GK 800RBs, and I pushed those suckers every day. My Ashdown has been babied by comparison, but it still had little quirky things that needed to be addressed. Nothing serious.

Your amp is 7 years old...usually at that point in a piece of electronic gear's life something is bound to go wrong. It has to do with the amount of heat generated. Power amps fail, circuits become unsoldered, ec. ALL amps have their issues. My repair guy isn't crazy about Eden; he doesn't like their "short box" design and claims it leads to problems down the road. As with anything, YMMV. I just hate to see a decent amp builder get slaughtered online over a 7 year old piece of equipment that has been used.

I think most people (including Ashdown) acknowledge Ashdown has had some reliability problems, but who's slaughtering them?

And not that it matters, but as I mentioned, this amp has seen *very* little use, despite it's age.

At this point, my primary concern is getting the unit functional again.

 

[Passinwind]

At this point, my primary concern is getting the unit functional again.

That amp looks very straightforward. I'd just take it to a tech I trust and at least get an assessment of the needed repairs. I wouldn't replace the whole board unless there's a revised one that's known to be better. Best of luck!

 

[CaptainWally]

That amp looks very straightforward. I'd just take it to a tech I trust and at least get an assessment of the needed repairs. I wouldn't replace the whole board unless there's a revised one that's known to be better. Best of luck!

Yeah, the discussions here have convinced me I'm out of my depth and inclination here.

I'll ship it to LA on Monday.

 

[pablomigraine]

Yeah, the discussions here have convinced me I'm out of my depth and inclination here.

I'll ship it to LA on Monday.

best of luck Bro.... let us know how it turns out....

 

[CaptainWally]

Thanks guys - I really appreciate the input.

I talked to Mike @ Ashdown NJ, and he was super cool...

I'll let you know what shakes down.

 

[CaptainWally]

Thanks guys - I really appreciate the input.

I talked to Mike @ Ashdown NJ, and he was super cool...

I'll let you know what shakes down.

Update: Well ARS repair, an authorized repair center, has my amp, and the wait begins. I'm told they'll be back to me within 7 business days. I called them today to make sure it arrived there safe and sound.

Minor note: Ouch. I haven't been treated that rudely on the phone since I last called the DMV.

 

[emjazz]

Update: Well ARS repair, an authorized repair center, has my amp, and the wait begins. I'm told they'll be back to me within 7 business days. I called them today to make sure it arrived there safe and sound.

Minor note: Ouch. I haven't been treated that rudely on the phone since I last called the DMV.

Man...everytime I think I need one of these amps again I read another thread where the amp went up in smoke. A friend of mine who used to be a dealer (used to) told me that after an amp was out for more than 6 months to get fixed, it came back recently and the owner gigged it. Right away it died at a rehearsal......what a shame.

 

[CaptainWally]

I heard back from ARS today.

They said they had to "completely rebuild the amplifier" and that "the components were all black" inside. I couldn't get much more out of them than that. Does that make sense given the discussion so far?

Anyway, they need $295 to fix the unit. I gather this is at the warranty rate of labor as Mike was kind enough to call them and get me that rate. By the time you factor in shipping both ways, it will be about around $360. That's getting really close to what the amp is worth.

Needless to say:

I told them I'd call them tomorrow to let them know if I wanted it fixed or not. I guess I don't have much choice.

Even if it comes back fit is a fiddle, where does that leave me (other than $360 poorer)?

 

[emjazz]

I heard back from ARS today.

They said they had to "completely rebuild the amplifier" and that "the components were all black" inside. I couldn't get much more out of them than that. Does that make sense given the discussion so far?

Anyway, they need $295 to fix the unit. I gather this is at the warranty rate of labor as Mike was kind enough to call them and get me that rate. By the time you factor in shipping both ways, it will be about around $360. That's getting really close to what the amp is worth.

Needless to say:

I told them I'd call them tomorrow to let them know if I wanted it fixed or not. I guess I don't have much choice.

Even if it comes back fit is a fiddle, where does that leave me (other than $360 poorer)?

I've gotta say Wally, considering all the problems Ashdown has had with these amps they should really step up on this one. That's too much money to pay for an amp that the company has had continued problems with. You may have no choice though...it's either pay the money and use the amp or not pay the money and have a dead amp that's worth nothing.

 

[JAUQO III-X]

This comment is not directed at CW at all.When the amp was purchased it was purchased used and at some point the warranty was no longer valid,the price that Mike Van Tine quoted him is better than if he took it to a none authorized Ashdown repair person .



CW,it wouldn't hurt to ask Mike VT if the newly repaired amp is now under warranty.

 

[CaptainWally]

This comment is not directed at CW at all.When the amp was purchased it was purchased used and at some point the warranty was no longer valid,the price that Mike Van Tine quoted him is better than if he took it to a none authorized Ashdown repair person .



CW,it wouldn't hurt to ask Mike VT if the newly repaired amp is now under warranty.

I never really expected it to be covered under warranty since it's a '99. If Ashdown wanted to pay for the repair, that wouldn't hurt my feelings, of course.

And it's worth asking Mike about the repaired amp being under warranty. Good suggestion.

I suppose I will just go ahead and get it fixed. I like the amp, but you read a bunch of negative experiences on this board, you knock on wood, and the next thing you know you're without an amp and out $360. It's hard not to be a little skiddish about trusting the amp again. I'm not sure if I'll keep it or go with something else.

Les suck.

 

[JAUQO III-X]

I never really expected it to be covered under warranty since it's a '99.

I know you didn't,I was just making a point

And it's worth asking Mike about the repaired amp being under warranty. Good suggestion.

Thank you,just trying to help.

I suppose I will just go ahead and get it fixed. I like the amp, but you read a bunch of negative experiences on this board, you knock on wood, and the next thing you know you're without an amp and out $360. It's hard not to be a little skiddish about trusting the amp again. I'm not sure if I'll keep it or go with something else.

I wouldn't worry about the negative comments and at this point you will have gotten it fixed at an authorized Ashdown repair shop and it would be on record.

 

[emjazz]

I wouldn't worry about the negative comments and at this point you will have gotten it fixed at an authorized Ashdown repair shop and it would be on record.

Jauqo, it's awefully difficult for anyone not to worry about all of the problems that people have had with the Ashdown amps. I REALLY want to go back to using an Ashdown amp but I'm so nervous about getting one that will keep working. Right now I have an amp that sounds really good, always works, and is from a company who has an amazing record of reliability. I still miss the Ashdown immensely but I can't help but to feel squeemish about owning one again.