Source for LT99 opto? (Vox Pathfinder)

[waspclothes]

Hey all, I have a small Vox Pathfinder that had low/distorted output. After some debugging I found the resistive side of the tremolo opto is open and not responsive. I can't find a replacement for this badboy anywhere.. does anyone have any suggestions? Is LT99 the actual part number (only writing on the package).

[Enzo]

Actually LT9912 or LT9914, I believe.

Do a search for those numbers on this forum, we have discussed it in the past. I know some have subbed a different opto. But you can search for the part at Vox part suppliers. Don't just look on their web sites, CONTACT them and ask if they have the part.

[g1]

Actually LT9912 or LT9914, I believe.

Do a search for those numbers on this forum, we have discussed it in the past. I know some have subbed a different opto.

This one? (VTL5C3)
http://music-electronics-forum.com/t13531/#post106951

[J M Fahey]

Hey all, I have a small Vox Pathfinder that had low/distorted output. After some debugging I found the resistive side of the tremolo opto is open and not responsive. I can't find a replacement for this badboy anywhere.. does anyone have any suggestions? Is LT99 the actual part number (only writing on the package).

Maybe the opto is open and unresponsive but that´s unrelated to "low/distorted output", worst case Tremolo would not work, period.

[Enzo]

Sorry Juan, the opto resistive element is in series with the signal path, at least on the Cambridge 30. Those fail and the symptom is exactly what he reports. I replaced many of them under warranty. One batch the store got in required every one of them to be replaced.

[J M Fahey]

Ok, I stand corrected.
I was based on Classic "shunting signal to ground" Tremolo used by all others since forever, but hey, I should never ignore designer capacity to turn a fail safe circuit into something that nukes your amp if damaged

I remember reading tons of complaints about poor quality optos used by Korg/"VOX" , in that case I guess a regular Vactrol type will be way more expensive (say a couple bucks instead of 99 cents) but also way more reliable ... and easier to find.

From what I read it is best NOT to replace it with original one.

Of course, I just "read it on the Net" so due disclaimers apply.

[waspclothes]

Anyone have an actual part # and place I could order something that will work in this amp as a replacement. I don't need it to be exact, just something that -works-.

[g1]

I put the part number in post #3. (see also the link from that post)
Where to get it will depend on your location. Google search of part # should give you many options.

[DrGonz78]

I was looking for this part pre-emptively while working on a Vox a few months back. I still have the link for it saved to my watch list on eBay.
Xvive Audio VTL5C3 Opto-Coupler | eBay

Now can anyone source this part for cheaper? You may find something similar for cheaper on Mouser, Digikey, etc... Perhaps soldering on wired connections to convert a Dip4 package to fit in place of this original part package? It seems to me that all that I could find on the big parts stores sites was smd or dip type packages for a replacement part. Hence I had to start looking at sites like eBay.

[g1]

Small Bear has them for about the same price:
Photocoupler XVive VTL5C3 Work-alike - Small Bear Electronics