• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

what's wrong with my amp?

#2
Do your defective kettle leads (power cords) show any evidence of heat or arcing at either end?

If not did wiggling either end ever help get your amp working again?

If your troubles seem to be originating at the amp end, there may just be a loose wire connection right at the amps internal power receptacle that can probably can be easly repaired.
(if your amp had an actual short, It would probably be blowing its fuse)

If your power cords problems seem to be originating from the wall socket end, you've probably just got a defective power/mains wall socket causing your problem.
 
#3
wiggling doesn't work lol, trust me that was teh first thing I tried, and plenty of it!

I think it is my amp because it's happenend in various different gigs (in different cities) and in our rehearsal rooms. everything looks how it should (no melting or warping etc)

i think its just blowing the fuse in the kettle leads
 
#6
If you are burning up cords, have you checked that you are using one that is rated for your amp? My Ampegs cord is AWG 14, a big fat sucker. Not the skinny ones that you would use for powering your computer or a typewriter.

May I suggest calling Ampeg, they will more than likely just give you one if you tell them the problem you are having.
 
#7
Fishbrain said:
wiggling doesn't work lol, trust me that was teh first thing I tried, and plenty of it!

I think it is my amp because it's happenend in various different gigs (in different cities) and in our rehearsal rooms. everything looks how it should (no melting or warping etc)

i think its just blowing the fuse in the kettle leads
Click to expand...

Come on Scouse get that amp to a tech. If it is blowing a 13A fuse it needs some real TLC. Say hi to the big guy outside Lewis' for me!

Paul
 
#8
bassmodder said:
If you are burning up cords, have you checked that you are using one that is rated for your amp? My Ampegs cord is AWG 14, a big fat sucker. Not the skinny ones that you would use for powering your computer or a typewriter.

May I suggest calling Ampeg, they will more than likely just give you one if you tell them the problem you are having.
Click to expand...

Remember the guy is in the UK so at 240V the current draw is half of what we would need.

Paul
 
#11
Yah...........

And double the voltage will very probably mean double the current surge when it is turned on.

The fuses etc in the unit are selected to have the correct "I-squared-T" rating( and energy rating) to accept the surge. The ones in your "kettle leads" are completely unknown, and may not be capable of withstanding the surge.

Fuses come in two "flavors", the standard type and the time delay 9the ones you want). Over there, the time delay will be denoted as a "T5A" for a 5A time delay fuse, for example. The "T" shows the delay.

You can go to a tech if you want, but it may just be that the mains cord fuses are the wrong type.

Ironically, if you get "heavy duty" ones for an actual "kettle", they may be fast blow, the kettle heaters have no surge...... Get ones intended for an amp.
 
#12
Hi, Fishbrain.

Can't actually help You, other than giving +10 for what Jerrold said, but could You give us a pic of the wall plug with the fuse.

I do know what they look like, but I have a feeling that the majority of US TBers don't.

If it's just the incorrect fuse that blows, there's a good chance that there's nothing wrong with Your amp.

Just my 0.02€
Sam
 
#16
Jerrold Tiers said:
Yah...........

And double the voltage will very probably mean double the current surge when it is turned on.

The fuses etc in the unit are selected to have the correct "I-squared-T" rating( and energy rating) to accept the surge. The ones in your "kettle leads" are completely unknown, and may not be capable of withstanding the surge.

Fuses come in two "flavors", the standard type and the time delay 9the ones you want). Over there, the time delay will be denoted as a "T5A" for a 5A time delay fuse, for example. The "T" shows the delay.

You can go to a tech if you want, but it may just be that the mains cord fuses are the wrong type.

Ironically, if you get "heavy duty" ones for an actual "kettle", they may be fast blow, the kettle heaters have no surge...... Get ones intended for an amp.
Click to expand...

Jerrold if I'm telling you stuff you already know bear with me. In the UK they wire the mains in a loop, ring mains, and all of the plugs come with a replaceable fuse sized for the application. IIRC sizes are from 5A to a maximum of 13A. Unless there has been a change (quite possible) there is no specific fuse for a power amp like the SVT series.
However I hope I am wrong on this.

Paul
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back