Possible LED switch problem?

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Author Message bsee Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1538 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 9:51 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 Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2119 Registered: 9-2003 Posted on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 - 5:24 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 Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1539 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 - 5:47 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 Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2120 Registered: 9-2003 Posted on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 - 6:41 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 Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1541 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 - 12:01 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 Senior Member Username: dannobasso Post Number: 512 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Thursday, April 12, 2007 - 6:30 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 Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1543 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Thursday, April 12, 2007 - 6:57 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 Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1548 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Thursday, April 19, 2007 - 6:41 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. davehouck Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 4990 Registered: 5-2002 Posted on Friday, April 20, 2007 - 7:47 pm:    Is there a capacitor in the LED circuit? bsee Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1550 Registered: 3-2004 Posted on Friday, April 20, 2007 - 8:01 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.