MORE HELIX GRIEF: Pedal stuck on Exp2

[Aurasphere_au]

So along with the headphone op amp seemingly dying, now the exp2 pedal no longer cycles back to 1 using toe switch. 

I then did a full reset and no change to behaviour

 

I just want to make music and do my job...not crap around with issues...am I missing some hidden procedure...maybe walking backwards around it and doing some chant???

 

Where do I start?

 

EDIT:

To be clear

• This happens on a full and complete reset; COMPLETE reset
• I do not have any external pedals or foot switches connected in any way
• I have the latest firmware installed 3.6-e171dae

 

[rd2rk]

Some people have all the luck! Some of us go for years (7 in my case) without major problems.

 

Did you buy it new? Is it under warranty?

I'm guessing not, since you seem to want to mess with swapping electronic components.

Well, since you'll be taking it apart anyway to do that, you might as well try cleaning the switch and check for broken wires, cold solder joints - you know, the usual electronics stuff.

 

Break a leg - since "Good Luck" seems inappropriate in your case... :-(

[theElevators]

Well, mine still switches, but I created all my presets around EXP 2.  I re-assigned all my wahs to use EXP 2. 

 

So worst case scenario, you can do the same...  I'm not kidding when I say, I wish there was a way to disable the switching on mine... That way both internal and external pedals are always on EXP 2. 

 

It sucks, I wish Helix was built better.  It looks like it's built like a tank, but it isn't.  You are not alone with all these issues, trust me. 

[DunedinDragon]

I guess this must be a "luck of the draw" situation.  I have two Helix Floor units I've used every week either live or in the studio for  7 years and nothing has ever "crapped out" other than some footswitches that needed cleaning to work better once.

[HonestOpinion]

You probably are already aware, but you have to press hard on that thang! The toe-switch that is. Still not working...

 

Try starting up your Helix in test mode (on the Helix - keep FS 3 & 4 depressed while starting). At least you may be able to see if the toe-switch appears is responding correctly at the hardware level.

 

If it is, I might consider making backups and then doing the firmware update along with the full global reset again (FS 9 & 10). Try just the global reset first. If that doesn't work, then update the firmware again and do the global reset. Test the toe-switch on a factory preset.

[Aurasphere_au]

On 9/7/2023 at 6:42 PM, HonestOpinion said:

You probably are already aware, but you have to press hard on that thang! The toe-switch that is. Still not working...

 

Try starting up your Helix in test mode (on the Helix - keep FS 3 & 4 depressed while starting). At least you may be able to see if the toe-switch appears is responding correctly at the hardware level.

 

If it is, I might consider making backups and then doing the firmware update along with the full global reset again (FS 9 & 10). Try just the global reset first. If that doesn't work, then update the firmware again and do the global reset. Test the toe-switch on a factory preset.

Yep have done that twice already...

I have owned it for a while and even the hd500 was hard on the toe switch re pressing hard

 

You dont have to do firmware to test software function though...

 

On 9/4/2023 at 12:14 PM, theElevators said:

Well, mine still switches, but I created all my presets around EXP 2.  I re-assigned all my wahs to use EXP 2.

 

To hardwire to exp 1, you simply plug an unconnected 6.35 jack into the exp 2 socket and it will force exp 1 onto the helix pedal

[HonestOpinion]

On 9/7/2023 at 6:09 PM, markwesse said:

...

 

You dont have to do firmware to test software function though...

 

 

...

 

Maybe I misunderstood your initial post. It seemed to indicate that the Helix's built-in pedal was not switching between EXP1 and EXP2 when you stomped on the switch. If that is the issue you were having, that could be a failing toe-switch, a hardware issue that would manifest at the software level. Seems worthwhile to check it. Also, by testing in the troubleshooting mode you help ensure that you are not encountering an issue caused by global options, preset configuration, firmware glitch, or some other higher-level combination of factors.

 

You stated that "I do not have any external pedals or foot switches connected in any way" so I assume this is referring to the Helix's onboard pedal.

[Aurasphere_au]

On 9/9/2023 at 5:51 AM, HonestOpinion said:

 

Maybe I misunderstood your initial post. It seemed to indicate that the Helix's built-in pedal was not switching between EXP1 and EXP2 when you stomped on the switch. If that is the issue you were having, that could be a failing toe-switch, a hardware issue that would manifest at the software level. Seems worthwhile to check it. Also, by testing in the troubleshooting mode you help ensure that you are not encountering an issue caused by global options, preset configuration, firmware glitch, or some other higher-level combination of factors.

 

You stated that "I do not have any external pedals or foot switches connected in any way" so I assume this is referring to the Helix's onboard pedal.

Thanks

Yep I dont have anything connected but I knew from past experiences with pedals, that as soon as you plug into exp 2, the hardware socket switch internal to be exp 1 only

So for @theElevators, it was a hint that you can reprogram or force a hardware switch with a dummy connector as an option (I would think)

 

Im pretty sure its a failed toe switch and added that to the list of the repairs as its in the shop atm

 

Cheers

[m6255]

On 9/3/2023 at 9:14 PM, theElevators said:

Well, mine still switches, but I created all my presets around EXP 2.  I re-assigned all my wahs to use EXP 2. 

 

So worst case scenario, you can do the same...  I'm not kidding when I say, I wish there was a way to disable the switching on mine... That way both internal and external pedals are always on EXP 2. 

 

It sucks, I wish Helix was built better.  It looks like it's built like a tank, but it isn't.  You are not alone with all these issues, trust me. 

I think it is built pretty good. Mass produced in China mind you but what isn’t. I didn’t open mine but I saw another one open online. It resembled all the other pod foot switches. A bunch of PCBs all connected with that flat cable. I do dig the new foot switch buttons. I still have the originally FBV short board.  It’s so old you stomp on a switch and it’s very difficult to press.  Probably dirty. Can’t selll it on eBay because version 2 has midi. But beware all of the pod foot controllers are a little different. Anyway, I’m about to reset my helix after creating a backup. My on board express pedal has been stuck on exp 2 since I bought it new. I do have a mission controller expression pedal. I plug it in 2 or 3 nothing changes. I did the hardware test, I can slam on the toe switch.. nothing. But as I move the pedal it showed exp 2 mo ing. I tried manually assigning a persmiter toe p 1 but as soon as I move the pedal it jumps to 2. I have the last firmware 3.8 sadly the firmware upgrades have stopped. Typical when lone 6 gets a new toy it abandons the former.   Variax?  DT 50? Never heard of them ! 

[rd2rk]

On 10/23/2025 at 5:47 PM, m6255 said:

My on board express pedal has been stuck on exp 2 since I bought it new.

 

What did they say when you opened a Support Ticket?

 

On 10/23/2025 at 5:47 PM, m6255 said:

I tried manually assigning a persmiter toe p 1

 

???????

 

On 10/23/2025 at 5:47 PM, m6255 said:

I have the last firmware 3.8 sadly the firmware upgrades have stopped. Typical when lone 6 gets a new toy it abandons the former.

 

They haven't stopped, there just hasn't been one lately. They're a little busy with Stadium, but there WILL be updates.

 

https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/helix-3-9-wishlist.2714547/post-42223469

 

Take a positive view. Open a Support Ticket. Even if it's out of warranty, they've been known to help anyway.

For all you know it could be a known issue with a simple solution.

 

TIP - be positive when asking for help. Nobody likes a negative Nancy.