Power Adapters... using a 1.5A AC adapter instead of a 1A....

[ShredMAN]

hey, can I use a 1.5A Ac adapter instead of a 1A adapter for a MESA V-twin? both adapters are 12V... thanks.

[tone4days]

Re: Power Adapters... using a 1.5A AC adapter instead of a 1A....

as long as the polarity of the plug is correct and the current type is the same, using an adapter of the same voltage capable of providing more current than needed is not a problem ... you can't use an AC adapter if DC is needed, and vice versa ...

[Zerberus]

Re: Power Adapters... using a 1.5A AC adapter instead of a 1A....

as long as the polarity of the plug is correct and the current type is the same, using an adapter of the same voltage capable of providing more current than needed is not a problem ... you can't use an AC adapter if DC is needed, and vice versa ...

+1 on all counts. Having a higher amperage than needed available is never an issue, the other way around is guaranteed to crap out when you need it the most

[y2stevo]

Re: Power Adapters... using a 1.5A AC adapter instead of a 1A....

So y'all are saying that I could just buy a few more multi-adaptors rated at about 1.2A and use them instead of the overpriced Boss and line6 adaptors?

[James Rock]

Re: Power Adapters... using a 1.5A AC adapter instead of a 1A....

So y'all are saying that I could just buy a few more multi-adaptors rated at about 1.2A and use them instead of the overpriced Boss and line6 adaptors?

Yeh because BOSS adaptors are like $50 AUS here and i have seen Elctro Harmonix ones for $5 US

[neosadist]

Re: Power Adapters... using a 1.5A AC adapter instead of a 1A....

I would NEVER use the wrong adapter on an amp. Sorry. Electronic devices are made with an amp and voltage rating for their input power for a reason. You might be able to get away with it, if the voltage matches and the polarity matches, but you could void warranties, break things, etc. It's not worth it. Get the right adapter. There are "universal" adapters out there that you can buy that should match.

[Zerberus]

Re: Power Adapters... using a 1.5A AC adapter instead of a 1A....

I would NEVER use the wrong adapter on an amp. Sorry. Electronic devices are made with an amp and voltage rating for their input power for a reason. ....

From an electrical enginerering standpoint I have to disagree partly with this... The amperage and wattage (VA) are not stated for safety concerns directly, but so that the consumer knows how much current the appliance will draw under normal operating conditions and them some (thereīs already a >50% safety margin in there).

Essentially, the Amperage tells you how fat the fuse on that wall line has to be to guarantee that enough current can flow for the device to function nominally.

And this is essentially the exact same principle: a power supply that can handle / Supply more current than needed will simply run cooler at the same draw, wheras an underdimensioned one can very possibly shoort out, melt , or cause a fire.

Amperage ratings are one of the few areas in electronics accessories where more is almost never worse. A higher voltage on the other hand can cause problems pretty quiick, and will likely even be an audible difference... much more care is needed here...

[Marcel]

Re: Power Adapters... using a 1.5A AC adapter instead of a 1A....

as zerb said... though VA is not exactly Wattage on AC (coz of the phase).

Don't mix up what voltage and current is guys!

[Zerberus]

Re: Power Adapters... using a 1.5A AC adapter instead of a 1A....

as zerb said... though VA is not exactly Wattage on AC (coz of the phase).

Don't mix up what voltage and current is guys!

I actually only added the "(VA)" because weīre talking about a DC circuit here, but you are absolutely correct, on AC thereīs still a difference due to the constant reversal of phase....

[Marcel]

Re: Power Adapters... using a 1.5A AC adapter instead of a 1A....

yeah we talked about the DC side I've just woken up

[shredaholic]

Re: Power Adapters... using a 1.5A AC adapter instead of a 1A....

I know some idiots that are convinced using BOSS and Jim Dunlop branded power equipment makes their pedals sound better.

(and by sound better, I mean better than not only using batteries but any type of power supply)

[Zerberus]

Re: Power Adapters... using a 1.5A AC adapter instead of a 1A....

Well, there may actually be some truth to that.... as we all know battery is not = battery, some have a higher voltage potential than others, resulting in slightly a different tonal character, usually more voltage = more open, because the pedal has more headroom to work with.

Itīs not unthinkable that the PSUs have a similar "syndrome", in the sense of some stronger than others.

BTW, most ICs will handle up to 15 volts without issues, I ran my DOD Grunge at 12 Volts for the first year or so until I bought an amp... and then I still ran it at 12 volts becasue it sounded better

[Kev]

Re: Power Adapters... using a 1.5A AC adapter instead of a 1A....

Not to hijack the thread, but if i bought a european Mesa rectifier guys, would it be ok to use a normal crappy converter like you would use for your shaver to convert 2 pin european to the 3 pin UK plug? Its the same voltage and all that?

[Zerberus]

Re: Power Adapters... using a 1.5A AC adapter instead of a 1A....

If you use the 3-2 pin converter, you lose the safety feature of the ground... get the correct 3-3 pin adapter... or have a tech install teh proper plug for 10 quid..

Otherwise, UK and Euro mains are identical, you should be fine.

[Marcel]

Re: Power Adapters... using a 1.5A AC adapter instead of a 1A....

A mesa recto should already have a three pin plug (Shucko)

http://kropla.com/images/plug_f.gif