Protection Mode Issue - Aguilar

noagreement

noagreement

Oct 12, 2006
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Yo Philly!
#1
Need some advice from the family. I use an Aguilar AG500 single channel amp (~10 years old) that has been a champ, but recently has been acting up a bit. Specifically, the amp cuts into protection mode (shuts off signal to speaker cabs) at random and intermittent times. It was the worst during an outdoor event last month that occurred on an extraordinarily hot day (90+ degrees). I contacted Aguilar a few weeks ago and they indicated that it definitely was not the fuse, and that it shouldn't be an overheating issue (even with the 90+ temps.) since the amp has a very large heat sink (no fan type unit). They said its probably best to ship it up to them for examination. Guessing that it is several weeks for any repair needed (and probably $$).

The problem is that I started playing a bit more regularly lately (3x / month) and am using the amp / cabs set-up at places with little house systems. Used it last weekend and the amp was perfect all evening, even after pushing it up to 1:00 on the master 12:00 on gain. Planning to try it out again this Friday at a similar type venue.

Questions:

1. Do you guys always carry a back-up for smaller gigs without house systems?? Somewhat low on cash and never really thought about having a backup amp (500 watt) just to have in emergency? Never had a problem before.

2. Could this be a cord / connection issue? I am still using 1/4" jacks that are in really good shape and seem to connect fine. I always thought about getting Speakon cables, but never had the need with the current set-up.

Any advice would be appreciated!
 
#4
I have an AG500 SC that had the same problem when I bought it...it actually wouldn't power up - just went straight into protect as soon as you turned it on. It's a long shot, but if you can unplug it from all power and exercise appropriate safety precautions and open the case up, in the middle of the main circuit board there is a big white multi-pin Molex connector. Make ABSOLUTELY sure that it is pushed in firmly and seated until it clicks into place, and that all the individual wires with their metal pins are seated properly in the plug.

I got a REAL good deal on that and it only took me five minutes to turn a boat anchor into a really nice amp by pushing down on the connector until it clicked. It had been dropped and bumped loose It failed again a few days later and I opened it back up and discovered that one of the wires was not fully seated in the connector. Haven't had a problem since.

Just REALLY be careful and don't mess with it if you're not good with working with electrical parts - I'd hate for somebody to get hurt. :(
 
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