Distortion pedal repair help!!!

[P_Phrank]

So I bought a used MXR M151 Doubleshot Distortion(I know I know) pedal on CL for $32. It belonged to the guy's son, and was missing the 18V power supply so I couldn't test it out.

I hooked it up to two different 18VDC power supplies and all I am getting is a GREATLY reduced signal...SUPER QUIET. It is working and it is distorting properly, but with the amp cranked it is only as loud as a whisper.

Any ideas on what I should check to see what's wrong with it?

The guy will give me my money back, but he said he's just going to throw it in the trash if I bring it back. If I can fix it myself for under $40, then I want to keep it. Thanks

[this1smyne]

check the solder joints. sounds like a weak joint on the switch (possibly the lead from the PCB to the output jack?). post a pic of the board if you can shouldnt be an expensive fix.

[P_Phrank]

Cool! I'll upload some pics later tonight after I get the kids to bed.

[jfromel]

I will be watching for your pics and help out if I can....

[P_Phrank]

Not sure if I know how to post pics so this is a test.




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[P_Phrank]

One of the two footswitches was loose and this caused all six connections to the board to break.
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Is this white thing a socket, and should it have something in it?
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[P_Phrank]

Oops! Sorry that socket pic is so huge.

[myTakamine]

I opened up mine -- hex screws! -- and there's nothing connected there.

[P_Phrank]

Thanks myTak!

Hopefully it's just the footswitch. I haven't used a soldering iron since the 80's. Anyone have any advice? This will be my first attempt at anything like this, and I don't really know where to go from here.

[jfromel]

stripping that ribbon cable may prove to be a bear, might want to use 6 hookup wires. Be sure to clean the solder pads well without heating them up too much.

[P_Phrank]

Just started a new project at work and have full access to a solder wicker and a solder sucker so cleaning the pads and keeping it neat should be a breeze.


Do you think that this would cause such a HUGE drop in the signal??? Or is it maybe something else(obviously there could be more wrong with the other side of the board, but I'm really just hoping that just the switch could cause this).

[P_Phrank]

uppity

[jfromel]

I would start with the switch and see where that takes you. If there is signal being conducted through the switch it could cause these symptoms.

[this1smyne]

if its a 6 connector i would say that it would be the source. the board looks pretty clean otherwise, take your time with the repair and let us know how it goes.

[P_Phrank]

Thank you very much.