Author Topic: Possible LED switch problem? (Read 147 times)

bsee · « **on:** April 10, 2007, 09:51:21 AM »

I think my '03 may have a problem in the LED switch. When I turn the LEDs on, they blink on, go back off for a very brief time, and then come back on to stay. Is there dirt in there somewhere, or has anyone else seen this?

-bob

kmh364 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 11, 2007, 05:24:08 AM »

I've had it happen. I don't use 'em that much so it could be a little dirt or what not. Try exercising the switch and make sure the battery connector tight and corrosion free...9V bat pig tails are notorious for both. If that fails, try a little plastic-safe electronics cleaner on the switch...I'd use somthing with a lubricant (like the old TV tuner cleaner).

bsee · « **Reply #2 on:** April 11, 2007, 05:47:50 AM »

Thanks. With everything else in there being sealed and preferring not to be sprayed with anything, I think I'd want to hear that direct from Mica.

kmh364 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 11, 2007, 06:41:17 AM »

Good point.

I know a lot of their components, like pots, are sealed. Don't know about the LED switches though, since they're not in the critical (audio) signal path.

Do ck the connections on the switch as well.

I'd make sure the bat is fresh, and the connections are clean and tight. I've always found 9V's to be tricky and those connections can vary in size. Usually, a little coaxing with a pair of needle-nose pliers does the trick...just be very gentle.

bsee · « **Reply #4 on:** April 11, 2007, 12:01:03 PM »

I would have thought the toggle for LEDs is exactly the same component as the ones for Q, stereo/mono, or bass/treble boosts. They certainly look the same from the front of the bass...

dannobasso · « **Reply #5 on:** April 12, 2007, 06:30:28 PM »

I have one of my led equipped basses where the switch has to be clicked forward, the touched back a bit to get the lights going. i'm used to it and I kind of like that I can't accidently put them on when putting it back in the bag or case.

bsee · « **Reply #6 on:** April 12, 2007, 06:57:18 PM »

Thanks Danno. It hasn't really been a problem, but I have become a bit dependent upon the LEDs and it (or I) would suck if it just went 100% failure at a gig. Now that you're famous, you probably get more respect, but we bar-band-bassists get to play in the dark corners...

bsee · « **Reply #7 on:** April 19, 2007, 06:41:29 PM »

Oddly, this seems to happen only the first time I flip on the LEDs when I haven't used them for several days. Thereafter, for the remainder of that session, they respond promptly when switched on or off.

David Houck · « **Reply #8 on:** April 20, 2007, 07:47:30 PM »

Is there a capacitor in the LED circuit?

bsee · « **Reply #9 on:** April 20, 2007, 08:01:59 PM »

That's what I was wondering, but I can't see why there would be. Maybe the batteries are unevenly juiced? I'm using disposable Duracells, but I'll have to take a closer look.