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Inline pedal power ammeter?

#21
Discount Bassy said:
I stuck to using the mathy method of adding the max amp draw specified by pedal manufacturer and the power output ratings on the power supplies that I use. For the sake of argument, I did a random sampling from my pedals using the in-line ammeter method and not a single one was close to the rated power draw, all being comfortably on the lesser side of the rating, some ridiculously less.
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Accuracy of the in line ammeter?
You get what you pay for with measuring devices.
 
#23
Are you frequently adding &/or changing the number of pedals you have in use? If not, you'll be looking at a number that has no value to you if you have an adequate capacity power supply. Even if you are making frequent changes to your effects pedals, a power supply that provides 50% more than your projected max load will eliminate the need (and clutter) of an on-pedal-board ammeter.
The effort to get a glimpse of you pedal board DC amp load is probably the best way to introduce a short or open in your DC power to your pedalboard.
 
#25
Tim Skaggs said:
Are you frequently adding &/or changing the number of pedals you have in use? If not, you'll be looking at a number that has no value to you if you have an adequate capacity power supply. Even if you are making frequent changes to your effects pedals, a power supply that provides 50% more than your projected max load will eliminate the need (and clutter) of an on-pedal-board ammeter.
The effort to get a glimpse of you pedal board DC amp load is probably the best way to introduce a short or open in your DC power to your pedalboard.
Click to expand...

Nah, I'm just curious, and I like gadgets. I bought a USB voltage/current meter on eBay for less than 10bucks, just to see how much current some of my cheap USB wall warts supply - the difference was surprising (I had one that would take the better part of a day to charge my phone!).

After starting this thread, and eventually purchasing the Truetone monitor, I realized it wouldn't necessarily be a terribly useful thing after the initial fun wore off, but it was cheap, and the cable tester...yeah, the cable tester makes it worth it, yeah, that's the ticket!

But really, a cable with 2.1mm male and female connectors, split in the middle with a couple of alligator clips, and a cheap DVM would serve just as well for the occasional "I wonder how much this one draws?" or "I wonder how much all my pedals together draw?"
 
#30
Slevage said:
Accuracy at the low end?
Check the specs.
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Right, not enough. I wonder if you really wanted to geek out if it's possible to extrapolate anything meaningful from the ac current between the wall and the power supply?

I should have just stuck with summing the manufacturer's specs. Those are very conservative and safe to use. It's free and it works.
 
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#32
Diplock said:
Right, not enough. I wonder if you really wanted to geek out if it's possible to extrapolate anything meaningful from the ac current between the wall and the power supply?
The electrician that installed the receptacle took care of that part.

I should have just stuck with summing the manufacturer's specs. Those are very conservative and safe to use. It's free and it works.
Click to expand...
 

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