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westryder

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Posts posted by westryder

  1. Hello there!

    For everyone who wants an easy to understand diagram for the Variax power supply via stereo guitar cable, I made it.

     

    Here is the list of parts you need to build this box with a links to amazon. Links are just for example so you know how do that parts look. You can order not exactly the same parts (excepting DC-DC step-up board). You can use different TRS/TS jacks, button, USB cable and socket for it.

     

    Here is the diagram. I use a box built in according exactly to this diagram with my own Variax 300 and it works fine.

     

    Spoiler

    980064603_variaxpowerboxdiagram.thumb.jpg.23dbaa83d77292fcb5521989a34dbf39.jpg

     

    Here is how my power supply looks inside and outside. There is a small difference between my box and the diagram: two more cables from a button. I used not a simple 2-pin button, but a 4-pin button with a built-in LED indication. But there is no need to use an LED-button, if you will mount your power supply in a box like mine: with a 'window' for a step-up board. There is an LED and a voltage meter on the board, they shine bright when you power-up the board.

    Spoiler

    660652532_variaxpowersupply1.thumb.jpg.b23a52d5541e69ff3e5e6ed4523fcbe1.jpg

     

    544561217_variaxpowersupply2.thumb.jpg.a75a17db8f3b06b46703887e64416f0b.jpg

     

    I hope this will help everyone to build your own power supply and become free from batteries!

  2. 22 hours ago, scott4est said:

     

    Wow! Thanks SO MUCH for sharing this info!!

    I've been trying to find a solution for about six months and am hoping this is it.

    I use a Variax JTV69 and a Standard professionally and don't like having to worry about batteries dying on stage.

    However, I'm pretty smooth-brained when it comes to electronics. I found the board (on Amazon) that was recommended in an earlier post but I'm not clear on wiring it as well as how to connect it to a TRS cable and a power supply.

    If you could provide any advice, I would be SUPER grateful.

    Hello!

    Cbrillow had alredy posted the wiring diagram above. You can use it to build a power box, it works. BUT I heard once that 2nd generation Variaxes (JTV, Standard...) do not support a power via TRS cable. I don't know is that true or not, but keep that in mind. My thoughts about that: if modern Variaxes support XPS boxes to power guitar via TRS cable, why Line 6 does not sell it anymore? Variax 300/500/600/700 are discontinued and XPS boxes are discontinued. So I think you better to ask official Line 6 support first to figure out if your Variax supports this powering type. But most likely they will say, that modern variaxes do not support this powering method.

     

    So if you want to try - it's only at your own risk. Anyway, if modern Variax does not support power via TRS, I don't see a reason for Line 6 to place a TRS socket in the guitar. In that case most likely there is a TS socket in the guitar. You can screw out a socket and figure out a TS or TRS is installed in the guitar. If there is a TS socket (MONO) - I think it's 100% your Variax does not support this powering method. If there is a TRS installed (stereo) - it might support powering via TRS.

     

    If you will decide to build a Power box, I will make a photos of my box inside if you like.

     

    Have a nice day!

  3. On 9/23/2021 at 7:02 PM, mozart999uk said:

    Please do come back here with your results. I'd be very interested.

     

    I'll do the same :-)

    I have already told you about my results a few messages earlier (about xps copy in a box). In that message I meant that I want to show it to cbrillow, because I made it with his help, but the  conversation with him via direct messages was suddenly lost and I had no chance to show what I have built.

  4. On 9/20/2021 at 4:12 PM, cbrillow said:

    If you wish to have a direct link with me, you can do it via Gmail.com, with cbrillow being the first part of the address. I'm always happy to keep in touch and was very pleased to hear that your project worked well!

     

    Yeah, that works too, and is easier than using separate parts!

     

    My gosh, I guess my first Variax is around 18 years old, or so. I ordered it before they actually started to ship to music stores! The one that I built the power supply for is a 600 that I bought in around 2007 or so. (and probably have played it for less than a couple of hours, total...) 

     

    Don't have any idea about the newest line of the Variax, those made since the sale to Yamaha. Maybe they have eliminated use of the XPS?

     

    Take care, my friend, and drop me a line via email, if you'd like..

    It's good to have a direct contact. As we see, one changing in forum functionality - and contact is lost.

    Sure, I will text you via email to show results of my project!

  5. On 9/17/2021 at 2:17 PM, mozart999uk said:

     

    Yes I understood your solution :-)  

     

    I'm deciding whether to place to board in the back of my guitar, or build a replacement xps mini like you have done.

     

     I've found that when I  power the guitar through the TRS cable (with my xps mini), wiggling  the jack in the socket in any way creates noise which is a pain as I'm doing a quite close and quiet recording project.   My xps mini is broken though (it "blows" and "pops" occasionally for a minute or two so that might be the cause.  Not sure. Have cleaned the sockets both ends with a burnisher and deoxit and tried a different cable and it still does it :-(

     

    Thanks for all your help. I've noted the comment about the board I found not having a display and possibly not remembering the correct voltage step up after each power on.

