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Topic: Matchbox 7 is EATING BATTERIES! |
Jim Hollingsworth
From:
Way out West
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Posted 31 Jul 2020 5:17 pm |
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I'm not sure why, but my Matchbox 7A is eating batteries even if it gets only occasional use. The input is unplugged when not in use. Example: I put new 9v batteries in in late May. I didn't play for half of July. Today the unit is fuzzing.... batteries were down to less than 1 volt.
Does anyone have a suggestion?
jim |
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John De Maille
From:
On a Mountain in Upstate Halcottsville, N.Y.
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Posted 31 Jul 2020 11:10 pm
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| I have a SteelDriver III and I unplug both wires when not in use. The batteries last a long time for me. |
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Larry Dering
From:
Missouri, USA
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Posted 1 Aug 2020 5:50 am
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| Jim, it's possible that the contacts are not going open and the pedal is still on even unplugged. I don't like the unplug method and will eventually put a on/off switch on the pedal. Open the pedal and watch the contacts as you plug and unplug it on the output jack. |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 1 Aug 2020 7:01 am Re: Matchbox 7 is EATING BATTERIES!
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| Jim Hollingsworth wrote: |
Does anyone have a suggestion?
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Learn to do without it, as thousands of players have. 
30-40 years ago, most every player used one. Now, with powered volume pedals and the renewed interest in the advantages of pot-pedals, I seldom see players using a Matchbox. |
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 1 Aug 2020 7:04 am
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The model 7A should have a on/off switch on it.
That disconnects the battery so there should be no drain on the battery.
Erv |
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Eric Einarsson
From:
Los Gatos, California, USA
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Posted 1 Aug 2020 7:09 am
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It is also possible that one or more of its electrolytic capacitors has become leaky.
I have an old guitar tuner that began consuming batteries while sitting unused in its case. I measured the current draw in its 'off' state, and it did have some small current draw. I replaced its four electrolytic capacitors and now it doesn't draw any current while it's off.
Good luck fixing the problem.
Eric |
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Tom Wolverton
From:
Carpinteria, CA
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Posted 1 Aug 2020 9:02 am
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I’d get a Freeloader instead. It is very efficient on power. And I think you can buy them from Brad now with a power off switch on them.
_________________
To write with a broken pencil is pointless. |
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 2 Aug 2020 5:21 am
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I use a Matchbox if for no other reason than I have a volume and tone control right at my finger tips. 
Erv |
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Jim Palenscar
From:
Oceanside, Calif, USA
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Posted 2 Aug 2020 8:07 am
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| Ask Kevin about it but w my Steeldriver I need to unplug the output- not the input. |
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