Topic: Stupid UA-5 Phantom Power Button, Anyone Mod This Yet?

[bhadella]

Do to the all day festival environment    I inadvertently bumped the phantom button killing signal two different times will setting levels for new acts.  Although I wasn't clear-minded, it was still way to easy to bump that sensitive phantom button.  Anyone have any ideas on a cover (flip open cover) or moding the insides to always run Phantom to the XLRs?

Thanks

Brian

[ChrisV]

I've actually had more problems with bumping the power switch off myself...but could see how it could happen with the phantom power button too because I did the same thing with the SW Monitor button once(which was a big deal to me because with my led level monitors it screwed me up thinking I was too low of levels and I ran too hot).

[John Kelly]

While borrowing a UA-5 I had managed to bump the phantom power button while adjusting levels a few times.  I found it extremely annoying...

[bhadella]

Tiny nobs right next to a very sensitive button = trouble

[fozzy]

I removed my power switch when i was inside the case to do the digi-mod.  As for protecting the Phantom button it would be hard to put a box around it (like on a power strip) but w/ some CA glue and clear plastic (i'm thinkin peices a RJ45 jack after a vice grip attack) you could do some thing like this.  XLR is the Right XLR input, VOL is the Right Volume knob, PH is the phantom button.  Looks like i got a project for tonight.  I'll snap a few pics.


XLR                  -----|
XLR      VOL      PH  |
XLR                  -----|

[BobW]

1) Put both power and phantom where you want them.
2) Caulk them in position with clear silicone (RTV) sealant. (leave a small blob on top)

Clear silicone will usually peel off without doing damage when you want to put it back to original (reason for the blob)

I haven't tried to peel mine, so I won't swear it won't do any damage, but it will save shows.

[dklein]

1) Put both power and phantom where you want them.
2) Caulk them in position with clear silicone (RTV) sealant. (leave a small blob on top)

I think the phantom is a logic switch - you can't fix it in place because it needs to pressed each time.

[fozzy]

1) Put both power and phantom where you want them.
2) Caulk them in position with clear silicone (RTV) sealant. (leave a small blob on top)

I think the phantom is a logic switch - you can't fix it in place because it needs to pressed each time.

This is correct

Power on: Phantom OFF, Monitor ON.

You need to turn on phantom each time the unit is powered on and off. technology  

[johnw]

I removed my power switch when i was inside the case to do the digi-mod.  [snip]

I'm assuming that you put in a different switch? Or did you just connect the wires and it is automatically on when the battery is plugged in? Either way, I'd be interested in pictures.

[fozzy]

The blue plastic button is actually removable and there is a little switch on the PCB.  I removed the switch cover.  There is  now a whole where the button used to be and i can stick my finger inside the unit to hit the switch.

Before:

     |
     |
-------
|          --|
|          --|
-------
     |
     |

After

    |
    |
   
        _ _|
       -- - |
   
    |
    |

[BobW]

1) Put both power and phantom where you want them.
2) Caulk them in position with clear silicone (RTV) sealant. (leave a small blob on top)

I think the phantom is a logic switch - you can't fix it in place because it needs to pressed each time.

So I peeled the Phantom switch RTV and all is well.
No damage, 'cept to my pride and sensibilty.   

The power switch is always on, phantom might get a grommet or an O-ring, if I can get it to stay on.
Not much button to work with.

[mirth]

I wouldn't mind seeing a clear plastic cover mod for the power button... kinda like what you see covering the nuke launch button in movies. I accidentally turned my UA-5 off while recording this past weekend and had to restart my machine. Thankfully it was while the band was still getting set up.

[Electric Cowgirl]

I have trouble getting the phantom power to turn on.  I have to push the little button just right to get power.  Kinda go at it from below and straight down the middle.  Same for shutting it off.  At first I found this very aggrevating but now it's all good.  Practice makes perfect.

I can't think of a way to mod it, but heres an idea.  Get a soda bottle lid or a beer bottle lid(better since it's smaller) and a small peice of gaffers tape.  After turning on the phantom power tape the lid over the button. Position it so you can still turn the gain knobs and your problem is solved.   

[keepongoin]

that is an excellent idea with the beer bottlecap.  +T

 

[JasonGreen]

I've actually had more problems with bumping the power switch off myself...but could see how it could happen with the phantom power button too because I did the same thing with the SW Monitor button once(which was a big deal to me because with my led level monitors it screwed me up thinking I was too low of levels and I ran too hot).

Flew to Florida from Seattle to tape DMB.  Set my mics, levels etc, and started recording.  Got to the end of the show and realized I bumped the UA-5 off.  Now I'm one of those freaks that checks the equipment every 20 mins.  I was really pissed at myself.