     

    I'll check that :-)

     

     

    You can order the step up board and try to build a copy of xps. It's easy work. You can find the diagram in cbrillow post above. It's absolutely correct: my power box was built in according to it. You can ignore LED1 and R1 if you don't need an on/off indicator.

    So if your guitar still noising - just use a second way: place a board to the back of your guitar.

    I guess this board remembers correct output voltage because it has a mechanical potentiometer that regulates the voltage. So nothing gonna happen if you power it off. I have checked now how my board works. I've fully powered it off, then turned potentiometer a few times, then powered it on - voltage has changed. So the only thing that controls the voltage is a potentiometer position. If it still the same - voltage is correct whatever you do with the power. But of course you better to check it by yourself. Text me for any questions! Have a nice day!

  6. 19 hours ago, cbrillow said:

    Yes, I do remember that English wasn't your native language, and the other details of your message make it clear that it was you that I'd been in contact with! I did have a different diagram, similar to this 'final version', but think there was a wiring error on that one. It's also possible that I send something cruder before this one.

     

    At any rate, I've often wondered if you'd managed to put together your project, but as crazy as the world has been with Covid the past year, wasn't surprised that we've lost contact.

     

    I'm delighted to know that it's you! If I were a couple of years younger, I'm sure I would've immediately recognized your forum ID. I THOUGHT it might be you, but my memory isn't as sharp as it once was.

     

    Have fun and may you and your Variax enjoy many years together!

     

     

     

     

    I was very disappointed that I can't text you via direct messages. Great that I finally could let you know that I have built a powerbox an it works fine!

    I have found the diagram you sent to me in my laptop. It is exactly the same as you posted here. I aslo have found "uncorrected" version of it. There is only one difference: in "uncorrected" version there is no R1 resistor before LED1. But I made it in simpler way. I just installed a button with built-in LED instead of using discrete button+LED+R.

    Me and my Variax are together for about ten years and do not want to part with it. New variaxes have a nice features like alternate tunings switch, customizing guitar in the workbench, magnetic pickups. But I heard that the only way to power them is batteries OR VDI from helix/pod/another line6 product. No more simple powering via TRS cable. It disappoints me because I don't want to be a slave of another L6 product. And I know nothing about difference in SOUND between old and new Variaxes. I think there is no HUGE difference: my 300 sounds pretty close to the simulated original guitars.

    So the only thing I really want to own is a Variax bass. Don't know why L6 has discontinued it. Looking forward to own it.

  7. 1 hour ago, cbrillow said:

    Very happy to help, my friend! 

     

    Some time ago, I drew up a wiring diagram for someone who wanted to use the board the same way you have - in a box, as a replacement of the XPS Footswitch. I didn't post that diagram in the forum, I sent it to him via a personal message. I looked for that message and can't find it! It looks like direct messaging may have been removed from the forum's functionality. Booooo!

     

    But I did find the attachment, and I'm including it here. Obviously, you don't need this, because you figured out all the details yourself. But it may help someone else looking to do the same as you.

    Variax external power supply (corrected).pdf 139.15 kB · 1 download

    I guess that someone you talking about is me! But maybe I'm wrong and there is another guy around who wanted to build an xps copy by himself at the same time as me!

    You can see my first post in this thread above (that was more than a year ago! How time flies!), then we had a short conversation it this thread, and after that - in the direct messages. And no - I've figured out all the details not by myself, but from you in the direct messages! You have explained me all the details and showed the diagrams. But I don't remember exactly this diagram, I guess there was another one. I have to look for it at my laptop, because I have saved all the attachements from you.

     

    Maybe you remember: I told you that sometimes I use a Google translate to write you a messages, because my English is not good. And you replied, that I type well and better than some native English speakers. Maybe that information can help you to find out that you're talking about me (or not).

     

    Anyway, I'm glad to see you again!

  8. 6 hours ago, mozart999uk said:

      

    Thanks Westryder :-)

     

    That's an interesting way of doing it - rather than putting the board in the back of the guitar (think it would be a bit of a squeeze!) :-)

     

    Oh - and you use a smarphone charger rather than a battery?  Oh that's very cool. Didn't know you could do that!

