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I have a Crate Gx-2200H (Excalibur) 220 watt SS head. What happens is the distortion channel (A, Gains 1&2) switches to clean channel (B) on it's own. When it does, signal is lost somehow. No output, no buzzing, no static, & no bueno. The amber Clean Channel LED will be lit though. As you may have guessed, a quick shot to the head would make it right. After awhile even that doesn't work.
I have read quite a few threads here on the forum trying to get an idea what it may be.
" A large proportion of problems with electronics generally are due to dirt in the wrong place."
So I hosed the innards down with electronics cleaner, paying special attention to the channel select button..TINY switch..somekind of little blue square detent (?) switch.
" the channel switching circuit runs THROUGH the FS jack, and those contacts complete the circuit when the jack is empty. SO if they get dirty, or their solder cracks as you found, as far as the amp is concerned it is the same as plugging in a foot switch an clicking the switch to open."
And..
" many Crate amps also have a footswitch jack that can have the same problem, only then it results in random channel switching...."
But my amp will do it's goofy switching even with the footswitch plugged in.
So I've come to think I may have to just start touching every doggone solder-joint on the board to try to eliminate any cold solders.
I was thinking if there was a way to narrow it down, I would try. I can run a multimeter, read a schematic, and tin/solder electronics. I've never worked on an amp though.
The best I could find on the web is an Owner's Manual, but it does give a good idead of the control layout and switches.
I really like this amp and do not want to replace it. I've had it since 1996. Plus, I listened to too many Terry Date produced records as a kid, so it has the perfect metal tone for my ears when dialed in.
I have read quite a few threads here on the forum trying to get an idea what it may be.
" A large proportion of problems with electronics generally are due to dirt in the wrong place."
So I hosed the innards down with electronics cleaner, paying special attention to the channel select button..TINY switch..somekind of little blue square detent (?) switch.
" the channel switching circuit runs THROUGH the FS jack, and those contacts complete the circuit when the jack is empty. SO if they get dirty, or their solder cracks as you found, as far as the amp is concerned it is the same as plugging in a foot switch an clicking the switch to open."
And..
" many Crate amps also have a footswitch jack that can have the same problem, only then it results in random channel switching...."
But my amp will do it's goofy switching even with the footswitch plugged in.
So I've come to think I may have to just start touching every doggone solder-joint on the board to try to eliminate any cold solders.
I was thinking if there was a way to narrow it down, I would try. I can run a multimeter, read a schematic, and tin/solder electronics. I've never worked on an amp though.
The best I could find on the web is an Owner's Manual, but it does give a good idead of the control layout and switches.
I really like this amp and do not want to replace it. I've had it since 1996. Plus, I listened to too many Terry Date produced records as a kid, so it has the perfect metal tone for my ears when dialed in.
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