Powering Effects

Harry Dove · Post by **Harry Dove** » 20 Dec 2014 9:13 pm

Does anyone know if there is a power unit that will provide power to multiple (Boss type) effects units with one line, rather than having to run power from a wall wart to each one separately? Also can anyone explain the power designations, micro amps I think. If a unit calls for 100mA and my power supply is 400mA, is that a problem or is only a problem if my supply is 100 and my unit calls for 400? I don't know nearly enough about electronics.

Noel Welsh · Post by **Noel Welsh** » 20 Dec 2014 9:30 pm

I use the Visual Sound One Spot. It is compatible with Boss effects and will power a
complete pedal board up to 1700mA

Stephen Cowell · Post by **Stephen Cowell** » 20 Dec 2014 10:01 pm

Amperes is like flow capacity... voltage is like pressure. If you have more amperes than you require, this is good. If you have less (or more!) voltage than you require, this is bad.

So, for your situation, if your supply can give 400mA and your effects need 100mA then you can power 4 (3 to be safe) effects. You have to be careful when mixing effects of different brands... if one effect grounds the +, and another grounds the -, then you'll end up shorting your supply. Most effects now meet the standard tip=+, chassis=-... be careful using classic effects, especially when replacing a battery with a clip adapter.

Scott Denniston · Post by **Scott Denniston** » 21 Dec 2014 5:59 am

Here's a great way to do it. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D35 ... UTF8&psc=1 I believe you can find these pigtails with more or less plugs too. Just add up the ma's and have a wall wart that will cover that amount. A cheap & easy way to go.

Micky Byrne · Post by **Micky Byrne** » 21 Dec 2014 6:31 am

I use the same as Scott....except for the wall plug which is designed for U.K. That's an in expensive way to power up

Micky "scars" Byrne U.K.

Scott Denniston · Post by **Scott Denniston** » 21 Dec 2014 6:52 am

As Stephen mentioned, make sure all the pedals are the same voltage as the wall wart. ALSO: THE SAME POLARITY!!! If you hook up anything with the opposite polarity you'd obviously blow it. I've seen that happen with a tuner.

Lee Warren · Post by **Lee Warren** » 21 Dec 2014 7:26 am

Hi Harry,
To clarify, mA is 'milliamperes' not micro amps.
It is a measurement in 1/1000ths of an amp(ere).
Lee

Harry Dove · Post by **Harry Dove** » 21 Dec 2014 8:16 am

Thanks for the info guys.

Lane Gray · Post by **Lane Gray** » 21 Dec 2014 9:27 am

Many, but not all, modern effects have diodes to protect from reverse polarity.
My Grail did. As did my old Octave divider.

Scott Denniston · Post by **Scott Denniston** » 21 Dec 2014 9:35 am

Yeah but it's a crapshoot. Better to check than see that little puff of smoke.

Craig Baker · Post by **Craig Baker** » 21 Dec 2014 1:54 pm

It's a very easy mod to install a full-wave diode bridge at the power input to any effect unit. With the full-wave mod, the effect unit will work on either polarity and even operate properly on AC, eliminating any possibility of damage.

Merry Christmas to All.

Craig

ajm · Post by **ajm** » 26 Dec 2014 4:03 pm

Harry: Did you get your problem solved?

I *think* what you need is the daisy chain cable that Scott posted. You can find them at your local GC, Sam Ash, etc etc etc.

If you let us know what effects you are using we can help with the current requirements, voltage polarity, etc.

Let us know.

Eric Philippsen · Post by **Eric Philippsen** » 27 Dec 2014 6:36 am

I play 6-string in 2 bands and pedal steel in another. I use about 6 different pedals, none of which are exotic, on a simple pedal board. But, frustratingly, I was having problems with it, which I traced to the power supply(s).

Now, if I might, I've been around the block a time or two in regard to equipment and, for the life of me, I couldn't get rid of the hum, noise and parasitic oscillation. Even running several dedicated power supplies didn't get rid of the problems!

On a recommendation, I finally got a Voodoo Labs power supply. Yeah, it cost about as much as a pedal but it was worth it because it cleared everything up. What a relief.

Harry Dove · Post by **Harry Dove** » 27 Dec 2014 6:55 am

ajm, I went with the Pedal Power 5 from AGPtec. It's identical to the JOYO JP-2, only a little cheaper. It's a nice little unit and your effects don't have to be daisy chained.

Alan Berdoulay · Post by **Alan Berdoulay** » 28 Dec 2014 7:40 am

Does anyone have any experience with the AGPtec product.....Caline pedal power? Less than $40.

Alan Berdoulay · Post by **Alan Berdoulay** » 29 Dec 2014 1:56 am

The caline power supply does not have isolated outputs.....they share a common ground. Basically a daisy chain device. Doesn't compete with something like voodoo labs......at least that's what I gleaned from the gear page.