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Bass Whammy PSU

Spikeh

Spikeh

Sex Strings
Apr 4, 2005
616
1
Blackpool, United Kingdom
www.hindd.co.uk
#1
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:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Could I use those? Sorry, I know very little about electronics... thanks in advance for any help.
 
#6
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 :/
 
#7
Spikeh said:
Yeah I looked at that one actually. So, even though this is 1000mA, it won't overload the unit?
Click to expand...
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!!! :p:D
 
#8
4StringsEnough said:
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!!! :p:D
Click to expand...

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! :)
 
#9
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.
 
#10
bongomania said:
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.
Click to expand...

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 :)
 
#13
Bass-Waster said:
bump! can this be used with it to?

Invalid Link Removed

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...
Click to expand...

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.
 
#14
Thread revive!
I've got a 1996 Digitech Bass Whammy that takes a 780mA power supply 9V. The problem I'm having, is that the plug for the 1000mA does not fit into the pedal. in fact, no plug I've come across yet fits into it. The OD and ID of the plug look to be the exact size, but I'm sure one is +/- half a millimeter or some poopie.
Any help is appreciated!
 
#15
Goad said:
Thread revive!
I've got a 1996 Digitech Bass Whammy that takes a 780mA power supply 9V. The problem I'm having, is that the plug for the 1000mA does not fit into the pedal. in fact, no plug I've come across yet fits into it. The OD and ID of the plug look to be the exact size, but I'm sure one is +/- half a millimeter or some poopie.
Any help is appreciated!
Click to expand...

Are you sure you're not mixing up AC & DC or 2.1mm & 2.5mm plugs? That pedal needs 9V AC & 2.5mm plug. Most pedals use DC & a 2.1mm plug. This is the inside diameter of the plug. Your 2.1mm plug won't fit into it's 2.5mm socket.

DON'T FEED IT DC OR IT WILL DIE!
 
Last edited:
#16
I'm all mixed up. So now I need to specifically look for 9V AC with a 2.5mm plug? how would I go about doing that? I've brought the pedal in to electronics stores with no luck.

20181204_065048[1].jpg
 
#17
Goad said:
I'm all mixed up. So now I need to specifically look for 9V AC with a 2.5mm plug? how would I go about doing that? I've brought the pedal in to electronics stores with no luck.

View attachment 3236171
Click to expand...
I had an original bass whammy at one time and it also came with no power supply. I was able to find a power supply at guitar center. It was a line 6 power supply I believe but it was the correct AC voltage had plenty of MA and the plug fit. Just take it to a guitar center or other music store and ask them to open up their 9v AC power supplies and find one that fits.
 
#18
Ba55Man1ac said:
DON'T FEED IT DC OR IT WILL DIE!
Click to expand...

No it won't, but it probably won't work.

If it takes in low voltage AC, it is either using a rectifier of some sort to covert it to whatever DC voltage it runs on, or it has its own SMPS. Neither would be damaged by connecting to low voltage DC for a brief period of time.

If you connect it to AC at line voltage....well that's a different story.
 
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#19
254 stringer said:
I had an original bass whammy at one time and it also came with no power supply. I was able to find a power supply at guitar center. It was a line 6 power supply I believe but it was the correct AC voltage had plenty of MA and the plug fit. Just take it to a guitar center or other music store and ask them to open up their 9v AC power supplies and find one that fits.
Click to expand...

I did that already. Also plugged it into a DC and it just made noise.
I found one here 9V AC Power Supply

Guess I'll just have to wait...
 

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