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3250 Views 10 Replies Latest reply: Dec 14, 2009 3:37 PM by llimbeck RSS
llimbeck Just Startin'
llimbeck
7 posts since
Nov 15, 2009
Currently Being Moderated

Nov 15, 2009 9:47 AM

Pod XT Live Expression Pedal Failure

My expression pedal has been giving me fits lately.  During the last several performances (I play every weekend) it's been a guessing game with this thing.  When I power up the unit it will perform as it always has in the past but lately after a short time the expression pedal will suddenly fail the result being full output of the particular patch down the line.. Sometimes if I power down and power back up the problem will go away but then reappear a short time later.  It's unpredictable.  Other times when I power up the expression pedal doesn't work at all, full volume.  I've been running a cry baby down line to try to manage this but it very inconvenient and is certainly not what I want.  I've read about recalibrating the pedal but that doesn't sound like thats the answer.  The pedal does work SOMETIMES b ut only for a short time.  Whats up?

  • LoonyBin-Fizzbin Gear Head
    LoonyBin-Fizzbin
    2,070 posts since
    Mar 26, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Nov 16, 2009 4:29 AM (in response to llimbeck)
    Re: Pod XT Live Expression Pedal Failure

    I think that you may need to have it serviced, mostly to have it cleaned out! The Optical sensors may be dirty.

     

     

    But You should try to eliminate Calibration & a glitch in your Firmware as a possibility first.

     

    First do the Calibration, even if you have to do it again.... after.... re-installing the latest firmware on your Pod! (Dont do a Firmware update if you have the condition I will mention below)

     

    Before you do anything make sure that your ESN (Electronic Serial Number)  is not only showing zero´s in/as its number!  Both on the Pods Display, and also in Line 6 Monkey.

     

    To Calibrate follow these steps and take your Time.

     

    Q: How do I calibrate the pedal on my PODxt Live?

    A: Setting the calibration on your PODxt Live pedal is simple. Just follow these steps:

    1. Make sure there is nothing connected to your PODxt live aside from the power cable.

    2. Power up the PODxt Live while holding down the Bank Up switch. (This is where you dont need to hurry! Keep holding that switch Martha! (From an old BIC Lighter commercial) )

    3. Press the Amp button to zero current settings.

    4. Move the pedal all the way to the heel back position, then all the way forward until the toe switch clicks. You will want to stand up and shift all of your weight to the toe position until you see the WAH light turn on.

    5. Wait 10 seconds, then power the PODxt Live off and back on again.

    6. Your pedal is now calibrated.

     

    Q: What type of pedal should I use for the external expression pedal?

    A: The Line 6 EX-1 is the pedal recommended for use with all Line 6 gear.  You should be able to use any expression pedal with a 10K potentiometer if you do not have an EX-1 available.

     

    Q: Can I calibrate the external expression pedal?

    A: There is no calibration method for the external expression pedal.

     

     

    To see the ESN on your POD XT Live, Press the "Output Mode" button then turn the select knob Clock-wise to the the last possible window.

  • d8veh Just Startin'
    d8veh
    102 posts since
    Sep 26, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Nov 16, 2009 3:28 AM (in response to llimbeck)
    Re: Pod XT Live Expression Pedal Failure

    I agree with Looneybin-fizbin. Ther's probably dirt on the sensor. If you take the cover off, you will see that the expression pedal has its own circuit board. It's been a while since I looked inside mine, but I remember that it was easy to see the sensors where the tang of the expression pedal pokes through. Another possibility is that the ribbon cable that joins the expression board pcb to the mainboard has a faulty contact. If Loonybins suggestions don't work, you could try unplugging and reconnecting the two ends of the ribbon cable. Here's a picture of the inside:

    http://vanderwall.org/dave/images/podOpen.jpg

  • llimbeck Just Startin'
    llimbeck
    7 posts since
    Nov 15, 2009
    Currently Being Moderated
    Nov 16, 2009 6:55 PM (in response to llimbeck)
    Re: Pod XT Live Expression Pedal Failure

    Hello,

    First let me thank you for your prompt response..

     

    I have never connected this unit to a computer so I hope you'll understand my ignorance.

     

    You speak of an electronic serial number.. I have no idea how to find it..

    There is a sticker on the bottom panel however I believe its an inspection sticker.

     

    I did remove the bottom panel to inspect for dirt and or dust.  Conditions inside the unit were found to be clean. However with a paper towel I lightly wiped the pair of sensors that appeared to be those that controlled the volume/wah. I inspected the paper towel for signs of dirt or grime but it too was clean.  The unit still runs as if there is no volume pedal.  In wah wah mode it operates as though the pedal were completely toe down (full treble) regardless of the positioning of the pedal.

     

    The upside to all this was now that the pedal's hinge assembly was exposed I successfully excorcised the annoying 'squeak' of the pedal.

    I also wiggled the wiring harness as was suggested but this also had no effect.   

     

    Any more suggestions will be appreciated however I think you were probably correct when you suggested that it needs to be serviced.

     

    With your help I will determine if the unit displays zero's or the serial number.

     

    Thank you,

    Lee Limbeck

    • LoonyBin-Fizzbin Gear Head
      LoonyBin-Fizzbin
      2,070 posts since
      Mar 26, 2007
      Currently Being Moderated
      Nov 17, 2009 12:39 AM (in response to llimbeck)
      Re: Pod XT Live Expression Pedal Failure

      To see the ESN on your POD XT Live, Press the "Output Mode" button then turn the select knob Clock-wise to the the last possible window. On this same screen as the ESN, there is also the Firmware Version Number, & USB Driver Number. Can you list these here? But not your ESN.

