Matchbox 7 is EATING BATTERIES!

[Jim Hollingsworth]

I'm not sure why, but my Matchbox 7A is eating batteries even if it gets only occasional use. The input is unplugged when not in use. Example: I put new 9v batteries in in late May. I didn't play for half of July. Today the unit is fuzzing.... batteries were down to less than 1 volt.

Does anyone have a suggestion?

jim

[John De Maille]

I have a SteelDriver III and I unplug both wires when not in use. The batteries last a long time for me.

[Larry Dering]

Jim, it's possible that the contacts are not going open and the pedal is still on even unplugged. I don't like the unplug method and will eventually put a on/off switch on the pedal. Open the pedal and watch the contacts as you plug and unplug it on the output jack.

[Donny Hinson]

Does anyone have a suggestion?

Learn to do without it, as thousands of players have.

30-40 years ago, most every player used one. Now, with powered volume pedals and the renewed interest in the advantages of pot-pedals, I seldom see players using a Matchbox.

[Erv Niehaus]

The model 7A should have a on/off switch on it.
That disconnects the battery so there should be no drain on the battery.
Erv

[Eric Einarsson]

It is also possible that one or more of its electrolytic capacitors has become leaky.

I have an old guitar tuner that began consuming batteries while sitting unused in its case. I measured the current draw in its 'off' state, and it did have some small current draw. I replaced its four electrolytic capacitors and now it doesn't draw any current while it's off.

Good luck fixing the problem.

Eric

[Tom Wolverton]

I’d get a Freeloader instead. It is very efficient on power. And I think you can buy them from Brad now with a power off switch on them.

[Erv Niehaus]

I use a Matchbox if for no other reason than I have a volume and tone control right at my finger tips.
Erv

[Jim Palenscar]

Ask Kevin about it but w my Steeldriver I need to unplug the output- not the input.