TRACE-ELLIOT ELF SCHEMATIC

[ThisYouCanTrust]

I wouldn't hold your breath on support documents. I recently emailed Eden (Marshall) requesting a schematic for my 2001 WT-400. I couldnt find the WT-PS1C module anywhere online. They wouldn't send any documents, even though I worked in a repair shop authorized for Eden and Marshall from 2003 to 2006. They didnt care, only cared that I do not currently work in that shop. Jerks. I figured it out (copper and silkscreen polarity markers didnt match) but it would have been nice to have a full schematic for my amp.

I should have bought a Mesa; WD800 is my next amp.

Because .. mesa will send schematics ?

 

[agedhorse]

Because .. mesa will send schematics ?

To clarify, schematics are only released to authorized service centers that have a current NDA on file.

 

[AudioTaper]

Because .. mesa will send schematics ?

Not sure, but Mesa isn't owned by Marshall/parent company. I always hated calling then for anything, especially support documents. They were bad enough with it when I worked in the service center (sent wrong one or wrong rev)
Mesa support is better, plus one of the engineers is a TB regular/on this thread. I'm sure they are built better than the Eden. The last Mesa I worked on was an early 2000's model, I'm sure the quality hasn't tanked like Marshall's has.

 

[BassmanPaul]

yeah that's my thinking too, except never considered an exchange. Interesting concept and a good idea.

Our @agedhorse does something similar for Genz products. You send him your failed amp and he repairs it at a fixed charge. I don't think it matters what actually is wrong with the unit.

 

[agedhorse]

Our @agedhorse does something similar for Genz products. You send him your failed amp and he repairs it at a fixed charge. I don't think it matters what actually is wrong with the unit.

Pretty much, unless it needs a power module (very rare) or has had a failed repair attempt made on it that requires that we strip it down to look for additional damage and screw-ups, or strip it down to wash the chassis and PCBs (we have a piece of equipment to do this correctly) and replace parts due to somebody using "magic cure-all spray" on it causing additional issues. It's a pretty simple and inexpensive program actually, many TB members have experienced it, some just for a thorough tune-up and maintenance.

 

[Frank77]

To clarify, schematics are only released to authorized service centers that have a current NDA on file.

This subject (availability of schematics to the general public) comes up every now and then. A lot of people don't realize that this document is worth, at the very minimum, the sum of all the wages paid to everyone who worked on designing a piece of equipment...and nerds don't work for free!

 

[BassmanPaul]

It's a pretty simple and inexpensive program actually, many TB members have experienced it, some just for a thorough tune-up and maintenance.

I just wish more manufacturers would offer this kind of service. It would make a musicians life a lot simpler. I thank you on behalf of all Genz owners.

 

[S-Bigbottom]

I just wish more manufacturers would offer this kind of service. It would make a musicians life a lot simpler. I thank you on behalf of all Genz owners.

Second!

 

[Wasnex]

Congrats!
Hopefully these items will fix the amp.

Not so sure why all the push back.
If the amp repair was not supported by the factory, or too expensive to repair, why not take a shot at it?
The price of parts could be considered educational whether it works or not.

OTOH the risks would be a getting a shock during repair or use (unlikely with your experience) or another failure that causes a fire.

@agedhorse Isn't this one of the amps with power supply components than can potentially explode?

 

[beans-on-toast]

If you're very lucky Peavey might have a program where you send them a failed amp and they send you a new one at a charge.

Timex used to do that with watches. Send in your broken watch and some nominal fee that covered postage, they would send you a new watch. My wife did this a few times over decades. She felt guilty and eventually bought a new watch.

 

[agedhorse]

I just wish more manufacturers would offer this kind of service. It would make a musicians life a lot simpler. I thank you on behalf of all Genz owners.

We are all fortunate that I had the blessings, support and encouragement from all of the former owners of the Genz Benz brand (Jeff Genzler, KMC and Fender) to continue the support going forward. I can't believe it's been over 6 years already since that dark day. The saving grace for the bass community is that all 3 entities really do care about the players, the way ongoing support was handled underscores that they put their money where their mouth was.

