Pedal Builders - Help Needed with AC and DC power adaptors

[Corbic]

Well, I'm probably going to try and build a Rangemaster clone this summer, following Erik's schematic but reversing the electrolytic caps so I can use PNP germaniums instead (I think thats what Erik told me to do).

Now the question I have is about power adaptors for pedals. In Erik's schematic (seen here http://aronnelson.com/gallery/vanhansen/dallasrm_perf ), theres the 9V wire, which is hooked up to the input jack which is hooked up to the battery and AC power supply (I'm following the wiring instructions here http://www.buildyourownclone.com/rangerinstructions.html , using the Steps I-V and Adding the Circuit Board steps). But does that have to be an AC adaptor? Could I use a DC adaptor instead so I could hook it up to a DC power supply?

I ask because the AC adaptors have they're own wires that have wall-outlet plugs on the end, but I would need something I could plug into a pedalboard power supply. Instead of this, are there cables that I could use to connect one of these AC Adaptors that I will be using on the pedal (http://www.smallbearelec.com/Detail.bok?no=139), that connects to a Voodoo Labs AC power supply? Thanks!

-Corbic

 

[joelap]

Re: Pedal Builders - Help Needed with AC and DC power adaptors

Actually, I think the terminology is confusing you. What people sometimes call the "AC power" part of the pedal isn't really AC power: it is, in fact DC. Those giant wall-wart things (like the boss one, or the one connecting to your pedalboard) actually convert the AC power in your home into DC power, with the specified voltage on the back. If you're pedalboard wall wart says IN: 117VAC, 60HZ ... OUT: 9V DC, (whatever mA doesn't really matter, so long as its putting out a sufficient amount) and I can say 99.9% sure it does, you'll be fine.

So in a nutshell, you're ok!

EDIT: Some pedals DO run on AC, like the old Boss CE-1 and SIB Varidrive. Thats what the Voodoolabs AC outlet is for. People confuse the terminology (I'll admit it, I do it often too). Its easier to visualize and explain anything plugging into the wall as AC, and its kinda stuck as the name for the DC source input on pedals by some people.

 

[Corbic]

Re: Pedal Builders - Help Needed with AC and DC power adaptors

Thanks for the answers, but I'm not sure if it answers the question.

The problem is, in all the schematics and wiring diagrams, they use an AC adaptor, but the adaptor that I can get from Small Bear only uses the provided wire, which doesn't hook up to an AC pedalboard adaptor or a DC one, only a wall outlet.

Which is why I wanted to know if I can switch said AC adaptor for a DC adaptor, so I'd be able to use a normal wire to connect it to a DC pedalboard supply.

On the other hand, if there are any wires I can get that connect a 3-prong grounded AC adaptor (its at the above link, but it has an input that looks like 3 overlapping circles) that would connect to an AC pedalboard power supply instead of a wall outlet, that would also solve my problem.

 

[ErikH]

Re: Pedal Builders - Help Needed with AC and DC power adaptors

Hey Corbic. You need a 9V DC adapter, plain and simple, like the Boss PSA or ACA adapter. That one will not work. If you run AC through the circuit it'll fry. When building this stuff, use a battery while building it and then add the external DC power later.

Also, you want to hook up the ground side of the circuit to the input jack and then the battery so that when you unplug the cable, the battery is disconnected from the circuit. It requires a stereo jack. If you're not using a battery, going external DC power only, then this part is not necessary.

A large majority of pedals use DC power, not AC. Only the really big and complicated, or really really old circuits, will use AC power.

Happy 4th of July!

 

[Corbic]

Re: Pedal Builders - Help Needed with AC and DC power adaptors

Thanks, and happy fourth to you too!

 

[gordon_39422]

Re: Pedal Builders - Help Needed with AC and DC power adaptors

Some older pedals, and even some of the new digital-effect processors use AC... Beware, the pins are usually Roland style pins, but will absolutely FRY the circuits! I know this doesn't address your concern, but hopefully it will prevent damage to equipment/injury to yourself!

Good Luck on your build!