Aguilar Tone Hammer DC IN

pmaraziti · #1 10-22-2008, 01:47 PM

Guys,

I read in the Aguilar Tone Hammer that the DC IN has to be 24v 0.5 regulated. I use a T-rex to power my pedals and it has only 9v and 12v outputs.... any idea? I'd hate to run this with batteries....

THanks a lot, P

bongomania · #2 10-22-2008, 03:01 PM

If the "0.5" you put there is .5 amps (500mA) then you can use a Y-cable from two of the 12V outputs IF each output is capable of providing 500mA. If they do, then you can get one of those Y cables from any vendor of power supply accessories, it's a common thing to buy. If each output cannot supply 500mA, then you cannot power the TH with the T-Rex.

JanusZarate · #3 10-22-2008, 03:04 PM

Wait, would that even work?

The T-Rex supply he's referring to can only be the Fuel Tank. The eight 9VDC outputs have a common ground (not isolated). The first 12V output is DC and isolated. The second is 12VAC and isolated.

No way to link them... a Y-cable would equal disaster with such outputs.

bongomania · #4 10-22-2008, 03:07 PM

Did not realize. Do not want.

I was thinking of isolated DC outputs.

JanusZarate · #5 10-22-2008, 03:10 PM

On a side note... you could theoretically use a voltage pump like the Godlyke Power Pump to turn 9VDC into 24VDC. The problem ends up being a huge current shortage. The total available current on the 9VDC section is 500mA. That'll drop dramatically if voltage is increased, and that would also mean nothing else could be powered. Of course, there wouldn't be enough current to run the Tone Hammer, either, after the voltage increase.

It wouldn't work on the 12VDC output either, because its max is also 500mA, and again, that would drop.

But you know what? I highly doubt that 500mA is the pedal's average usage. That sounds like the adapter spec to me... especially since we're talking about a fancy DI box and not something more demanding.

JanusZarate · #6 10-22-2008, 03:16 PM

Okay, you know what? Scrap what I said before.

A) the Aguilar website says it runs on an 18VDC supply. I don't know where you got 24VDC, pmaraziti.

B) It can be powered by two 9V batteries. So it can't possibly be using that much current, on average. It'd be ridiculous to include a battery-power option if it did.

Aguilar doesn't have the manual online, so I can't confirm the exact numbers yet... but it's 18VDC, and assuming the current use is low (which in this case, it most likely has to be), your Fuel Tank hasn't been rendered useless yet.

ghiadub · #7 10-22-2008, 03:17 PM

I think it would drain batteries very fast. Aguilar sells an optional power supply, you should be using that to power it. The website claims it is 18v, not 24v.

JanusZarate · #8 10-22-2008, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghiadub

I think it would drain batteries very fast. Aguilar sells an optional power supply, you should be using that to power it.

Not necessarily. It's based largely on their OBP-3 onboard preamp, and that doesn't use much power at all (most onboard preamps are incredibly friendly to batteries). Otherwise, it'd be impractical to install on a bass.

Again, I'm certain the 500mA spec he quoted is not correct. Even if it's the spec of the adapter (which is actually 18VDC, I've confirmed), it's far more than is required at minimum for a typical effect of this kind.

ghiadub · #9 10-22-2008, 03:47 PM

Thanks Boo. So, since we are talking 18v, couldn't you couple two of the outs from a 9v powersupply (if it has enough mA)?

Kinda like you do when you convert one of thier 9v onboard preamps to 18v.

irvinz · #10 10-22-2008, 04:02 PM

actually.the aguilar manual says 24V. however i power it up with 18V. not sure if its a typo in the manual? i figured 2 9V batteries = 18V and not lots of current

bongomania · #11 10-22-2008, 04:06 PM

Still and all, the outputs from the power supply must be isolated. The 9VDC outs of the T-Rex are not isolated. I guess you could combine one of the 9's with the 12VDC isolated outlet, depending on whether the TH really does need 500mA or if that's just the rating on the power supply they sell.

Humblerumble · #12 10-22-2008, 08:14 PM

Mine went thru it's first set of batteries pretty quickly.

Ebelow · #13 10-22-2008, 10:06 PM

Mine is running with the Dunlop DC-Brick's one of the 18V out.

pmaraziti · #14 10-23-2008, 01:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticBoo

A) the Aguilar website says it runs on an 18VDC supply. I don't know where you got 24VDC, pmaraziti.

Indeed you're right. I emailed yesterday the Aguilar tech support and they clarified it's 18V not 24V
The 24V is though what it appears in the little technical leaflet included with the unit, they said it's a typo.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticBoo

Aguilar doesn't have the manual online, so I can't confirm the exact numbers yet... but it's 18VDC, and assuming the current use is low (which in this case, it most likely has to be), your Fuel Tank hasn't been rendered useless yet.

Meaning... do you think I can just power it with a 9V output from the Fuel Tank?

dannybuoy · #15 10-23-2008, 04:55 AM

If not, try a Diago 18v adaptor or Godlyke Power Pump - IF they're capable of handling 500mA. These are little cables that boost the 9v up to 18v using a combination of voodoo black magic and pixie dust.

bongomania · #16 10-23-2008, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmaraziti

Meaning... do you think I can just power it with a 9V output from the Fuel Tank?

I realize there may be a language barrier, so I will try to simplify:

1) Find out from Aguilar (not from guessing by people on a forum) whether the TH really needs 500mA, and if not 500 then how much mA does it really need.

2) The T Rex 9V outlets share a top possible mA of 500, so if the TH really needs 500 then you cannot power any more 9V pedals with the T Rex. The T Rex 12V outlet provides 500mA by itself.

It is possible that maybe one of those power-boosting cable adapters might work, but they draw double the current in order to provide double the voltage, so you'd be left with only 250mA maximum.

The only reasonable answer I see is to get a Y cable that can combine the voltage from one of the 9V outlets with the 12VDC outlet. That way you get 21V with 500mA, the TH is happy and strong, and you can still power other 9V pedals.

JanusZarate · #17 10-23-2008, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

It is possible that maybe one of those power-boosting cable adapters might work, but they draw double the current in order to provide double the voltage, so you'd be left with only 250mA maximum.

This is the option I'm suggesting.

But again, as Bongo said, find out from Aguilar what the actual draw is. 500mA just seems too much for a presumably analog DI/tone shaper.

Ebelow · #18 10-23-2008, 12:57 PM

Yes the TH owner manual says: center negative-24V- 0.5A (=500mA) regulated DC, or two 9V battery, or the phantom power. If you have the duplicator daisy chain cable with the FuelTank you can use two 9V out, agree with Bongomania - use only the 9V outs, if isolated, and look in the Fueltank's manual, how is going to be the max mA output for the two 9V output together!
Aguiar is already told that, 18V is the correct power!

Antman3820 · #19 10-23-2008, 03:40 PM

http://www.mpja.com/prodinfo.asp?number=17624+PD

I emailed Bestbassgear and was quoted a price of $30.00 for the Aguilar power supply....

Anyhow, the price for the one I lniked to is $4.95 plus shipping.....Its rated at 18VDC 400milliamps....Have to see if the Aguilar really needs 500 milliamps.

JanusZarate · #20 10-23-2008, 03:57 PM

Don't get that one - it's unregulated! That's why it's so cheap.

With a few exceptions (like some really old Boss pedals), you should never get an unregulated supply for your effects pedals.