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Cold weather on solid state amps

#21
Sounds like you have to methodically troubleshoot and isolate the problem.

I had a PF350 that developed issues after being around 0 degrees (32F) for an afternoon in my trunk. I took it into rehearsal and it went weak/distorted, then shut down.

Since then it works, but shuts down if you push it a bit. What’s funny is the same thing happens using it as a preamp with no speaker connected.
 
#26
Was it the same cabinet in all instances? Could be a faulty solder joint in the cabinet that contracts when it is cold.

I doubt it is the amps. Seems very unlikely for two different solid state amps to have the same issue. Although not outside the realm of possibility.
 
#27
Just moved to the North land where it's been down to 15° overnight, Due to the lack of room I had to move speakers to the garage. So I just moved the PA stuff out there. All Bass related speakers and amps stayed inside, I'm not that brave...LOL. Never lived in weather like this. For the most part our small town shuts down in the winter. Not sure where bands play.
 
#28
You need to give the amp/bass a little time to acclimate to the new temperature before plugging everything in. But this only matters if you are keeping the bass and amp in a cold place before use, like if you keep your gear in the car.

Now if you are actually playing a gig outside in 37 degree weather, well can't help you there haha.
 
#29
Wesley R said:
Way back we had to warm up the pots on Tapco mixers with a hair dryer.

In defense of the mixer, it sat on a trailer in sub zero temps.
Click to expand...
A well known issue!

For 40 years, I have had a LOT of PA gear that lived in trailers and trucks, everything from large format consoles, amp racks, DSP of all kinds, analog processing and speakers. Never had a bit of trouble in over 5000 shows.
 
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#30
I've played 30 degree gigs and besides your fingers not moving and you have to fret similar to a lobster claw, never had any equipment issues. Your neck will like go sharp or flat a half step when you go from 60 to 30 or back, so make sure you have a tuner and check the tuning frequently. The synth's pitch won't budge, but guitar and bass will be all over the place. I didn't try a graphite neck bass, but I'd be shocked if they didn't move some with the temperature changes.
 
#31
I turn them on immediately upon bringing them in from the cold. That way the moisture in the air will not have a chance to condense.
I like to get the components warmed up quickly in order to prevent condensation.
If I wait for the items to warm up slowly...I'll then have to wait until the next day for the moisture to evaporate before turning the electronics on.
 
#32
So two different basses, two different amps, that leaves the cab and the cables. Which of those were the same?

If it was a Neutric speaker cable, are the screw tab connectors in the cable housing tight? I could see those getting just a hair smaller in the cold and making a faulty connection, though I’d expect different symptoms.
 
#33
Cooler temperatures would not negatively affect your solid state circuit or your power supply. If it was really cold your electronics would improve slightly but you probably wouldn't notice it. But your fingers/hands might slow down a little.
 
#34
HolmeBass said:
Was it the same cabinet in all instances? Could be a faulty solder joint in the cabinet that contracts when it is cold.

I doubt it is the amps. Seems very unlikely for two different solid state amps to have the same issue. Although not outside the realm of possibility.
Click to expand...
Kinda tough to say. I have two of the same cabinet so I’m not sure which one I took. Buts definitely a possibility it was the same cabinet.
 
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#35
zaviere said:
Actually yes they do work normal once it’s the next day and I plug them in at home. And I can’t really say about the batteries cause I did not check them when I took the bass out of the case. I’m guessing maybe it is a battery issue but then how do you combat that?
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For the battery you would simply choose a battery chemistry that is better suited for providing strong and consistent performance in cold temperatures...there are options such as lithium batteries. If you were in the same location and your amps were plugged into the same power (generator or commercial line) both times, I wonder if there was a voltage sag or some aberrant power artifact that caused an issue with the electronics.

I suppose there could be a specific component/circuit in the heads that was affected by the cold, but this really seems like a power related issue to me. Maybe one of our resident electrical/electronic engineers could offer some additional insights on deep cold operation peculiarities of specific components and/or circuits one might find in a bass amp. I keep thinking it's a power (battery and/or AC) related issue since the heads came back to life the next day.

As a final thought I can't see the cold creating permanent damage as equipment is frequently and routinely shipped/transported by carriers in extremely cold weather. Cross country trips can mean days of freezing temps and nights sitting at truck stops in unheated trailers.
 
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#36
Aside from condensation issues, operation at 37 degrees (Fahrenheit) would be good for most amps - cooling is better when the ambient temperature is lower - overheating is one concern with amps that would be mitigated somewhat by lower operating temperatures.

My fingers, however, don't move well at 37 degrees - they slow down quite a bit, and throw my timing off.
 
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#38
agedhorse said:
A well known issue!

For 40 years, I have had a LOT of PA gear that lived in trailers and trucks, everything from large format consoles, amp racks, DSP of all kinds, analog processing and speakers. Never had a bit of trouble in over 5000 shows.
Click to expand...
Isn’t it interesting how a complete understanding of the equipment and thorough preparation makes problems simply not happen?
 
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