@agedhorse Isn't this one of the amps with power supply components than can potentially explode?

Any SMPS has this potential depending on which components have failed, and under some conditions and incomplete repair can become "spectacular" upon power-up. That's why I recommend safety glasses when working with any non-linear supply.

Timex used to do that with watches. Send in your broken watch and some nominal fee that covered postage, they would send you a new watch. My wife did this a few times over decades. She felt guilty and eventually bought a new watch.

It's all about customer service... hey, you are still talking about this!

 

[beans-on-toast]

It's all about customer service... hey, you are still talking about this!

Good customer service begets brand loyalty down the road. Both by the individual and through positive word of mouth.

 

[mmon77]

Any SMPS has this potential depending on which components have failed, and under some conditions and incomplete repair can become "spectacular" upon power-up. That's why I recommend safety glasses when working with any non-linear supply.

I once swapped out an SMPS in a machine at work that had failed. The replacement from the manufacturer was a slightly different revision than the one that failed. What wasn't readily known at the time, at least not by me, was that you cannot use the screws that mounted the older rev. power supply to the machine on the newer rev. I found this out the hard way when I threw the switch and was greeted by a big flash, bang and puff of that wonderful smelling smoke that we all know. The old screws were longer and contacted a trace (that obviously wasn't the ground plane) on the circuit board that was not present in the same location on the old power supply.

Oops.

 

[DJ Bebop]

I once swapped out an SMPS in a machine at work that had failed. The replacement from the manufacturer was a slightly different revision than the one that failed. What wasn't readily known at the time, at least not by me, was that you cannot use the screws that mounted the older rev. power supply to the machine on the newer rev. I found this out the hard way when I threw the switch and was greeted by a big flash, bang and puff of that wonderful smelling smoke that we all know. The old screws were longer and contacted a trace (that obviously wasn't the ground plane) on the circuit board that was not present in the same location on the old power supply.

Oops.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Bro, an elf is only $300. Pay and learn.

Cost benefit. Well said. I doubt an avionic engineer would have trouble coughing up $300 for a lesson well learned.

 

[steve pearce]

I like fixing things! Had a call back from supplier today, still trying to source the part I need. Will update you when it's either fixed or finally binned! Cheers all.

 

[Redbrangus]

Does the sub-assembly you're trying to replace contain the MOS-FET power transistors?

 

[steve pearce]

It is the power amp stage, which is a class D type and as such probably utilises MOSFETs I think, will take a closer look later when home and let you know if you like.

 

[ThisYouCanTrust]

To clarify, schematics are only released to authorized service centers that have a current NDA on file.

.. which tells me everything I need to know : that there is (at least some kind of) a procedure, and (at least some kind of) schematics.
Which is already way better than some companies I have to work with.

Oh by the way, the schematics for my bass400+ seem to be available online, however there is also a rumor that they are not entirely accurate, supposedly to avoid too easy copying.
Are you allowed to confirm or deny this information ?

 

[xnewyorka]

Pretty much, unless it needs a power module (very rare) or has had a failed repair attempt made on it that requires that we strip it down to look for additional damage and screw-ups, or strip it down to wash the chassis and PCBs (we have a piece of equipment to do this correctly) and replace parts due to somebody using "magic cure-all spray" on it causing additional issues. It's a pretty simple and inexpensive program actually, many TB members have experienced it, some just for a thorough tune-up and maintenance.

Speaking of that, I was planning to use some "magic cure-all spray" on the volume pot on my GB SM12.2 head. It is SUPER scratchy. I mean like speaker-destroying scratchy, if I so much as just touch it while the amp is on. Is there something I can safely try spraying in there, or is there a different fix you recommend?

Addendum to keep it on topic: Meanwhile, my Elf cooks along good as new with zero issues.