     

    I've found this board one:   https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/283757806256?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item42114882b0:g:bhgAAOSwP0ZeLfG4&amdata=enc%3AAQAGAAACkPYe5NmHp%2B2JMhMi7yxGiTJkPrKr5t53CooMSQt2orsSwcmzw5CLtzTE60FqHcnq2H0sUCa%2BU3XFDDRz6tLFvU0tSrPQsARBQu49EU4qJSSRjbwVitrKhL9Z4jzjbzQH547jHL8oq9bUWaddgXq28c2VzDKvUzKmilg2r4MZ6kQDOYmOqfYWVulQwMbTwVxfIQMi4nKyP3rmZBrdASpsItouIhBeTMCm4tNPs15LgmtqXa2EQ%2BA0R%2BGsc5UiL%2FPx88Kxll%2B28uL%2BiXcjLQ2CQqcehWikNY%2BlfKaOBi%2FO%2FVKSq5Amil3dNE93BHZBAe2eLC4Sbi6zwFU7MJsBL3msCfRv6%2F02mvf9ckExnzuEQEqDu74jHSlxYklgGDsN53BEEiW8Hd7z%2BQTVGYit%2BhBPIDFxMkMZpNIecteObThr2WmcgF6HEk2TUJKfXOFSO25m3dsyz5u1rbvHiw1PsWT41e%2FuYyMyXK5Gedx95VtGltZBiHdnA41StgY5cr8MEp%2FRccqnbrXa0P7DzYmWWCBU6lOGJqltw%2FlNl2r3uwa8ETnieaQ1QbB411biH%2BlwbdZ3UT%2B5%2ByNEDUJZvxJ8UUkJfRHoHPk%2BoBMI2ajqukjlE0oAP8L4X07GfNSe78TSLcko2Q%2Bf2ftHbcCCatQfNx9rmkZwM47dXwVLIvC27tefoydHp3aPBSC5OI73vvhKMbIV%2B0AjsU6aSa9Aorv8qjHH%2B7LK5o19YLo8RT%2F1D6bZLBQZdWCdQdrQwKTh%2BaPhV05%2BtDUgLlH1OZPq4ErtSMt8wIZkBt%2BG1eHr1qKwM14cx3Nti36Nqky47r2pPWTproVcuKKKMPqDWEOZpkh8FF1ks4bx7M1osFiTNxDaXe4BS9Du|ampid%3APL_CLK|clp%3A2334524

     

    (sorry for the long link)  which looks small enough to fit in the back. Would save me having to source a box :-@)

    I don't use a wireless system, so the box in a pedalboard was the best choice for me.

    I guess you didn't understand my solution :) I have made not a built-in power as cbillow. I have built a discrete box. It stays in my pedalboard, so I plug variax in it using a TRS cable and it powers a guitar through it :) So a phone charger is just a power supply: 5V from a charger goes to dc-dc step-up board. Board converts it to ~8.8V DC. And 8.8V goes to input 1/4 TRS plug and then to the guitar. So literally my solution is an analogue of Line6 XPS-mini. Hope I explained it clearly. My English is not so good as I wish :)

     

    The step-up board you've found on ebay is ok, you can use it. Please pay attention that there is no "fasteners" for the wires - you should have to solder wires directly to the board. And make sure that the board can memorize output voltage after unplugging a battery pack, because there is no voltage meter (screen) on it, so you can't control output voltage on the go. But I guess that board memorizes output voltage, everything will be fine.

    If you have any questions - please feel free to ask me, I'll try to help you.

    • Upvote 1
  9. 15 hours ago, cbrillow said:

    Congratulations on your build, westryder! Very glad to hear that you found a suitable DC - DC converter and it worked for you! This is a dead-easy solution, and it should be very safe, given the protections built into these modules!

    I could not have done it without your help. I have built it a few months ago. I tried to message you but I can't send direct messages here at Line6 forums for the unknown reason. So I want to thank you once again here! Your solution works perfectly. I was a bit scared to damage my guitar when plugged it in for the first time, but everything is alright! Now I don't care about batteries: just push the button and I'm ready to play!

  10. On 9/3/2021 at 6:23 PM, mozart999uk said:

    Appreciate this is an old thread....

     

    Trying to build c brillows solution using a 5V powerpack in the UK

     

    Can't seem to get his exact model of step up board.....all the ones I've found are too big for the battery compartment.

     

    Also, what current powerpack do I need?  Will 2.1A be enough?

     

    Can anyone post a link to a step up board that will fit (UK based)....the battery compartment is roughly 67mmx48mm

    Hello!

     

    I have built a power box for Variax 300 using cbillow solution and it works fine. I use it to power a guitar via TRS cable. You can use any voltage boost board. I have not found exactly the same as used cbrillow, so I ordered an LTC1871 step-up board. Its dimensions are exactly 67x44 mm. I have attached a photo. I also have seen a board built on XL6009, I think it will work fine too.

    You can just search for "dc-dc step up" and any will be okay if it boosts the voltage. They come in a variety of sizes including models without a screen (it's usually smaller).

     

    I use a 2A smartphone charger, it works fine. So 2.1A DC will be okay.

