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Laurie
Double Platinum Member
Canada
4854 Posts |
 Posted - 12/06/2009 : 07:27:31
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The last thing I've been working on before vacation is an updated version of my "pedal power" supply.
The "VLS Power" (Vintage Linear Supply)
It is a 100% linear supply, capable of one amp (1000mA), and "star" connected. The 10 outputs are not isolated, but I've never (ever) had a ground hum problem with this star topology. It is electrically quite different to the normal daisy-chain.
It is housed in a standard pedal-size Hammond enclosure which gives heaps of heat-sinking to keep it running stable and cool.
I have been happily using this design to power my board for years - for powering ultra expensive vintage and boutique pedals, and current Boss digital/COSM pedals, and double pedals... all at the same time. All without issue.
Plug a 12VAC wall wart into the input jack, and you get ten 9VDC linear regulated output connectors.
For sure it is bigger than a switched mode supply, but I believe it is the only risk-free way to power expensive/rare pedals. I've always agreed with stinkfoot about this, and I'm probably more evangelistic than he is...!
http://www.stinkfoot.se/andreas/diy/articles/trans.htm
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Edited by - Laurie on 12/06/2009 18:09:22 |
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nathanscribe
Silver Member
United Kingdom
376 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2009 : 10:57:54
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| Can I just ask, why did you choose to have all the flying leads? I imagine that in a contained enclosure it's fine, but for general open floor use, it would be a considerable amount of spaghetti. I wonder if a version with 10 DC connectors on the top/sides would be practical, so you can plug in as many as you need and not have spare cables lying around... I have similar issues with my daisy-chain from the PSM, as the gap between two plugs isn't always long enough, and there are occasional shorts as the spares knock against metal... |
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Dirk
Platinum Member
Netherlands
1309 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2009 : 11:38:21
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I'm with Nathanscribe on this, remember that the outside of the jack is +9 volts and the outside of pedals are grounded.
I've had it happen that an unused daisy chain jack touched a pedal, making it short out.
Now, nothing exploded or something but it isn't preferable, especially in a live situation. |
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Laurie
Double Platinum Member
Canada
4854 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2009 : 18:05:18
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Yeah, it can easily be made with jacks, and supplied with different length leads (only use what you need). Kind of like a Voodoo Labs but not isolated. Anything is doable... that's the joy of being a boutique builder! If you would like specific lead lengths, just let me know when you order one 
The primary driver for the version shown is cost - every jack-plug set costs money, and there is a lot of labour to do 20 extra terminations. It would add about 50% more to the cost for the additional parts and labour.
The unused plugs aren't a problem - you just slide a piece of tubing over them (not shown).
Most of the people who have the "flying lead" version of the VLS Power have a "stepped" pedalboard and the power unit and unused leads tuck under the step.
At the end of the day, the key points about this supply are:
1) It is linear and is unlikely to harm expensive pedals if it ever fails
2) It uses "star" topology, so is much cheaper to make than isolated outputs
3) I can make it howerver you want it... Jacks instead of flying leads, add a stomp switch to turn the power on/off, heck I can even paint it pink if you like!
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Edited by - Laurie on 12/06/2009 18:13:56 |
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zerksies
Double Platinum Member
USA
3406 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2009 : 20:59:13
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| It's so neat but messy looking at the same time |
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Laurie
Double Platinum Member
Canada
4854 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2009 : 21:15:22
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quote:
Originally posted by zerksies
It's so neat but messy looking at the same time
Well said! When you have it tucked into your board it's a lot better looking |
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Last new "pedal" before vacation... the VLS Power