       

       

      Did you try to Calibrate your Pod. You do not need to be conected to a computer to do this.

       

       

      Q: How do I calibrate the pedal on my PODxt Live?

      A: Setting the calibration on your PODxt Live pedal is simple. Just follow these steps:

      1. Make sure there is nothing connected to your PODxt live aside from the power cable.

      2. Power up the PODxt Live while holding down the Bank Up switch. (This is where you dont need to hurry! Keep holding that switch Martha! (From an old BIC Lighter commercial) )

      3. Press the Amp button to zero current settings.

      4. Move the pedal all the way to the heel back position, then all the way forward until the toe switch clicks. You will want to stand up and shift all of your weight to the toe position until you see the WAH light turn on.

      5. Wait 10 seconds, then power the PODxt Live off and back on again.

      6. Your pedal is now calibrated.

       

      Q: What type of pedal should I use for the external expression pedal?

      A: The Line 6 EX-1 is the pedal recommended for use with all Line 6 gear.  You should be able to use any expression pedal with a 10K potentiometer if you do not have an EX-1 available.

       

      Q: Can I calibrate the external expression pedal?

      A: There is no calibration method for the external expression pedal.

      • llimbeck Just Startin'
        llimbeck
        7 posts since
        Nov 15, 2009
        Currently Being Moderated
        Nov 17, 2009 5:09 AM (in response to LoonyBin-Fizzbin)
        Re: Pod XT Live Expression Pedal Failure

        Hello again,

        I have recalibrated several times with no luck. 

        Last night, I thought for a few hours that the problem had been solved by simply recalibrating.  I was rehearsing when it failed again..  mid song and freestanding (I wasn't touching it at all).

         

        Fortunately my son has a unit identical to this one. I may have to pull rank on him until this can be resolved.

         

        Can you tell me how to upload my patches to a computer and download them to his XT live?

        • LoonyBin-Fizzbin Gear Head
          LoonyBin-Fizzbin
          2,070 posts since
          Mar 26, 2007
          Currently Being Moderated
          Nov 17, 2009 5:18 AM (in response to llimbeck)
          Re: Pod XT Live Expression Pedal Failure

          Yes!

           

          Using the same Computer.

           

          Use Line 6 Monkey!  In Line 6 Monkey there is an option to make Back-ups and as well to restore the Back-ups!

           

          So both Pods needs to be registered & Logged into a separate Line 6 Accounts. Log in & out of Line 6 Monkey for each Pod.

           

          Once logged in using Line 6 Monkey, make a Back-up of your Presets. (Both Pods)

           

          Save both Back-ups to "My Documents\ Line 6\ Line 6 Monkey\Tones"

           

          Now in monkey again, same machine (PC) log in to the Line 6 account of the Pod you want to move the "Bundle" to.

           

           

           

          then use the "Restore" tab in Line 6 Monkey to load the Back up from your pod to the other Pod!

  • Line6Miller Line 6
    Line6Miller
    11,613 posts since
    Mar 28, 2006
    Currently Being Moderated
    Nov 17, 2009 12:20 PM (in response to llimbeck)
    RE: Pod XT Live Expression Pedal Failure

    Hello,

       

      If your POD is not keeping its calibration then you should arrange to have it repaired by a local service center.

       

      You can back up your bundle files in Monkey as Loony pointed out but you can also use Gearbox for this.

       

      Check out this video.

       

      http://line6.com/community/docs/DOC-1423

       

      The video calls out how to download and install individual tones but there is also a bundle option in Gearbox that will back everything up at once.

       

      Let me know if this helps. Thanks.

       

       

      Line6Miller

  • Line6Miller Line 6
    Line6Miller
    11,613 posts since
    Mar 28, 2006
    Currently Being Moderated
    Nov 19, 2009 8:55 AM (in response to llimbeck)
    RE: Pod XT Live Expression Pedal Failure

    Hello,

       

       

      It's been a couple of days since we've heard from you. We're going to assume your question has been answered and close this thread. If you still have questions please feel free to open a new question with us and we will answer your questions accordingly. Thanks!

       

      Line6Miller

  • llimbeck Just Startin'
    llimbeck
    7 posts since
    Nov 15, 2009
    Currently Being Moderated
    Nov 25, 2009 3:48 PM (in response to llimbeck)
    Re: Pod XT Live Expression Pedal Failure

    I want to thank the folks at Line 6.  My expression failure has been answered with a simple download of a service pack.  Ran all weekend without any glitches.  Thanks again guys.  Nice to you have my back!

    • llimbeck Just Startin'
      llimbeck
      7 posts since
      Nov 15, 2009
      Currently Being Moderated
      Dec 14, 2009 3:37 PM (in response to llimbeck)
      Re: Pod XT Live Expression Pedal Failure again.....

      Hello again,

       

      I'm sad to report that my XT Live is back to its old tricks again.  I gigged last weekend... After setting up I plugged in and fround the gremlin had returned.  No expression pedal.. just max volume.  The problem persisted all night.. I used an old cry baby as volume pedal.  Saturday night was different.  It worked flawlessly up to the second the last tune of the night then it failed again.

       

      Please review this email thread... Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated..

       

      Thank you guys,

       

      Lee Limbeck   

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