Effects Loop Mystery

[Blick Fang]

Hi

I do have a similar question posted in another forum so if you see it, please don't freak out. :-)

With that said: Why does my amp come back to life if I have a cable; one end plugged into the send and the other end into the receive? With out this cable the amp is very very quiet? Is it an easy fix for a novice?

Thanks

[soundguruman]

Hi

I do have a similar question posted in another forum so if you see it, please don't freak out. :-)

With that said: Why does my amp come back to life if I have a cable; one end plugged into the send and the other end into the receive? With out this cable the amp is very very quiet? Is it an easy fix for a novice?

Thanks

The jacks have internal switches.
Whether or NOT you use the jack, the switch MUST work properly.
What has happened is that the switch contact, inside the jack, has oxidized.

You can clean those jack switches, with something like Caig Deoxit D-100, which might make it work again.
OR replace the jacks.

NO, I do not recommend you replace the jack yourself. Requires skills, tools, experience. Circuit board easily damaged.

[Blick Fang]

Thank you, Soundguru for your fast and VERY CLEAR generous response! I will get a new can of DeOxit as the one I have is old (20+ years) and try that firs

[soundguruman]

The Deoxit is probably still good.
PUT a plug in the jack.
This OPENS the switches.
Spray your cleaner in there.
Insert and pull out the plug, several times. This spreads the cleaner onto the contacts.

If that don't work, replace the jacks.
No, you cannot use WD40. Good try, though.

Highly recommend you change user name to: "Black Fang." Much scarier...much more badder.

[Enzo]

Open up the maintenance and repair section of this forum. Right at the top is a "sticky" thread about the "dreaded switching jack problem." Read that.

[Blick Fang]

Highly recommend you change user name to: "Black Fang." Much scarier...much more badder.

Thanks guys

Soundguruman, that is the name of my current music project. the real word "blickfang" is German and pertains to photography. The translation means "focal point" or "center of attention" :-)

[Blick Fang]

the old deoxit and the old in and out with a plug in those switches did the trick. I am very thankful for the assistance. thank you thank you!!

[soundguruman]

Well, wait and see. Sometimes the problem comes back.
Then - if it does, change the jacks.

Quite often, I do change them. It's a view of maximum reliability.
I'm a little obsessive about reliability.
(OK I admit, OCD, I should be hospitalized.)

AND happy new years!

[Blick Fang]

Happy New years to you as well! Thanks again!