Tubescreamer TS-5 on/off problem

grams

grams

New member
I've got a mildly modded TS-5 (Soundtank series) with a little problem here:
The on/off switch isn't working correctly.

If I want to switch it on it most of the time does a "doubleswitch":
- Pedal down: TS on
- Pedal up: TS off - altough it should stay on...
I cleaned it several times so there's no dirt "in the way".

Before I start building another case with a true bypass swith around the curcuit I wanted to know if anybody else had that problem and/or knows a solution...
I need it working till next saturday, where we have a concert.
 
Re: Tubescreamer TS-5 on/off problem

I've had the same problem with two of mine...the only way I could get it to always work correctly was to keep my foot on the pedal for an extra second or so.

MJ
 
Re: Tubescreamer TS-5 on/off problem

this was a problem for mine too...and i love the TS5's...you can replace the switch, or build a better enclosure (and still cost less than the TS808s are!)
 
Re: Tubescreamer TS-5 on/off problem

grams said:
I've got a mildly modded TS-5 (Soundtank series) with a little problem here:
The on/off switch isn't working correctly.

If I want to switch it on it most of the time does a "doubleswitch":
- Pedal down: TS on
- Pedal up: TS off - altough it should stay on...
I cleaned it several times so there's no dirt "in the way".

Before I start building another case with a true bypass swith around the curcuit I wanted to know if anybody else had that problem and/or knows a solution...
I need it working till next saturday, where we have a concert.
Click to expand...

I drill out the center of the cases on TS5s and I Install a better switch.....As mentioned in another post yesterday,the TS5 and TS7 both share the same 20 cent pos switch....

Also check to make sure the pcb is sitting correctly....If you don't get all the wires in place correctly the board sits up and you have an intermittent switch problem that way also...I'll bet I've modded at least 50 TS5s over the years already... :dance:
 
Re: Tubescreamer TS-5 on/off problem

where can i get a switch for it? I have a TM-5 that's giving me trouble too.
 
Re: Tubescreamer TS-5 on/off problem

thanks for all the input:)
I'll install a true bypass in the original case. since I've got one of the metal-case version I think it should work fine.
 
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Re: Tubescreamer TS-5 on/off problem

grams said:
thanks for all the input:)
I'll install a true bypass in the original case. since I've got one of the metal-case version I think it should work fine.
Click to expand...

The TS5 uses an FET circuit and it is not an easy task converting it over to a hard wired true bypass like on the Maxon series...If you are really worried about true bypass,you'll need to opt for the Maxon....The FET circuitry works fine and signal loading is not a complaint from anyone that uses any of the Ibanez line of tube screamers...
 
Re: Tubescreamer TS-5 on/off problem

STRATDELUXER97 said:
The TS5 uses an FET circuit and it is not an easy task converting it over to a hard wired true bypass like on the Maxon series...If you are really worried about true bypass,you'll need to opt for the Maxon....The FET circuitry works fine and signal loading is not a complaint from anyone that uses any of the Ibanez line of tube screamers...
Click to expand...

but where do we find replacement switches? is it momentary on, momentary off, or what? i'm sure i can find a much better switch, i just need to know what kind it is.

thanks
 
Re: Tubescreamer TS-5 on/off problem

skyydogg01 said:
bump
Click to expand...

Not sure of the part number,but I get them from Radio Shack? It's a momentary switch..The switches are plastic and come two in a pack.1 has a red round plastic tip and the other has a round black plastic tip..
 
Re: Tubescreamer TS-5 on/off problem

Thanks for the warning, Stratdeluxer:)

My worry is rather the defective switching unit than turning it into true bypass. Since there was no cable or something else in the way and a lot of other people experienced the same problem I was thinking the problem is located in the flipflop-circuit. therefor I planed on setting the circuit to permanent "on" and switch the signal directly to the output or in the circuit.

I'll grab the signal directly from the input (before C6) and switch it to the output (after R34) with the DPDT. On the other "switch-side" both components get the signal normally and the original signal-flow is still intact. The only tough thing will be to set the unit "always on" but replacing the JFET's with appropriate resistors should (hopefully) do the trick...
 
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Re: Tubescreamer TS-5 on/off problem

grams said:
Thanks for the warning, Stratdeluxer:)

My worry is rather the defective switching unit than turning it into true bypass. Since there was no cable or something else in the way and a lot of other people experienced the same problem I was thinking the problem is located in the flipflop-circuit. therefor I planed on setting the circuit to permanent "on" and switch the signal directly to the output or in the circuit.

I'll grab the signal directly from the input (before C6) and switch it to the output (after R34) with the DPDT. On the other "switch-side" both components get the signal normally and the original signal-flow is still intact. The only tough thing will be to set the unit "always on" but replacing the JFET's with appropriate resistors should (hopefully) do the trick...
Click to expand...

You seem to be really hung up on true bypassing your TS5.... :smack:

Just be sure to either take notes or take some nice close up shots of your circuit board before you make the changes,that way you can change it back if you run into problems....Be sure to use heat sinks(especially around the FETs)you remove in case you need to reuse them....Those FETs aren't that easy to get(Some of them anyway)....Good Luck....Take your time and don't overheat your components.... :wink:

True bypass is not necessary but it is your pedal! :burnout:

Please don't send me your TS5 if you do screw it up....I've done this for quite a few other forum members and I like mods,but I hate fixing other people's screw ups! LOL.....Sorry! :laugh2: :laugh2: :laugh2: :laugh2: :dance:
 
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Re: Tubescreamer TS-5 on/off problem

once again thanks for the warning - I almost forgot the heat-soldering problems with FETs:)

I took both FETs out (really really carefully) and bridged the one coming from the levelknob (which carries the distorted signal). Now the unit is sitting next to me, assembled back together and working flawlessly *party* :)
Now I've just got to deal with an cosmetical issue, because I took out the original pedal...
 
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Re: Tubescreamer TS-5 on/off problem

hi - sry that I didn't answer the question before...

Which mod do you want to do? Do you want to do a true bypass or do you just want to replace the non working microswitch/Flipflop section?
Doing the bypass isn't really necessary and may ruin (as Stratdeluxer said) the switching transistors.
For the microswitch/FlipFlop mod I'd need a complete schematic of the switching section and I was simply too lazy to do it myself. But if you'd like I can draw one...

No matter what mod you'll do, the switch needs to have at least two switching planes or you'll have to improvise a little bit. I got a solid footswitch (like the one on an amp floorboard) that has only one switching plane so I added a little 9V relais with 2 switching planes to it - just to get the two switching planes. I placed the relais in the battery compartement (no problem, I'll never used a battery in it...).
If you unscrew the ladybug top there's a hole for the spring which I simply drilled "open" and placed the switch in.

I can PM you the mod details if you'd like to - just be aware of what you do. It's not that easy and you can (very easily) damage your pedal...
 
Re: Tubescreamer TS-5 on/off problem

I just want the thing to work. I'm tired of it "double switching". I thought about the true bypass mod but it's not practical right now (read: I ain't giggin anymore). I would like to know more about your mod so feel free to PM me. I don't understand, however, what you mean about 2 switching planes and the use of relays. I have only seen one switch on the schematic that i have so i'm assuming that I only need one set of conductors on my switch.
 
Re: Tubescreamer TS-5 on/off problem

nah, it's ok, i can't afford it right now. I'd love to but i just can't. I do have electronics repair experience (it is my job), it's just that i want to get this right the cheapest way possible. and if it only takes a $3 switch to fix, i'm more than game
 
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