switching boss Fx on for good. - how do I keep them "on"

oooo · #1 01-01-2001, 09:21 PM

just started using Boss stuff in my live rig. *I'm interested in getting a GCX changer and sticking all of my pedals in my rack and out of site. *The only problem I forsee is that everytime I turn on my rack, I'm gonna have to go down the line and turn on every pedal(boss pedals, when power is applied, default to the "off" position). *As goofy as I am, I'll forget to turn something on and won't realize it until we are half way through a song. *How can I wire the switch or somehow make the pedal stay on? *Any info would be greatly appreciated. *Thanks.

luther · #2 01-02-2001, 06:24 PM

Check again - all my Boss pedals default to ON when I turn on the masterpower switch. *Thats running them off of a Voodoo Labs Pedal Power.

Luther

Jimi D · #3 01-02-2001, 06:51 PM

Ditto here - I use a BOSS OS-2 in the first effects loop on my Roland GP-100 for my "GAINIAC" settings, and it defaults to on when I switch on the power bar...

oooo · #4 01-02-2001, 10:43 PM

nope... tried it again and it needs to be turned on. *I'm using a DS-1. *I have it powered by a Furman rack mounted power strip. *With it plugged in, I can turn it (ds-1) on... then kill the Furman, when I turn the power (furman) back on it's in the "off" position (ds-1) and needs to be turned on. *I don't think using the Voodoo Labs would make a difference... or would it? *Is it just that I was lucky enough to get on that the switch was installed backwards or something? *This doesn't seem to be a typical "on/off" switch... if so I could leave it in a "on" position and that would be that. *BTW it is plugged in to the input and outputs.

rgr · #5 01-02-2001, 11:32 PM

Hmmm, Boss uses a FET flip flop circuit to do the switching but my DS-1 always turns on when I turn the power on to the adapter so I thought it was set as the default. *A rack mounted power strip is AC, I assume you mean you have a 9V adapter plugged into the Furman. *If you have the 9V adapter plugged into the DS-1 and a guitar cable plugged into the input it should be on when you turn power on.

Is the DS-1 an old one maybe? *Shouldn't make any difference, but ya never know.

Roger

oooo · #6 01-03-2001, 12:09 AM

it's plugged in using the Boss 9v adapter. *It is only a year old.

jeff l · #7 01-03-2001, 09:58 AM

Hey Roger,
* * * * * * * * I think it might make a difference if it's an older pedal. I have a newer GE-7 and an older SD-1, both are hooked-up (cables) and are powered-up by the same supply. When I plug in my power strip, the GE-7 defaults to 'on' and the older SD-1 does not. I dunno if this helps any but I thought I'd throw that in....I'd like to know what's up with that myself.

rgr · #8 01-03-2001, 05:17 PM

You got me then, if the pedal works other than that, find someone with one that is on when it powers up and trade with them. *That's the simplest solution I can think of.

Roger

tomizm · #9 01-03-2001, 05:45 PM

My DS-1 powers up to the OFF position as well.

just when you thought it was safe to go into the water.........

darren wilson · #10 01-03-2001, 05:49 PM

I know this is going to sound really obvious, but why not call or e-mail Roland's tech support and see if they have a definitive answer?

**jemsite** · #11 01-03-2001, 05:52 PM

my DS-1 powers to the OFF position also.

oooo · #12 01-03-2001, 07:05 PM

Phew... I thought I was weired or something! *LOL
searched the Roland/boss web site and I can't find an e-mail address. *They do have a customer service line, so I'll try to call tomorrow sometime. *If it's just a random thing, I'm not above going to my local Guitar Center and going through every DS-1 in stock until I find one that does what I want. *They are only $39 and can one person ever have to many effect pedals? *I think not!
Thanks for the input so far, I'll keep you guys posted.

rgr · #13 01-04-2001, 01:24 AM

That is strange, it must be a crap shoot as to which side the switching circuit powers up in. *It is probably from the way the tolerances on the components lean. *I thought it was strange that mine powered up on when I first got it, I always have to turn it off first thing. *I'm sure there is a way to fix the circuit to always come up in the on setting but as you said, they are only $39, it would probably cost more to have a tech look at it.

Roger

oooo · #14 01-04-2001, 02:34 PM

o.k... the saga continues! *I called Roland and spoke with a tech. *It seems that all of their pedals are supposed to default to the "on" position. *He told me that he's "heard of this before". *It seems that sometimes the pedals are "wired in backwards"(does that make any sense or was he just trying to get rid of me?) and a Tech could re-wire it for me, but he also said this would "of course void the warranty". *Here's my analogy... $5 shipping to Roland, at least $35 for them to even look at it... God only knows how long this would take. *OR $39 from Guitar Center and I'd always have a backup? *Hummm I think I'll chose the last option. *Some good has come out of this... I'll always check the on/off status of the pedals I purchase in the future. *
Thanks for all the input...