Rocktron Big Crush wont turn on

Started by phantombox, April 06, 2022, 10:53:30 PM

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phantombox

Hello guys.
A friend gave me a Rocktron Big Crush that does not turn on. She said that after accidentally breaking the power input jack it quit its job.
I took it apart and powered it with a 9V DC transformer (BOSS type configuration) and indeed the positive side makes no contact on the jack. Then I tried to power it thru the battery connector and it still doesn't turn on.
This seems to have happened before to this compressor, since there is a cable bypassing a broken circuit trace.
I checked all transistors, diodes, the LED and resistors and they are ok. There seems to be no dried or exploded electrolytics. I tested all other traces and they are fine.
The one thing that I have not checked completely is the LM3080 (some may have a CA3080 Operational Transconductance Amp). Is there a way to test it? If this IC is defect, does the LED still work? I read in another forum that this IC (LM3080) is made in China (not surprised..) and doesn't always work. Fact is that not the LM3080 neither the CA3080 are readily available where I live.
Thanks in advance.

idy

Until you have fixed the simple mechanical issue of a broken trace or whatever is keeping power from getting to the board, it is not time to begin questioning the status of components. Fix the power first.

PRR

It is not likely a 3080 which used to work was killed by a fall. No matter who made it.

I know you have looked for cracks. It may take a brighter light and a stronger magnifier. (In the dawn of printed circuit radios, 'Mac' recommended binocular magnifiers.)

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idy

Can you test for voltages? The 3080 should have 9v on pin 7 and 0 on pin 4.

You say all traces are good, but obviously one is not. Power from jack to... where on PCB does it stop? Several of the transistors should also have 9v on collector.


phantombox

I always wanted a pair of these binoculars... One of these day I'm gonna get them. I promise.
I checked the traces with a DVM set on continuity, from one soldering point to the next.
Tomorrow I will get back the matter, today I'm to tired...

PRR

> I always wanted a pair of these binoculars...

I got curious. I know Fairchild Optical is defunct, but it looks like Donegan Optical got the molds. Mac's model may be:
https://www.amazon.com/Donegan-OptiVISOR-Headband-Magnifier-Magnification/dp/B0015IN8J6
Other makers sell more for less. This is a 5-in-one with light:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MRNMTVQ?pd_rd_i=B09MRNMTVQ

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phantombox

I got it working all right. All I have to do now is get a new power jack and solder it in place.
Thanks to you all for you help.