Leaving batteries in analog pedals as backup

[Blille]

I currently daisy chain about 5 of my analog pedals (wah, dirt, comp) and have independent power for delay and modulation.

I was wondering if it would be a good idea to leave batteries in the pedals that are daisy chained in case I have any issue with the supply (breaks or gets noisy).

My concern is that they might get drained or that they would leak after a while.

I wonder if any of you does/has done this.

And no, I don't want to change batteries in my pedals before every gig, I just want it as a backup.

 

[Hank-]

Re: Leaving batteries in analog pedals as backup

My concern is that they might get drained or that they would leak after a while.

Pretty much that. Inserting a DC plug generally disengages the battery in most pedals. So while they might not self drain, leakage of chemical from the battery can happen.

It would be almost equal in price to buy a 1spot or set of batteries.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Leaving batteries in analog pedals as backup

I wasn't just about to post this...

I keep batteries is, but I'm wondering if I'm putting pedals at risk for leaking batteries.

 

[Little Pigbacon]

Re: Leaving batteries in analog pedals as backup

What about a battery pack using common alkalines that you could sub in instead of a power supply?

 

[Blille]

Re: Leaving batteries in analog pedals as backup

Pretty much that. Inserting a DC plug generally disengages the battery in most pedals. So while they might not self drain, leakage of chemical from the battery can happen.

It would be almost equal in price to buy a 1spot or set of batteries.

I was hoping to hear people saying they've done this for years

What about a battery pack using common alkalines that you could sub in instead of a power supply?

You mean like this thing?

I was hoping for uninterrupted playing but that might be the next best thing. All my pedals need unscrewing so this would definitely save time and drama.



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[Little Pigbacon]

Re: Leaving batteries in analog pedals as backup

I was thinking of a group of six C or D cell alkalines with the output connected to a coaxial plug that you could tie into the daisy chain instead of the normal power supply. But if you're looking for automatic switching in case of power supply failure, that would take a relay thrown into the mix.

 

[Blille]

Re: Leaving batteries in analog pedals as backup

Cool idea. If it's just one thing I have to replace, I think it would be ok to do it manually.


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[PFDarkside]

Re: Leaving batteries in analog pedals as backup

Check out this gentleman's rig...


I was (and am) doing it out of laziness...

 

[Blille]

Re: Leaving batteries in analog pedals as backup

Check out this gentleman's rig...


I was (and am) doing it out of laziness...

That looks really cool for the tone connoisseur that prefers batteries. If i read it correctly it still needs to receive power to work if not it doesn't to avoid draining? So not sure it would work as backup.

https://www.vertexeffects.com/battery-power-supply

Going back to the battery pack idea, something like the pedaltrain volto looks ideal.


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[Demanic]

Re: Leaving batteries in analog pedals as backup

Nothing wrong with keeping batteries in as long as you check them, say, once a month.

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[Little Pigbacon]

Re: Leaving batteries in analog pedals as backup

For me, one of the selling points of adapter power would be not having to access the battery compartments at all.

 

[Demanic]

Re: Leaving batteries in analog pedals as backup

For me, one of the selling points of adapter power would be not having to access the battery compartments at all.

In that case, remove the batteries to prevent unwanted surprises.

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[Little Pigbacon]

Re: Leaving batteries in analog pedals as backup

:bigthumb:

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: Leaving batteries in analog pedals as backup

Spare power supply? Don't need a big one for five pedals.

 

[Hank-]

Re: Leaving batteries in analog pedals as backup

That looks really cool for the tone connoisseur that prefers batteries. If i read it correctly it still needs to receive power to work if not it doesn't to avoid draining? So not sure it would work as backup.

https://www.vertexeffects.com/battery-power-supply

Going back to the battery pack idea, something like the pedaltrain volto looks ideal.


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That vertex unit is expensive. The Volto was discontinued, unless its reintroduced lately. Sanyo Pedal Juice is an alternative. There must be more options out there now. But if ya looking for UPS capability then not really a readymade solution available that I know of.

I would suggest the trex fuel tank jr.(or its thomman clone). There are many others also.

I had made my own psu using 12 AA NimH cells, been there, done that. Only benefit was clean power but no isolation from ground loops, which wasn't an issue since i plug everything up front in the amp. Right now I have a Joyo jp04 on my board for power.

 

[Blille]

Re: Leaving batteries in analog pedals as backup

Thanks for all the feedback. Instead of leaving the batteries inside I'm going to go with the battery pack idea.

The Volto is about $129 but as a backup and to essentially finish a set, I think this $5 battery pack that I can connect to the daisy chain will do perfectly I'll let you know how it goes.

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[Blille]

Re: Leaving batteries in analog pedals as backup

That vertex unit is expensive. The Volto was discontinued, unless its reintroduced lately. Sanyo Pedal Juice is an alternative. There must be more options out there now. But if ya looking for UPS capability then not really a readymade solution available that I know of.

I would suggest the trex fuel tank jr.(or its thomman clone). There are many others also.

I had made my own psu using 12 AA NimH cells, been there, done that. Only benefit was clean power but no isolation from ground loops, which wasn't an issue since i plug everything up front in the amp. Right now I have a Joyo jp04 on my board for power.

Those area great options, thanks. Given that I have a couple of 24V pedals I don't think I can just rely on any of them though, still need to be plugged in. So I'm just looking for backup.


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[Mincer]

Re: Leaving batteries in analog pedals as backup

I like the battery pack idea. I know power supplies fail at the worst times (at a gig, yes, this has happened to me). But I have had the battery compartments ruined by leaking batteries in a hot car in the Florida summer. All it takes is a few hours in that car. Those battery packs are cheap, and in the coming years, rechargeable battery packs should go down in price.

 

[stevie_bees]

Re: Leaving batteries in analog pedals as backup

I believe the old white Volto has been discontinued, however there's a newer black one.

http://www.pedaltrain.com/volto/