Rocker-style power switch crackling on bass amp

[flexoffset]

I have a Cerwin Vega BG250 Bass Amp that seems to crackle through the speakers.
I think I've traced it to the power switch on the back of the amp. It's a solid-state amp.

I was wondering how big a deal it is to change out the power switch on the amp? The switch is 'off' in the middle position, and is 'on' when you mash it to the left or to the right.

I've had this thing since 1985 or 1986 and it's been cycled A LOT of times. My guess is that the switch is worn out because it's not a definitive 'click' when I switch the amp on or off.

I'm not an electrical guru but I don't think it would requre a great deal of knowledge.

Many thanks
Richard

[Thermionic]

Do you know how to solder? The switch may be held in place with spade terminals anyway. My advice is to de-solder / remove the switch and inspect it for brand / order no. Once you've got that go to the US electronics suppliers such as Mouser / DigiKey etc and punch the order no. into their search engine to find it. If you buy the switch direct from C.Vega's official agent it could be a lot pricier than direct from a supplier, although it will save you the hassle of finding the part so may be worth it that way in view of the time saved.

If the switch is shorting on and off it will probably be putting a strain on the psu, so I'd recommend replacement asap.

[chrisjin]

Obviously make sure your amp is unplugged before you start soldering...just a reminder...

seriously though...it can be helpful to take the switch out of the amp and take it with you to different electronics stores to find one that will be a good replacement...sometimes you need to find one that has a certain length shaft or theres something funky about the one you get that you find out when you get home and compare it to the one in your amp..

Make sure you note the amps and voltage on the side of the switch...it most likely should have it written....

If you've got a descent electronics store in town you should have your switch in no time...

good luck ...

cheers,

chris

[flexoffset]

Thanks to both of you for the help on this.
I'll take it to a reputable local electronics store and see what they say.
I hope I haven't crapped out my power supply.

Would there be any tell-tale signs that it has been damaged?

[Thermionic]

It's highly unlikely the psu will be damaged, I don't know what kind your amp uses but am 99.99% sure it will either work or won't, no intermediate condition. What I meant by stating a strain could be put on the psu is that every time you turn on a psu (unless it has a soft-start circuit, although these vary in implementation and don't always offer protection) the filter caps charging will cause an inrush current through the rectifiers as well as the psu transformer secondary. By having a temperamental switch you are merely putting the psu through unnecessary "cycles", therefore potentially increasing the chances of a long term failure statistically.

Get the new switch asap, I'm sure the amp is fine. The worse case could probably mean that the psu fails in say 10yrs rather than 15yrs, I wouldn't worry about it.