Replacement Grounded Power Supply
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Received my grounded power supply today after submitting a ticket. Can't use it as the three pin adaptor is not UK socket compatible. I'm getting to the point where I feel positive grid is deliberately shafting people...
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Can't you get an adapter?
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@stinger0625 You're missing the point, but yes Captain, I can.
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Any Laptop PSU will work as long as
- It has the correct sized connector to go in to Amp power socket.
- Min 2.4 amp.
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I think op is aware of this. It's not about how you resolve it, there's plenty of posts on that. Its about the fact that pg should be making it right, and in this case they simply ended up frustrating the customer instead of resolving.
Something that could have been averted if customer support were more attentive and/or had the right system in front of them to provide a viable solution.
I have a feeling that pg simply haven't scaled up their customer support with enough bodies to manage or they aren't receiving the neccessary training. Throw in what appears to be a couple of common issues and there's a good chance they are sinking beneath tickets.
What really doesn't help is there's simply no transparency. Instead of acknowledging challenges or having an active presence in the forums they choose to go dark which only results in customers arriving at their own conclusions.
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Just realised mine is doing this too. Pretty frustrating.
I have a laptop PSU rated 3.42A - can I use that or will it damage my amp?
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@switch625 What is the listed output voltage on your laptop PSU? Be cautious of the 'any laptop power supply will work...' advice above as it leaves out the correct voltage info. Since PG, as far as I know, has not published any input voltage ranges for the Spark you should be sticking with a power supply that has 19V DC output. I've seen plenty of laptop power supplies in my day that have 25V DC output or more. Most modern ones are 18.5V to 19.5V, but there are outliers that deviate from that. So add 19V DC output to the info above regarding minimum amperage capacity and connecter size (5.5mm OD/2.1mm ID, center positive. 2.5mm ID connectors will work, but will be a loose fit and a minimum of 2.4A current supply) and you should be OK.
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@radu7 Thanks for the info. The laptop PSU is rated at 19V output so should hopefully be okay. The connectors are exactly the same size as per the picture below and the polarity is the same. I'm still a little cautious but might give it a go when I'm feeling brave.
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the point is that PG should've sorted the issue by now and should be sending every spark out with an updated power supply, regardless if it only hums in certain areas.
I expect this product to last longer than the 12 month warranty offered, and I expect to be able to use it in any country I want to travel to in the future as well.
The approach they are using to mask this issue is unacceptable. -
@crystalpit In their response to a request for a new PS they explain why they haven't fixed the problem;
"There are many environmental elements and combinations that can result in amplifier hum or noise. While at the moment the majority of Spark users are not experiencing serious hum issues, customer satisfaction is very important to us, so we would be happy to work with you to ensure that you get the best playing experience possible with your Spark. To verify if a grounded power supply improves the noise level in your specific environment, we will source, test, and ship a power supply to you."
Then they explain that due to COVID it's going to be a while. I don't buy their explanation but that's what it is. IMHO they have determined that it is more cost effective to only replace the PS for those who complain. I'm certain there are many out there who either don't bother or find a work around. Several work arounds have been identified across this forum, and a few have even said they don't have a problem. With over 100,000 sold, replacing even a couple hundred PS is cheaper than solving the problem or changing their manufacturing process. They've already demonstrated their logistic challenges in just trying to keep up with demand for the Amp itself. Imagine what it would take for them to change out the PS for every unit currently in stock or awaiting shipment and any new Amps going forward. -
so they are hoping no one packs up and moves to a new place within 12mths if it's working fine now.
Yea..i don't accept their cr@p generic responses.
Were not buying a disposable unit here.
My motto is.. do it right 1st time round . -
@switch625 In addition to all the other specs (19v, at least 2.4 amps) you have to be sure of the polarity of the tip of the plug! For the Spark you MUST have tip-positive! Some computers have tip-negative, so carefully check the very small and often barely legible print on the power supply before you use it.
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@dhbailey said in Replacement Grounded Power Supply:
@switch625 In addition to all the other specs (19v, at least 2.4 amps) you have to be sure of the polarity of the tip of the plug! For the Spark you MUST have tip-positive! Some computers have tip-negative, so carefully check the very small and often barely legible print on the power supply before you use it.
Thanks @dhbailey. I checked and my laptop PSU has the same polarity as the PG supplied power supply. However I'm trying to get a replacement first. They've asked me to send a video on a clean channel showing the hum so I've just done that.