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Topic: Effect of heat (from Sun) on amps |
Harold Dye
From:
Cullman, Alabama, USA
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Posted 13 Jul 2013 1:39 pm |
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| I would like for you techs to chime in please. I did an outdoor gig today using my NV 400 and MM amp head w/speaker cab. It started about 10 am and the temp was extremely pleasant. However as the sun approched high noon I started getting some problems with my amps. The NV started a loud crackling hum, lasting a few seconds but then stopped. Later the MM did the same. I pulled the plug on the NV and continued to use the MM. In a short time it did the same. I unpluged it( from the fex) and went back to the NV. In a short time the NV did the same. This was not a good situation as the amps were not under a roof. Until about 12 o'clock or so everything was fine but then it happened. I felt the tops of the amps and you could fry an egg on them. The temp at the time had risen to about 88-90 degrees ( as evidenced by the temp guage on my van when I left the gig) . Does outside temp have this type of effect on an amp, and if so is it lasting. I have played outside gigs before but never one under these conditions. To make bad matters worse my van would not start when I tried to leave. Had to jump it off. |
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Jim Smith
From:
Midlothian, TX, USA
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Posted 13 Jul 2013 2:12 pm
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I think the power source was more of a problem than the temperature. I've played several hot outdoor gigs with no problem. The worst was a gig when it was 102 and we were facing the sun. The crowd kept the cold beers coming though. 
_________________
Jim Smith
-=Dekley D-12 10&12=- |
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Harold Dye
From:
Cullman, Alabama, USA
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Posted 13 Jul 2013 2:50 pm
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| Jim I think you may be right about the power source. I was concerned about that because the power outlets were limited. I use a Furman power conditioner with the hope that if there is a surge or decrease in power it might protect me at least once. |
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Lee Baucum
From:
McAllen, Texas (Extreme South) The Final Frontier
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Posted 13 Jul 2013 7:10 pm
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Forgive me for being such a dunce.
What's a "MM"?  |
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John Gould
From:
Houston, TX Now in Cleveland TX
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Posted 13 Jul 2013 7:12 pm
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Lee I'm guessing Music Man
_________________
A couple of guitars
Fender GTX 100 Fender Mustang III Fender Blues Jr. Boss Katana MKII 50
Justice Pro Lite and Sho Bud Pro II |
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Kevin Mincke
From:
Farmington, MN (Twin Cities-South Metro) USA
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Posted 14 Jul 2013 2:57 am
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| I'm with Jim, power source |
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Harold Dye
From:
Cullman, Alabama, USA
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Posted 14 Jul 2013 7:59 am
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| Lee MM is Music Man. |
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Dave Hopping
From:
Aurora, Colorado
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Posted 14 Jul 2013 10:57 am
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While there's no evidence that either subpar power by itself or unsheltered gear in high temperature by itself was responsible for the malfunctions Harold encountered,my inner grump is telling me there's a strong element of negative synchronicity between the two sets of circumstances.If the promoter wasn't thinking about the consequences of direct sunlight at high noon in the middle of summer in the Deep South,then he probably wasn't thinking about clean power for high-tech electronics.But the band should have thinking about those issues.
OK,none of us would play unsheltered in a thunderstorm,and it's true that fried electronics and heatstroke isn't nearly as spectacular as being hit by lightning,but I'm betting that an awning and a few fans might have saved some inconvenience here.  |
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Dave Grafe
From:
Hudson River Valley NY
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Posted 15 Jul 2013 11:44 am
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Was this one of those events where the band power is run from a house or barn with multiple (18/3) orange extension cords being used to reach the stage and everything on it plugged into the one line?
Remember that as the power cables themselves heat up the voltage will drop due to increased resistance. If the supply scheme was marginal to begin with the combination of heat from over-loaded cables and heat from the sun could easily turn a sketchy situation into a complete fiasco... |
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Harold Dye
From:
Cullman, Alabama, USA
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Posted 15 Jul 2013 12:16 pm
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| Dave I don't know what guage the extension cords were but my guess is they were what you suggested. I was late getting there and all the cords had already be strung out. I usually carry a heavier cord with me but I did not use it that day. I think I saw one other instrument using the same extension cord I used. It makes sense about the cords heating and causing more resistance. |
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Rich Hlaves
From:
Wildomar, California, USA
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Posted 16 Jul 2013 11:45 am
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I see it as a power supply issue too. Both amps suffered. I've played in the 100s many times outdoors here in CA and never had an issue on clean power with proper voltage.
_________________
On man....let the smoke out of another one. |
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Eric Philippsen
From:
Central Florida USA
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Posted 17 Jul 2013 9:47 am
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| I know it's a luxury, but for outdoor gigs I bring along a power regulator to maintain a constant voltage. As it was said by another, way too many outdoor gigs use the ol' single extension cord to the stage. No way will there be a consistent, acceptable voltage with that. |
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Harold Dye
From:
Cullman, Alabama, USA
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Posted 21 Jul 2013 1:23 pm
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| Thanks to all who responded with your opinions on the problem. I believe all are correct about the power source being the culprit. Since the gig I have used both amps at home, both together and individually and they are working fine. |
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Randy Gilliam
From:
San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Posted 29 Jul 2013 3:33 pm Tube Amps
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A Friend of mine Burnt Two New Fender Twins up in the Heat, They run hot with the tubes and 100 Degree Weather outside pushes them over the edge! Randy G.  |
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