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Standard wall wart power plug?

fdeck

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Mar 20, 2004
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Madison WI
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Is there a standard for the wall wart power plug used by effects & the like? I know it's a coaxial barrel connector, but wonder what the inside and outside diameters are, since there are a whole lot of options available.
 
Is there a standard for the wall wart power plug used by effects & the like? I know it's a coaxial barrel connector, but wonder what the inside and outside diameters are, since there are a whole lot of options available.

Many Radio Shack stores have a set of them available so you can test fit to the specific application. My effects units use at least 3-4 different sizes -- what a PITA.
 
In my experience, no. Either the effects case or its manual has a spec for DC input volts, mAmps or amps, and center pos/neg. With that info, you can buy the right unit at a music or electronics store. Maybe $15 to $20. Also try cruising Goodwill. They have a bunch from old phone machines and stuff.
 
Is there a standard for the wall wart power plug used by effects & the like? I know it's a coaxial barrel connector, but wonder what the inside and outside diameters are, since there are a whole lot of options available.


If I'm understanding your question correctly, you'll have to pay attention to more than barrel size. Make sure the voltage is correct as well as polarity. The tip requirement could be either positive or negative. Don't make a mistake on the polarity. All that said, I use a 1-Spot power supply for everything on my pedal board. It powers all my Boss pedals, X2 wireless receiver, and my SABDDI. The only thing it wouldn't work for was my Samson wireless microphone receiver. Since the digital situation of last year, I can no longer use the Samson anyway, so the 1-Spot now powers everything on my board.
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Visual-Sound-1-SPOT-SpaceSaving-9V-Adapter?sku=151686
There are other comparable products on the market. I believe Godlyke makes one too. And yes, Radio Shack can supply your needs as well. They will have a variety of voltages, barrel tips, and some to reverse polarity if needed. Check to see if your equipment has a requirement for a regulated power supply and then let the Radio Shack rep know that too. I once bought a power supply from Radio Shack that seemed to have the correct voltage, barrel, and polarity, but did not work correctly for my keyboard. The power supply wasn't listed as "regulated" and when I found one that was, the keyboard worked great.
 
I should have clarified a bit more. I'm thinking of designing a gadget, and want it to run from a "standard" wall wart if possible, that people can buy at their local guitar center. I think what I'll do is look up some wall warts in the musicians friend catalog and see if there is a type that is more common than others.