• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Power supply parallel operation question

Dark Barn

Dark Barn

Aug 3, 2010
1,844
2,889
Seattle
#1
In my case specifically I'm using a Cioks DC-10. The question is, is it ok to use the parallel connector cable to bridge a 100 ma output with a 400 ma output, provided both are operating at the same voltage (9v)?

The Cioks manual contains suggestions regarding using the parallel cable for bridging two 100 ma outputs to achieve 200 ma, or two 400 outputs to achieve 800. I'm just wondering if it's safe to do the same with mismatched outputs (in terms of milliamps, not voltage).

I have a pedal coming with 9v 500 ma requirements and the preferred solution for me right now would be to use my Cioks as I described above.

Thanks!
 
#2
I may be wrong, so get a second opinion, but here's my take on it:

You plan to use a Y connector. The end is plugged into your pedal's power jack. The other two are plugged into your power supply. Both outputs are 9V, so when you use a Y connector, the output will be 18V. If your pedal won't run on 18V, then you have a problem.

I don't really know about the amperage. I assume using a Y connector on a 100mA and a 400mA power jack would give you 500mA to the pedal. I'm not so sure on that one though; never done that.

Not having enough amperage is a problem. Your pedal might turn on, and it might not, and if it does, it will be unreliable, and probably power off randomly. Having extra amperage isn't a problem. The voltage must be a match. Don't connect a pedal to a power supply if the voltage does not match. I don't know how much damage it will do nor how quickly the damage will occur, but it's not a good thing to do.

In my semi-informed opinion, I don't think your setup will work. Match the voltage and have as much or more amperage than is called for. I hope that helps. And remember: get a second opinion. I am not an expert.
 
#3
Thanks for your input Tool, I should have stated in the OP that Cioks includes both a series Y connector cable and a parallel Y connector cable.

The series cable, according to Cioks, will yield the same amperage but double the voltage, assuming identically rated outputs.

The parallel cable in the example provided by Cioks will yield the same voltage but double the amperage, assuming identically rated outputs. I'm a novice at such things but I'm wondering if its safe to mismatch amperages in this case.

I'm beginning to feel this will work fine but just figured I'd better get a second opinion. Don't want any paper weights.
 
#7
I would try every jack on your power supply before trying the Y cable. The rated amps on new pedal may be rounded up and one of the 400 ma may output a little more.

But a parallel should work the way you think it will also
 
#8
And that's why I suggested the second opinion...

As long as we're on the topic, can someone please explain the difference between a Y connector and a parallel connector? Or maybe a link? I know exactly how a Y connector works, but I don't understand how you could connect two 9V power output jacks and not double the voltage.

Please enlighten the ignorant. Thanks!

EDIT: I'm also wondering what pedal requires 500mA. That's a lot of power.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back