Pignose power issues

[TheWaker43]

This might be kinda off topic but I figure you guys would know as much as anyone.  I have a little Pignose amp, the basic model, it's probably ten to fifteen years old.  Well I recently got it out of my parent's basement where it has been stored for years.  I figured that I would use it on my workbench instead of going to my music room every time I change a component.  But when I got home I noticed it did not work with batteries.  It seems fine, however , with the AC power.  This is not really a problem as I will just be using it to test new builds on the table.  I was wondering if there was an easy fix or something to look for.  While we're at it; do people mod these things?  I realize it just a cheap practice amp and I do not care much about it.  Really just looking for another project while I am waiting for more parts arrive.
thanks
casey

[theehman]

Try cleaning the battery contacts.

[theundeadelvis]

Check for corrosion on the battery contacts and check continuity from the contacts to where there are soldered in the amp. If the adapter input jack is switching, check to be sure it is functioning properly. I'm sure there are mods out there for it, but  I'd probably build a Ruby or something similar and stick it in there instead.

[brett]

Congrats!  They are way nice amps.  IMO no solid-state amp comes close.  Probably the Class AB output stage (with transformer).
There were different battery systems used in the 2 or 3 different models.  Does yours have a battery pack? (6 x C size maybe?) The wires sometimes breakoff, usually at the plastic battery-holder end. 
Enjoy that amp.
cheers

[Philippe]

IMO no solid-state amp comes close.  Probably the Class AB output stage (with transformer).

Ditto. A 7-100 offers a more 'tube-like' raw overdriven sound/tone than just about any other SS guitar amp out there.

Good power amp distortion...the lack of a pre-amp section significantly reduces the harsh buzzy characteristic(s) of a typical SS guitar amp.

Primitive design with a great 'ballsy' tone providing you don't exceed its inherent limitations (i.e. headroom).
The 5 watt/3 watt RMS rating is questionable...probably more along the lines of 1-1.5 usable, good-sounding watts.

Try running one of these things through something like a 10" Weber Blue Pup & you've got a very close rendition of a classic 'Champ-tone'.

[potul]

but  I'd probably build a Ruby or something similar and stick it in there instead.

I doubt a Ruby would sound better than the Pignose. I have a Pignose since some years ago, and everytim I use it I'm amazed of the tone I can get....

[theundeadelvis]

Well now you guys have me interested in hearing a Pig Nose! Sounds like a cool amp.

[brett]

Hi
some time ago, a link was posted to a correct schematic for the Pignose.  A Russian site, IIRC. 
Search is your friend.
Older schematics have plenty of errors.
cheers

[Ronsonic]

For most gadgets the usual fault when the adaptor works and the batteries don't is a failing contact in the power jack. THere is a switching leaf that passes battery power when nothing is plugged in. These get dirty and/or fail.

[potul]

Well now you guys have me interested in hearing a Pig Nose! Sounds like a cool amp.

It's a nice sounding amp. With almost no headroom, so it breaks easily, but with a nice distorted sound.
Here you can hear quite well how it sounds:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Y11bUR5MMs