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One Variax works with Helix, the other does not


jon_bondy
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I have had a Variax (JTV-89) for a while, and it works well with the Helix Floor using the "ethernet" cable.  I just purchased another JTV-89, and while it connects to Workbench HD, it does not seem to like the Helix.  I get no sound out of the Helix with the new guitar, but the old guitar works fine, so it is not the cable, the Helix, or the amp.  When I connect the new guitar to Workbench HD, the software loads all of the Variax presets, so the "ethernet" connection is not entirely dead.  When connected to the Helix with the  "ethernet" cable, power is supplied to the new JTV-89.

 

The new JTV-89 works fine using the 1/4" jack, just not with the "ethernet" and the Helix.

 

Could there be a configuration error of some sort?  I don't want to send the guitar back if the problem is stupidity on my end.

 

Thanks.

 

Jon

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Putting things slightly differently, does Helix require that you "register" each Variax by serial number before it will work with different Variaxes?  That is kind of how it is behaving.

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No you don’t need to register the Variax in order to enable the interaction with Helix. The symptoms suggest a problem with audio transmission over VDI. Workbench HD involves only data transmission (command/control); no audio. You could try reinstalling the Variax firmware. If that doesn’t work it’s likely a hardware problem - open a support ticket.

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I would physically inspect the 'problem' JTVs VDI output jack for any obvious physical issues, and clean it with isopropyl alcohol to ensure it doesn't have some sort of gunktm build up.

 

I would also try another cable to be sure its not that cable's connection with that guitar causing the issue as the other guitar may have damaged the cable in a way they work fine together, just not with new freinds. I would also make sure I have a high quality VDI cable not the thing they come with thats like a network cable as they're pretty average. I've had one line 6 branded VDI cable go bad over many years, and it was giving flakey connections before it fully died.

 

Also, whilst you're not getting sound, does the Helix power the problem JTV via the VDI cable (ensuring there is no battery in the JTV)? If not on plugin, does it power it after changing the Helix Patch or pressing the JTV model button?

 

All things to try to isolate the issue.

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Thanks!

 

Interesting idea reinstalling the Variax firmware, but the guitar works fine via the 1/4" jack, so that seems like a long shot.

 

I will try to clean the new Variax's connector.

 

The cable is essentially new, and works fine with the original Variax, so I doubt the cable is the culprit.  The cable is a genuine Line 6 cable, a month old.

 

The Helix does power both Variaxes.  But when I connect the new Variax to the Helix, and fiddle with the smart knobs on the Variax, nothing changes in Helix; the older Variax works perfectly.

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On 6/17/2024 at 7:33 AM, jon_bondy said:

Thanks!

 

Interesting idea reinstalling the Variax firmware, but the guitar works fine via the 1/4" jack, so that seems like a long shot.

 

I will try to clean the new Variax's connector.

 

The cable is essentially new, and works fine with the original Variax, so I doubt the cable is the culprit.  The cable is a genuine Line 6 cable, a month old.

 

The Helix does power both Variaxes.  But when I connect the new Variax to the Helix, and fiddle with the smart knobs on the Variax, nothing changes in Helix; the older Variax works perfectly.

 

Symptoms are pointing to a hardware issue with the VDI output... if that's the case, then there's little to nothing that you'll be able to do on your end. If you just bought it, get your money back. That is almost guaranteed to be easier (and less expensive) than the repair odyssey that awaits...

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The fact that the Workbench HD software works indicates that at least some of the hardware is OK.  Perhaps a few contacts have some oxidation.  I don't have a parts diagram to understand which pieces I could purchase (like just the connector, for example).  But I agree that a simple fix seems unlikely.

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There was a simple solution suggested earlier that might work. All symptoms point to the VDI connection on the Variax that is not working. Visually inspect that connector on the guitar. If any pins seem bent, fashion a J-hook out of some thin wire and gently bend them back into position.

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@silverhead: after spending an hour with a 'scope, trying to compare my known-good JTV-89 with the new one, I came to the same conclusion.  A visual inspection of the wires in the connector in the guitar revealed that a few of them were bent.  At the suggestion of my local luthier, I made a small wire hook and pulled a few of them, gently, back into place.  The guitar works now.

20240623_151240.jpg

20240624_125521.jpg

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