Problem with BOSS SD1 pedal - Battery Vs Mains Power

[Brow]

Hey guys.

I've been digging out alot of my old gear lately, and came across an old Made In Japan BOSS SD1 Super Overdrive that I bought years ago, but haven't used in a while.

I powered it up with a 9V mains adaptor that I had handy, and noticed that the on/off LED was quite dim when the pedal was switched on. I then tried the pedal with a 9V battery and the LED was alot brighter when the pedal was switched on.

I also tried the SD1 with a brand new Diago Powerstation Pedalboard Power Supply and the LED was still dim.

Does anyone know what the problem may be, and how I could get it repaired?

Craig

 

[Low_fidelity2100]

Re: Problem with BOSS SD1 pedal - Battery Vs Mains Power

The old Japanese Boss pedals Run on a 12v adapter. Which is weird considering they will also run with a 9v battery. Makes no sense, But thats what the problem is. Try a 12v addapter and I'm possitive the problem will be gone.

 

[Brow]

Re: Problem with BOSS SD1 pedal - Battery Vs Mains Power

Thanx for the post Low Fidellity.

I had this pedal on a Pedalboard powered by a 9v power supply, and never had this problem until now :grumble:

Thanx for the suggestion

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Problem with BOSS SD1 pedal - Battery Vs Mains Power

He's right about the 12 volt adapter thing, I remember reading that if you use one of the boss pedals that converts power (like a PSM-5, LS-2, TU-2, NS-2) and then plug the DS-1 it's been designed to give the right amount of power so that the LED isn't dim.

EDIT - You can read about it here:
http://www.bossarea.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=572&SearchTerms=dim,led,old,pedal

 

[Brow]

Re: Problem with BOSS SD1 pedal - Battery Vs Mains Power

Thanx for the info guys.

I tried running the SD1 from the 12v setting on a multi voltage power adaptor and the LED wasn't dim, so I need to remember to use it at 12v if I'm using it on it's own

 

[OlinMusic]

Re: Problem with BOSS SD1 pedal - Battery Vs Mains Power

Quick aside

but those pedals sound MUCH better with Eveready Classics in them

AND NO I AM NOT AN EJ WANNABE! lol

 

[Fresno Bob]

Re: Problem with BOSS SD1 pedal - Battery Vs Mains Power

There is definately a difference in power supplies between old Boss pedals and the new ones.

All of the new ones can be sufficiently powered by the BOSS PSA-120 adapter.

But, there are some old Boss pedals that run much better on the BOSS ACA-120 adapter...PSA-120's make the LEDs dim.

You have to check on the bottom of your SD-1. There's a chart that states if the pedal needs PSA or ACA.

 

[Imp]

Re: Problem with BOSS SD1 pedal - Battery Vs Mains Power

whoa!! wait a sec - is the power supply core-negative?

i recently had the same problem - the SD-1 will still work with the pins reversed, but it's bad news!

tom

 

[Brow]

Re: Problem with BOSS SD1 pedal - Battery Vs Mains Power

Thanx for the posts guys.

whoa!! wait a sec - is the power supply core-negative?

i recently had the same problem - the SD-1 will still work with the pins reversed, but it's bad news!

tom

The power supply I'm using with the SD1 (and all my pedals) is centre negative.

Craig