wta - power competency

[666]

hi, i have a question for the guitar pedals guru here, recently i've managed to acquire a h&k warp factor distortion, to my dismay the adapter doesnt seem to run on our local 230v and requires a step down transformer to 110v as it doesnt seem to run on batteries as well. The monster pedal requires a high wattage input, step down transformers which met the specifications are pretty expensive which is about 80sgd. In a bid to cut cost i tried using one of the newstar power adapter which has an adjustable voltage for 20sgd and adjusted the voltage to 12volts, with this power supply, the pedal manages to turn on but when i kick in the distortion later the whole thing turns off and sometimes it becomes a killswitch/ping pong delay.. Any idea why? Would i need a 14 volt adapter to do the job? Thanks a lot, here's a little info on the pedal.

Technical Info
Weight: 700 g

Dimensions (W x H x D): 6.7 x 1.5 x 6.5 in., 170 x 40 x 167 mm

Max. current consumption: 180 mA

Power supply: 12 - 14 V

Input sensitivity: -14 dB

Input impedance: 1M Ohm

Output level: +6 dB

Output impedance: 3k ohm

 

[edder]

180mA high current? its peanuts lah.

Get a multimeter and measure the voltage for both the power supplies. I suspect its more of an operating voltage issue.

Also.... VDC or VAC?

 

[mikemann]

On checking on-line sites spec. The wavy line beside the voltage requirement means that it needs an AC output adaptor. (ie. 14V~ means 14V ac).

Power requirements at 180ma is not a big amount, so typical wall wart type sized should give that much or more current. (our common pedal power adpator like BOSS psa220)

My understanding is that local shops don't really carry AC output adpators (including sim lim tower), so you may even need it to be customised.

Some sim lim shop do sell some knocked out spare parts adaptor (eg. surplus modem adaptor is a good source). You need to hunt that down.

I think any adaptor with output of 12 to 14V ac will do it. Provided the plug can fit your pedal socket. If not you might need to modify and change the head.

Again I must highlight. If you are not sure, DO NOT TRY TRY. Or else risk FRY FRY your pedal. Which may mean a total lost. Look for an expert.

 

[edder]

spot on mike... and your nick rules! hahahaha....

probably there's an internal LM314 or even a gasp.... 7805 regulator! hahaha..... Thats what I found out on the EH Deluxe Memory Man. Adapter 24VDC and internally regulated to 16VDC... like WTF...

 

[666]

thanks for all the reply edder and mikemann, i'll head for a proper step down converter which might burn a hole in my pocket, lucky payday's around the corner... I also suspect it's the 14voltage issue, just not too sure at the time of posting. Thanks again!

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Issue has been solved with a proper 250w step down converter, priced at 57.20sgd at any DIY shops. Thanks for all the info given