No sound when plugged into the power supply Ds 5

[dslapster64]

So I just bought a series one from 1979. It came with what looks like a brand new power supply D5. However, for some reason, it suddenly stopped working less than five minutes after playing. When I'm using a regular quarter inch cable and plug that into the amp, it works perfectly well. But for some reason, when using the five pin cord into the base itself, there is no sound. The light is green on the power supply itself, and stays on. I am wondering if it is the cord itself that is bad or there's something wrong with the power supply box. Any suggestions?

[JimmyJ]

Do you have LEDs on the fingerboard and are they lit?  If so, power is getting from the DS-5 into the bass but just not to the preamp board. 

And if that's the case, try this: plug in the 1/4" cable AND the 5-pin cable and see if you get sound out of the DS-5 outputs.  If you do, that means +/-power is not getting from the DS-5 to the preamp board.  The most obvious reason could be a problem with the cable or the connectors on either end.  A less obvious possible reason is that there is a switch in the 1/4" jack which transfers the power source from the 5-pin connector to battery power.  This switch needs to go back to "normal" when you remove the 1/4" plug from the jack.  Try exercising that jack by plugging in and unplugging several times (not with your amp on!) and see if that wakes up the 5-pin power connection.

Jimmy J

[cntrabssn]

More on checking connectors, if needed:

I think it’s a good idea to check the 5-pin connector on the bass. Keep in mind that the 5-pin connector is two parts; the frame, and the inner assembly holding the pins. That inner assembly is held in place with a set screw. If that screw works loose, plugging the 5-pin cable in place can push that inner part just out of reach. You may not notice it because the cable locks into the frame when plugged in. You can usually tell the inner part is loose by checking visually and by feel. That inner part will have lots of “play” or push further into the frame when touched.

If this is the problem, you can typically fix it by re-positioning the parts and tightening the screw from within the control cavity. (Note: On the Switchcraft connectors, the screw is reverse threaded.) If the screw is too difficult to reach, more work may be required to carefully loosen the frame and then tighten the screw. Of course, please get help with this if you’re not comfortable doing it.

   

[dslapster64]

Thank you so much, gentlemen. I will definitely try these tonight and I will let you know how this goes.

[dslapster64]

OK, so when I plugged everything in at the same time, the box itself, the power supply works perfectly well and I get every sound. However, it appears to be the connector either the cable or the actual five pin connector inside the the cavity is wrong. Lo and behold, I opened up the back cavity, and there is indeed one of the wires disconnected from one of the connector poles. That has to be the issue. So I'm gonna attempt to try and solder the  wire to the connector itself just to see what happens. Wish me luck.

[dslapster64]

I got it guys. I soldered the wire to the connector and tightened the screw in the five pin part. Now it's working perfectly. You guys are the greatest thank you. Alembic  rules. I would love to get an anniversary circuit in there. Not sure if it will fit into a bass that old though. What do you think?

[JimmyJ]

Good job on the repair!  Glad you got it working again.  Funnily enough, I just experienced the same thing with my Series II.  The center part of the 5-pin jack had come loose and the movement had cause a break in the jumper from pin-1 to the ground lug.  Re-soldered, tightened the reverse-threaded setscrew, and I was back in business.

Your Series I electronics are considered by most to be a step UP from Anniversary electronics.  The 5-pin power system and the 3-position Q-switches give you just a shade more flexibility on tone options and maybe headroom with the preamp - although I'm not sure about that.  What is it about the Anniversary package that looks appealing to you?

Jimmy J

[cntrabssn]

Happy to hear that you got it sorted out and repaired!
 

[dslapster64]

For some reason, I just got the impression that the anniversary circuit was more modern, and it came with the master volume knob, which I thought would add to the sound rather than subtract. But if it is considered an upgrade, then there we have it. Thanks for the input..



Good job on the repair!  Glad you got it working again.  Funnily enough, I just experienced the same thing with my Series II.  The center part of the 5-pin jack had come loose and the movement had cause a break in the jumper from pin-1 to the ground lug.  Re-soldered, tightened the reverse-threaded setscrew, and I was back in business.

Your Series I electronics are considered by most to be a step UP from Anniversary electronics.  The 5-pin power system and the 3-position Q-switches give you just a shade more flexibility on tone options and maybe headroom with the preamp - although I'm not sure about that.  What is it about the Anniversary package that looks appealing to you?

Jimmy J

[keith_h]

Unlike the Series electronics which use single coil pickups Anniversary electronics use theAXY, MXY, or FatBoy hum cancelling pickups. While the Anniversary electronics have what I consider the Alembic sound they don't have the clarity and openness that the Series setup has. We have some members who prefer the Anniversary and Signature electronics over the Series package. It really boils down to personal taste.

[dslapster64]

Thanks Keith, I agree with you on the sound factor.

Unlike the Series electronics which use single coil pickups Anniversary electronics use theAXY, MXY, or FatBoy hum cancelling pickups. While the Anniversary electronics have what I consider the Alembic sound they don't have the clarity and openness that the Series setup has. We have some members who prefer the Anniversary and Signature electronics over the Series package. It really boils down to personal taste.