The video says it all on the GPO Brooklyn meters and battery drain issue.
https://youtu.be/AerpB6c65kA
https://youtu.be/AerpB6c65kA
Suspicious GPO Brooklyn battery drain issue and meters
- Thread starter Transistorized
- Start date
- Status
I’ve seen that type of microphone based LED VUs on eBay. I considered using that setup in my DIY builds but ended up giving up on the idea as ambient room sounds affect the VU display.
In the case of the GPO box, it’s a simple but serious oversight to have the VU meters and microphones powered at all times resulting in complete battery drainage in 24 hours!
Who knows what other circuitry is ‘live’ when the box is turned off!?
In the case of the GPO box, it’s a simple but serious oversight to have the VU meters and microphones powered at all times resulting in complete battery drainage in 24 hours!
Who knows what other circuitry is ‘live’ when the box is turned off!?
Hmm, that's interesting.
A couple notes: First, virtually ALL modern electronics that turn on simply via a soft switch (like a momentary push switch) vs a hard switch (flip, depress/stay) are constantly powered up. This is the same in cars... electronics are ALWAYS live. The reason is that the soft switch is merely a way for you to input to the computer or MPU or even amplifier modules that you are wanting to turn on the power. There are some advantages to this. First, an amplifier module with a standby mode allows the unit to turn on simply via a tiny signal from an MPU (or an actual switch) and eliminates the pop noise. For small powered devices, this isn't that much of a concern but for high power amps, you do not want a pop noise. This didn't begin just today. Think of the first Lasonic (not the classic gen 1/2 types) 931. You know the ones I'm talking about, those with the fake tuner graphics. If you push the power button, it's simply a momentary switch that tells the computer "I want to turn on." Those Lasonics have been around a long time already. Or, how about the kabooms? Yep. Or virtually ANY unit that powers on with a remote control. Of course, standby current is supposed to be very small. When plugged in, this is of no real concern. But when on batteries, if unattended for a very long time, it is a virtual certainty that the unit will eventually drain dry and cause batteries (if standard batteries) to leak. Basically, if the unit can be operated with a wireless remote OR it does not have a hard power switch, it WILL have a standby current and it will drain down batteries. Now if this model drains down fast, then that means it is using more standby current than other models and if the meters are always live too, then that's a poor design. Very poor, considering this is what, 2018?
As for the meters... is that with all examples you think or just yours? Is it possible that maybe there is a connection issue and tapping/bumping the box is bridging a connection? Because if it IS microphone powered, then why is it so insensitive? If it can't pick up your voice (try screaming), then how will it pick up low volume music? Or does it require bass (like from tapping) vibrations in order to register? In any event, again, maybe we are seeing (like bum box) how they are making these things, not custom designed by some designers for this particular piece of gear, but rather made by assembling ready made off the shelf Chinese modules. Looks like they got it looking right from what I responses but well, maybe this is the world now with modern disposable electronics.
A couple notes: First, virtually ALL modern electronics that turn on simply via a soft switch (like a momentary push switch) vs a hard switch (flip, depress/stay) are constantly powered up. This is the same in cars... electronics are ALWAYS live. The reason is that the soft switch is merely a way for you to input to the computer or MPU or even amplifier modules that you are wanting to turn on the power. There are some advantages to this. First, an amplifier module with a standby mode allows the unit to turn on simply via a tiny signal from an MPU (or an actual switch) and eliminates the pop noise. For small powered devices, this isn't that much of a concern but for high power amps, you do not want a pop noise. This didn't begin just today. Think of the first Lasonic (not the classic gen 1/2 types) 931. You know the ones I'm talking about, those with the fake tuner graphics. If you push the power button, it's simply a momentary switch that tells the computer "I want to turn on." Those Lasonics have been around a long time already. Or, how about the kabooms? Yep. Or virtually ANY unit that powers on with a remote control. Of course, standby current is supposed to be very small. When plugged in, this is of no real concern. But when on batteries, if unattended for a very long time, it is a virtual certainty that the unit will eventually drain dry and cause batteries (if standard batteries) to leak. Basically, if the unit can be operated with a wireless remote OR it does not have a hard power switch, it WILL have a standby current and it will drain down batteries. Now if this model drains down fast, then that means it is using more standby current than other models and if the meters are always live too, then that's a poor design. Very poor, considering this is what, 2018?
As for the meters... is that with all examples you think or just yours? Is it possible that maybe there is a connection issue and tapping/bumping the box is bridging a connection? Because if it IS microphone powered, then why is it so insensitive? If it can't pick up your voice (try screaming), then how will it pick up low volume music? Or does it require bass (like from tapping) vibrations in order to register? In any event, again, maybe we are seeing (like bum box) how they are making these things, not custom designed by some designers for this particular piece of gear, but rather made by assembling ready made off the shelf Chinese modules. Looks like they got it looking right from what I responses but well, maybe this is the world now with modern disposable electronics.
I am in the process of testing this box sitting in the off position with the meter selector switch in the off position. Curious to see if the power draw is more in line with a standby current draw then. If that solves it then great. Easy solution. However, if it still pulls down the battery after 1 day of sitting then I know how to resolve this issue as well. I'll make a patch cable from the battery to the box and install a manual switch capable of handling the 4 Ah the battery is rated for. Then I can isolate it after its charged. Either way......I'm gonna win this battle.
None of this takes away my enjoyment of this box though. There is just something about it that's special IMO
None of this takes away my enjoyment of this box though. There is just something about it that's special IMO
I guess they weren't smart enough to devise a switching circuit that switches the meters on/off with the unit. Such a hard circuit to design I guess.
Nickeccles
Member (SA)
Interesting points raised here! I know this machine isn't going to bowl me over with it's cassette performance, however I do kind of want one! I am not even surprised to hear about the meters & their oddities - I just think that the GPO is a little too expensive at the moment.......I think I will buy one eventually, I like the CD player & ability to play bluetooth too! It won't be joining my favourite boomers anytime soon - maybe kitchen or bedroom for this stereo!!
- Status