Hilton problem - has anyone experienced this?

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 8 Sep 2003 6:07 am

Just as the curtain was about to rise on the show yesterday, there was a surge of feedback through my amp. The clip-light on my Profex went crazy and then - nothing!

I switched a couple of cords, and was back in business (although the initial problem didn't SOUND like an intermittent cord). Ten songs later, the same happened again. The sound-man was getting my signal from the back of the Profex, so I couldn't take that out of my set-up - all I could do was substitute my old Goodrich for the Hilton.

All was fine after that, even though I missed the Hilton's clarity. It's here at home with me now - I'm going to do a test here and see what happens, but I'd be interested to hear of any similar occurences.

Thanks,

RR

Keith Hilton · Post by **Keith Hilton** » 8 Sep 2003 7:01 am

Roger, thanks for using my pedal. I am always here to help people with any problems.
When you complete your tests e-mail me, or call me at 417-581-4158. I can not pin point what might be the problem from the symptoms you describe. One thought that comes to mind is a brief loss of power from where the unit is plugged in. If power is lost, even briefly, the symptoms you describe can happen. I don't know anything made, that can't develop problems. The important thing is the "GUY" who stands behind his product, I am here to help you.

Billy Easton · Post by **Billy Easton** » 8 Sep 2003 8:13 am

Keith's post is just what I appreciate about this guy! He is right there to help with his products. He does indeed stand behind them!!

------------------
Billy Easton
Casa Grande, AZ
Southwestern Steel Guitar Association

Jerry Roller · Post by **Jerry Roller** » 8 Sep 2003 9:08 am

Roger, I had a very similar problem with my Hilton pedal Friday night. I traced the problem to not having the power transformer completely plugged into the extension chord receptacle. I had a brief moment of panic but simply plugging it all the way in to the receptacle solved the problem.
Jerry

Mark van Allen · Post by **Mark van Allen** » 8 Sep 2003 9:25 am

While we're talking about "half plugged in"... for you folks using ProFexs, etc. be really careful there. While doing the "Always Patsy" show I had my rack plugged into an onstage power strip. There is a section where the Louise character gets up on the drum riser and moves around a bit. One night my amp made weird fizzles, I looked down and characters were scrolling across my Transtubefex screen- looked back and "Louise" was dancing with her foot on the power strip plug, actually plugging/unplugging it. This had the bizarre effect of completely re-initializing my transtubeFex- no more steel presets... I had a cache card with most of my stuff saved- if I hadn't I'd have been in deep trouble. Mike Brown says he never heard of this (you generally have to hold down two buttons and power up to reinitialize). But definitely something to be aware of...

------------------
C'mon by and visit!- www.markvanallen.com
My Bands: Sugarland Kate and the Retreads Kecia Garland Band Shane Bridges Band Dell Conner Blues Band

Mark van Allen · Post by **Mark van Allen** » 8 Sep 2003 9:26 am

Wait a minute... I just realized that both of these electronics problems were at a "Patsy" show.. something sinister here...!

I have to add I've done close to 600 shows with Hilton Pedals and not one problem. I really Love those things, and Keith's the BEST. He'll get you fixed up I'm sure.[This message was edited by Mark van Allen on 08 September 2003 at 10:30 AM.]

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 8 Sep 2003 9:33 am

"I see dead people!!!"

Thanks, Keith - I'm beginning to think that the problem might have been power-strip related.

The transformer is a large one and, if the power-strip gets moved on its side, I can imagine that the Hilton could partially disconnect for a moment.

I've had it set-up here at home and there's been no problem so far - the Zum and the Evans/Profex sounds terrific!

I'll take the plunge and return my Hilton to work, making sure that the power-strip is securely located.

You're right about that 'Louise' woman - she can cause havoc on the band-stand!!!!

------------------
Roger Rettig

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 8 Sep 2003 1:23 pm

Please see the allied thread.....

Pat Burns · Post by **Pat Burns** » 9 Sep 2003 9:16 am

One night my amp made weird fizzles, I looked down and characters were scrolling across my Transtubefex screen- looked back and "Louise" was dancing with her foot on the power strip plug, actually plugging/unplugging it.

...I hate when that happens!...

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 9 Sep 2003 12:08 pm

Believe me, Pat - on the 'Patsy' show, it happens a lot!

Ernie Renn · Post by **Ernie Renn** » 10 Sep 2003 10:32 am

Replace the power supply!

The same thing happened to me with the Hilton pedal. Keith replaced the power supply and it hasn't happened since. I don't know if the wart was defective from the get go or not.

I wonder if brown power can damage a wart. Hmm...

------------------
My best,
Ernie

www.buddyemmons.com

Kenny Foy · Post by **Kenny Foy** » 11 Sep 2003 2:36 pm

Nothin but complete 110% satisfation from my Hilton but appreciate the heads-up on the pluggin in properly. Thanks Mister Hilton for a GREAT Pedal.

Wiz Feinberg · Post by **Wiz Feinberg** » 12 Sep 2003 8:53 pm

Replace your power strip with a Tripplite Isobar surge supressor. It might keep your AC adapters, effects and amps from being blown up if the AC voltage goes over 140. This happened to me on a live outdoor show when the crew supplied our band with bad power, at a steady voltage around 190. All the stuff in my plain surge protector got fried. Regular surge strips don't even begin to clamp down until the incoming voltage reaches 330, while the Tripplite Isobars clamp at 140 VAC. They also filter out motor and flourescent noise from the line.

I recently won an 8 outlet Isobar on eBay for about $30 shipped and it lists for around $60, plus shipping. I already had a 6 outlet model after the overvoltage incident.

Just my .02

------------------
Bob "Wiz" Feinberg
AIM Screenname: Wizcrafts
Sho~Bud Super~Pro with 10 and 10, L710s and aluminum fingers from Bobbe Seymour. Nashville 400 amp.
Keep Steelin' but don't get caught![This message was edited by Wiz Feinberg on 12 September 2003 at 10:06 PM.]