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Anyone use a Switchmode power supply??

Discussion in 'Effects [BG]' started by KB, Nov 14, 2001.

  1. Nov 14, 2001 #1
    KB

    KB

    Jan 13, 2000
    Chapel Hill, NC
    The newest bassplayer (Dec 2001 pg 24) has a decription of the Switchmode digital technology power supply that can power up to 20 pedals with no-walwarts and by only using 1 outlet. It claims to add no hum. Does anyone own one of these power supplies or has anyone tried one? I'm tired of buying batteries for my mixed bag of pedals (see my profile for the list) so I am looking for a good power supply. I have seen this for sale on the net for $40 (from MF and ZZounds) and it comes with a 5 connector daisy chain. I don't have a full pedal board yet (I may make one in the near future), But I would love to not have to deal with batteries and pedals dying in the middle of shows (this has happened--I always carry spare batteries, but it is just a pain to deal with them). Please let me know any info. Thanks

    -KB
     
  2. Nov 15, 2001 #2
    Joris

    Joris

    Jan 20, 2000
    Zevenbergen, The Netherlands
    The fact that it's a SMPS (switch mode power supply) shouldn't be a consideration IMO. Do you wonder about a conventional power supply using a bridge rectifier or diodes, or a linear voltage regulator or a step-down buck regulator? Why wonder about SMPS?

    But in case you wanted to know: SMPSes are likely to handle more power, and cause less hum, because they operate at high frequencies instead of 50/60 Hz. And they are always regulated. And more compact.

    I never use batteries, and hook up everything that needs 9 volts up to the same power supply and have never experienced hum or anything, 'cept for that time I hooked up too many and the regulator couldn't handle it.

    Batteries are expensive, clumsy, and they contain stuff that's bad for the environment.
     
  3. Nov 15, 2001 #3
    KB

    KB

    Jan 13, 2000
    Chapel Hill, NC
    so you use this power supply? I am just trying to find a good realiable powersupply for my pedals and the size/price/no-hum/etc. of the switchmode sounds interesting. I am considering all options, but the switchmode looks the best so that's why I want people's opinions/experience with it :cool:

    -KB
     
  4. Nov 15, 2001 #4
    Joris

    Joris

    Jan 20, 2000
    Zevenbergen, The Netherlands
    No I don't use an SMPS. That's the whole thing. It doesn't matter.

    Ask yourself this question: did you ever question the reliability and power handling of the power supply in your computer? All computers use SPMSes. Some computers run at high power for years. I have never noticed any differences between normal power supplies and switched mode ones.

    So if you're willing to spend extra money on an SMPS, then I'd do so. They're very compact and they don't run warm.
     
  5. Nov 15, 2001 #5
    KB

    KB

    Jan 13, 2000
    Chapel Hill, NC
    Thaks for the info. I bought one on the net today. I'll give a review after I hook it up to my pedals. I like compact as when I build my pedalboard I want it to be very small.

    -KB
     
  6. Nov 19, 2001 #6
    coyoteboy

    coyoteboy Bongo destroys villages and does my laundry Supporting Member

    Mar 29, 2000
    Sactomato, CA
    Related to this, is there a single multi-power supply that will accomodate variable voltages? Such as powering 9v + 18v + 12v at the same time?
     
  7. Nov 19, 2001 #7
    ImNotGeddyLee

    ImNotGeddyLee

    Mar 13, 2001
    Providence RI
    what was the name of that power supply you were talking about KB?... and what is the Ma... you said 20 pedals... an average pedal (boss, crybaby, dano) is 20, so i guess its 400?
     
  8. Nov 19, 2001 #8
    KB

    KB

    Jan 13, 2000
    Chapel Hill, NC
    Here is the link to where to buy it (at zzounds, MF also has it):
    Switchmode Power supply

    I got it and installed it. It is great. It works perfectly. I have it powering my EBS BassIQ, Boss Chorus and Dunlop 105Q wah. It comes with a 5 connector daisy chain (however the connectors are kinda close together). You can add up to 3 more connectors I think to give you power for 20 pedals.
    This unit is very small. It is smaller than a walwart (about 1/2 inch wide by 2.5 inches long x 2 inches tall if that and it plugs directly into an outlet). I notice no noise from it at all (probably less noise than from when I was using batteries).
    1 downfall: It only supplies 9V power so if you need other voltages this won't work for you
    Another thing to note is that is only comes with the standard tips for powering pedals (which worked fine for all of my pedals), but if you need some other tip I think you can get adapters at Radio Shack.
    I am happy with the power supply and I think it is a great deal for $40.


    Oh yeah: 800mA
    -KB
     
  9. Nov 19, 2001 #9
    Slater

    Slater Leave that thing alone.

    Apr 17, 2000
    The Great Lakes State
    Jim Dunlop makes the Juice Box that has 6 - 9V and 3 - 18V outputs.