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2567 Views 5 Replies Latest reply: Jan 29, 2012 3:40 PM by aebirner RSS
aebirner Just Startin'
aebirner
14 posts since
Sep 21, 2007
Currently Being Moderated

Nov 24, 2010 9:47 PM

POD X3 Live Power Supply Heat Problem

The sticker on the back of my POD X3 Live says it needs 9V AC 2000mA MINIMUM.  The PX-2 power supply is rated at exactly 2000mA.  I suspect this is why my PX-2 runs hot -- after three hours, it's not something you'd want to hold in your hand for more than a few seconds.  Is there a higher-amperage power supply available for the POD?

 

Thanks,

 

Andy

Tags: pod, power, pod_x3_live, x3_live, power_supply
  • johnnieboy2 Just Startin'
    johnnieboy2
    2 posts since
    Nov 23, 2010
    Currently Being Moderated
    Nov 28, 2010 11:34 AM (in response to aebirner)
    Re: POD X3 Live Power Supply Heat Problem

    It's a common problem.  2 amp current rating does not handle this unit well for extended use.  I took one failed unit apart and found it was the primary that opened up, burnt that is, and it took some real heat energy to do that.   I'm looking for a 2.5 - 3.5 amp unit for my Live 3 as we speak.  By the way, it's just a step down transformer, no electronic circuitry seen in the disassembled unit.

    • aebirner Just Startin'
      aebirner
      14 posts since
      Sep 21, 2007
      Currently Being Moderated
      Dec 27, 2010 2:19 PM (in response to johnnieboy2)
      Re: POD X3 Live Power Supply Heat Problem

      I was thinking some more about this, and came to the realization that the stated 2000mA minimum almost certainly does NOT include any Variax that may be connected to the POD X3 Live (since that is an optional, though officially supported, configuration).  If that is the case, then Line 6 needs to provide a way to power a Variax via the POD without overtaxing the power supply.  As things stand, there seems to be no way to do this without using a non-Line 6 power supply (which would void the warranty, if I recall correctly).

      • johnnieboy2 Just Startin'
        johnnieboy2
        2 posts since
        Nov 23, 2010
        Currently Being Moderated
        Dec 27, 2010 3:49 PM (in response to aebirner)
        Re: POD X3 Live Power Supply Heat Problem

        I certainly would agree about the Variax issue, since these p/s have a real tendency to fry themselves without one attached.  I could not find a suitable unit to replace the original with the extra current margin, but I did find that Best Buy was selling the original unit from Line 6 for about $21 shipped so I bought it and it works great...for now.  That's a little better than the $35 price tag I was finding online everywhere else including ebay.  There is certainly no incentive for Line 6 to 'fess' up since the unit is 'old' news now.  They really should do a better job with their engineering on build quality.  The warranty is useless now so I would not worry about that and If I could find a larger current supply at 9vac I would use it in a heartbeat...no reason for that to cause a problem with the X3 Live.

        • aebirner Just Startin'
          aebirner
          14 posts since
          Sep 21, 2007
          Currently Being Moderated
          Nov 23, 2011 9:55 PM (in response to johnnieboy2)
          Re: POD X3 Live Power Supply Heat Problem

          I fried another power supply last week.  Fortunately, I keep a spare in my variax gig bag.  I haven't been able to find a 9 VAC supply rated at more than 2000mA anywhere--even from the custom houses.  There must be a liability issue or something involved. 

          • aebirner Just Startin'
            aebirner
            14 posts since
            Sep 21, 2007
            Currently Being Moderated
            Jan 29, 2012 3:40 PM (in response to aebirner)
            Re: POD X3 Live Power Supply Heat Problem

            I found a 3333mA 9VAC transformer at Grainger (item #11Y719, $25 list).  The only problem is that the barrel connector on the 9V side is the wrong size for the POD (the inside diameter is 2.1mm instead of the 2.5mm that the POD requires).  That, however, is easily fixed, either by soldering on a replacement of the right size or using an adaptor (PowersStream sells a set of seven different tips for $7).  The cable on the 9V side is of a heavier guage than that featured on the original Line6 unit, which is a good thing.  The transformer itself is a wallwart unit, though, which limits where it can be plugged in. 

             

            Transformer: http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/PlugIn-Charger-11Y719

            Adaptors: http://www.powerstream.com/dc-tips2.htm

             

            NB:  All links and prices are current as of the time of this writing and are subject to change without notice.  The opinions expressed above are my own and not those of my employer (Grainger) who makes no representation or warranty about the suitability of their product for this application.

             

            Message was edited by: aebirner (added disclaimers)

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