    P_20210915_204709.jpg

    • Upvote 2
  11. cbrillow, wow, thanks for sharing your solution! I'm glad that it works: now I can use your solution with my guitar. Special thanks for the photo: I can't order this converter from amazon, but I found the same at another online store, where I can order it.

     

    I see it's not permanent installation, so do you think it's possible to place a small powerbank in cutout with that converter? I mean, the main question is what is the height of that converter. Seems to me it's around 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) or a little higher, so basically it's possible while depth of the cutout without a damper at the bottom is 1.18 inch (3.1 cm). Of course if the width and lenght (+ usb plug) of a powerbank fits and it's height less than (1.18 minus 0.5 inch) = 0.68 inch (1.7 cm).

     

    Many thanks to you! You really helped me.

  12. On 5/17/2020 at 8:30 PM, cbrillow said:

    Given that you asked for an active link on dv247.com, it wasn't altogether clear to me what the issue was. Now that you've explained it a bit better, I understand your problem.

     

    One question: have you contacted Line 6 directly? This is a user forum, primarily, and your message may not be seen by the company, itself. There's only one Line 6 rep who checks in here with any frequency, and his  presence is limited due to the Covid-19 situation. Maybe try opening a ticket on the support portion of the site?

     

    A DIY shouldn't be too tough, if you just needed to supply the Variax with operating power using a TRS cable and taking the signal into a guitar amp. The ability to switch between the 1/4" output and an XLR connector would be more complicated.

     

    I have a couple of older Variaxes -- a 500 and a 600. I mostly used the 500 with a Pod XT Live and the VDS cable for power. But I built an adapter to use an inexpensive 5V cellphone power bank in place of the 6AA cells that it normally takes. It lasts longer and is easier to change, just by disconnecting the USB connection from one and plugging in another that's already charged. If you have easy access to electronic parts where you are -- Amazon.com? - I could share my solution with you for evaluation.

     

    Note that this doesn't work with James Tyler devices. You're pretty much stuck with the official Line 6 battery or the XPS or compatible foot controller there..

    No, I did not contact Line 6, I will open a ticket, thanks.

     

    I was thinking about making a box or pedal to power the Variax via TRS cable, but I don’t have a circuit and I did not see the inside of the pedal, so I’m afraid to damage the guitar. Perhaps inside the XPS pedals the power supply is not just connected to the ring and sleeve and the tip is connected directly from input to output. There also can be other components. I don’t even know where to connect + and - : to the ring or sleeve. If you have a photo of a pedal inside or a circuit, it would be very helpful.

     

    I'm using the Variax 300 and if you share your solution with a power bank I'll be very grateful. Yes, I have an accsess to electronic parts, no problem there. But I thought Variax powers with a 9V DC? 6AA batteries 1.5V each have a 9V output. Anywhere you know better than me if your solution works.

  13. 13 hours ago, cbrillow said:

    Try this link -- I searched at dv247.com  and found it on page 4 of the Line 6 listings.

    Thank you a lot for your help and attention, but as I said I can't order it due to Line 6 policy. Line 6 forbids them to sell and ship L6 products to another countries where Line 6 have an official distributors. You can see it on attached screenshot. The same result I got before at Thomann.de .

    There is an official Line 6 distributor in my country (Russia), but they just do not sell XPS line. Don't know why, maybe there are too few Variax owners in my country and there is no point to sell this products.

    Anyway If won't find the way to order it or do something diy I will just continue to use it with batteries as before.

     

    Once again, thank you a lot!

    xps.jpg

  14. 15 hours ago, cbrillow said:

    You do realize that you've responded to a posting that was made over 5 years ago, don't you?

     

    Wouldn't count on your being able to come up with the requested info, but I wish you luck!

     

    Yes sir, I do. Asked for it, because Line 6 XPS line is not available in my country at offline stores, online stores, a second-hand products. I can't even order it brand-new from another country due to Line6/yamaha corp policy.

  15.  

    On 1/14/2015 at 11:05 PM, stevesilk1951 said:

    OK Guys,

     

    Looked around in the UK and the cheapest Line 6 Variax Cabled Power Kit  I could find was £99.

     

    However Digital Village (DV247.com) do the A/B switch for £22.70,

    Official Line 6 Power adapter 9v 2000mA on ebay.co.uk around £18,

    TRS Cable £12.00,

    XLR Cable £14.50.(optional if you want to go acoustic in PA)

     

    Total: £67.20

     

    Admit you have several packages to wait for but 1/3 off seems good to me.

     

    Hope this helps others wanting to save battery use.

     

    Regards

     

    Steve

     

    Hi Steve! Could you give a direct link for Digital Village A/B switch at their website please? Can't find it at dv247.com.

     

    Cheers!

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