Crate amp hitting limit problem!?

[Skovbyen]

Ive got a crate amp p220 which is basically cutting off everytime i play..

what happens is no matter how loud im playing and what the equlization is set to, it says limit, all sounds stop and a few secs later it reactivates.

Ive tried changing battery in my guitar, ive tried changing the cables, ive turned the volume down and the equlization down, but it keeps happening..

im out of ideas, any suggestions of what it could be?

 

[Bass_Pounder]

When you say that you have changed cables, did you also try a new speaker cable ?

Are you using a speaker cable and NOT an instrument cable from the head to the cab ?

Sounds like your head is seeing a dead short, and going into protect mode.

 

[Gearhead43]

You should put it out of it's misery.

 

[Skovbyen]

yes im useing a speaker cable from head to cab.. but even when i deplug it, it still happens, its really really weird, like somethings broken inside, but i have no idea what it could be.. but you might be right about the protect mode..

what happens is it cuts the sound off totally and says this little weird sound, click click.. something, hard to explain, then it comes back a few secs after.. OR if i unplug the guitar cable and plug it back in, then its ready again aswell.. you think that it could be my guitar..? its a pretty cheap one.. Washburn XB120 Bantam Series..

 

[Michaxdon]

Ive tried where mine was hitting limit, aparently it was due to some battery problem with my guitar, not the same as yours tho, but maybe try change the battery?

 

[Skovbyen]

You should put it out of it's misery.

If i had money life would be a bit easier but this should last a bit longer, its not really that old

 

[Bass_Pounder]

yes im useing a speaker cable from head to cab.. but even when i deplug it, it still happens, its really really weird, like somethings broken inside, but i have no idea what it could be.. but you might be right about the protect mode..

what happens is it cuts the sound off totally and says this little weird sound, click click.. something, hard to explain, then it comes back a few secs after.. OR if i unplug the guitar cable and plug it back in, then its ready again aswell.. you think that it could be my guitar..? its a pretty cheap one.. Washburn XB120 Bantam Series..

When you say "deplugged" it, I am assuming that you are running the head with no speaker cable attached ?

If not, try doing that (your head is SS, and it won't be harmed running with a cab connected).

If it still does it without any cab or speaker cable connected, then it most likely needs servicing.

Even if your bass had a short circuit in it, you would just get a bad hum, not trip it into protect.

 

[LesS]

I know it still does it without the speaker, but how many ohms is your speaker cabinet?

If it is 4 ohms, try a 8 ohm cabinet if you have one.

I had a BX50 once that worked fine at 8 ohms but would shut down at 4 (it was rated to run at 4 ohms).

 

[Jerrold Tiers]

What is model number? I have some Crate service info, but P220 doesn't ring a bell.... BT220, sure......

 

[Skovbyen]

Thanks for the help, i think ill try take it to service - guess theres nothing else to do

BT220 it is

 

[Jerrold Tiers]

BT220 has a very simple limiter, but similar to more expensive Ampeg units in operation. From what you say, it may be an easy problem such as a broken solder joint etc.