Bass Whammy PSU

Spikeh · #1 07-13-2008, 02:43 AM

I've managed to get hold of a bass whammy... but it seems the power supply that was sent with it is broken.

While I've the option of sending it back to the guy, I'd much rather just get it working.

I've tried a spare power supply I have with it, which actually turns the lights on the unit on, but there's no signal flow through either output.

The unit says it's rated to 780mA, 9V... the PSU I tried with it was 300mA, 9V and the power supply that came with it is 500mA, 9v! Could using a 300mA PSU yield these results (i.e. power, but no throughput)? Am I right in assuming there's not enough current in the 300mA PSU for the pedal?

Also, I've found some PSUs with the same jack on them, with a greater mA rating (1300 or more). Would this be detrimental to the unit? Could I use one of those or would I have to match the current exactly?

I've been researching Digitech's PSUs, and found their current Whammy IV's PSU is the PS0913B-120. This supplies 1300mA - does the Whammy IV need 1300mA? Could I use this PSU with the Bass Whammy?

Also found this PSU:

http://www.thomann.de/gb/alesis_p2_n...rtner_id=87171

Could I use those? Sorry, I know very little about electronics... thanks in advance for any help.

judas jedermann · #2 07-13-2008, 04:54 AM

You need AC-Power supply, boss-style DC won`t work, Normal whammy PSU works just fine:
http://www.thomann.de/gb/digitech_ps0920_netzteil.htm

4StringsEnough · #3 07-13-2008, 07:53 AM

This one's £11.95. Always had an excellent service from them:

http://www.effectpowersupplies.com/9...pedals-5-p.asp

The other ones linked to above have a European plug so you'd need an extra adaptor as I see you're from England. This one is a UK plug.

Spikeh · #4 07-13-2008, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4StringsEnough

This one's £11.95. Always had an excellent service from them:

http://www.effectpowersupplies.com/9...pedals-5-p.asp

The other ones linked to above have a European plug so you'd need an extra adaptor as I see you're from England. This one is a UK plug.

Yeah I looked at that one actually. So, even though this is 1000mA, it won't overload the unit?

judas jedermann · #5 07-13-2008, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spikeh

So, even though this is 1000mA, it won't overload the unit?

It doesn`t go like that, Bass whammy need at least 780 mA to work properly. It is good to have more mA for headroom.

Lebowsky · #6 07-13-2008, 12:06 PM

I have an american one that I dont use since I'm Europe. pay shipping and it's yours! pm me if you're interested, I'll see how cheapest I can make it for you.

edit: NM, didn't see you wre in UK :/

4StringsEnough · #7 07-13-2008, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spikeh

Yeah I looked at that one actually. So, even though this is 1000mA, it won't overload the unit?

No, as Judas says, it doesn't quite work like that as the pedal takes the power it needs rather than having the maximum output of the power supply forced on it which could overload it. I'd say the clue was in the title of that power supply that it actually mentions the Whammy. If, as Judas says, the Bass whammy needs 780ma to work then 1000ma will be fine. 780ma does sound high, but it sounds too exact to argue with so I'll take Judas' word for it!!!

Spikeh · #8 07-13-2008, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4StringsEnough

No, as Judas says, it doesn't quite work like that as the pedal takes the power it needs rather than having the maximum output of the power supply forced on it which could overload it. I'd say the clue was in the title of that power supply that it actually mentions the Whammy. If, as Judas says, the Bass whammy needs 780ma to work then 1000ma will be fine. 780ma does sound high, but it sounds too exact to argue with so I'll take Judas' word for it!!!

It defo needs 780mA, it says on the back and in the manual

Thanks for the advice guys, I'll order a PSU and see if I can get it working!

bongomania · #9 07-13-2008, 01:13 PM

In case it wasn't made clear enough yet, the power supply can have an amps rating any amount higher than the amount the unit draws. The voltage has to be just the right amount, and it has to be the correct choice of AC vs. DC and the correct choice of polarity, but the amperage can be whatever number, as long as it's not less than the amount the pedal says it needs. The pedal will only draw what it needs.

Yes, using a supply that has insufficient amperage might well have the result of lighting up the lights but not operating properly otherwise. I've seen that result many times.

Spikeh · #10 07-13-2008, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongomania

In case it wasn't made clear enough yet, the power supply can have an amps rating any amount higher than the amount the unit draws. The voltage has to be just the right amount, and it has to be the correct choice of AC vs. DC and the correct choice of polarity, but the amperage can be whatever number, as long as it's not less than the amount the pedal says it needs. The pedal will only draw what it needs.

Yes, using a supply that has insufficient amperage might well have the result of lighting up the lights but not operating properly otherwise. I've seen that result many times.

It's ordered now

The guy I bought it off is being very nice about it all and has offered me my money back, but I'd much rather just have a working pedal. He also said he would pay for any repairs if I decide to go down that route.

I've ordered that 1000mA PSU, should be with me this week. I'm really hoping that it's the fact that the PSU he sent me is broken and the 300mA PSU I tried it with just won't supply it with enough juice.

I'll let you all know how it goes

Spikeh · #11 07-26-2008, 09:06 AM

The pedal works with the new PSU, but the volume pot is very scratchy. I had it looked at, and an engineer replaced the pot with a nice meaty one, but it's still scratchy... am going to have to get it looked at again.

Bass-Waster · #12 04-28-2010, 06:58 AM

bump! can this be used with it to?

http://www.thomann.de/ie/atm_alz_12.htm

looking for a cheaper alternative to the official one, and I have to get it from here because a friend is putting together an order...

KarateKid25 · #13 04-28-2010, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass-Waster

bump! can this be used with it to?

http://www.thomann.de/ie/atm_alz_12.htm

looking for a cheaper alternative to the official one, and I have to get it from here because a friend is putting together an order...

The 2.2A is fine as explained before (2200mA). The only thing that I can't tell from the details provided is if it is 240v? Also, the prongs don't look to be the UK type, so you will need a travel adapter on it too.

EDIT: Just noticed that you have the Irish option checked, so I guess it is 240v. You guys use the same prongs as London though, right? The ones in the picture don't look right to me. Just check with them first, it might be a generic picture.