|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 317
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 317 |
I would welcome some advice regarding "wall wart" power adapters. My understanding is that as long as the DC voltage wall-wort-voltage matches the DC voltage requirement of the pedal device, then the amperage rating output of the wall-wort is not that critical? But, How close does the DC voltage have to marry from the output power supply to the pedal requirements, I have an old Ibanez Rock&Play RP200, this was a small portable cassette playback device you could plug 2 guitars into it, listen to and play along with a cassette. You could also add chorus and distortion as well as slow the tape to half speed.Its power rating is 2 by 1.5 AA batteries or an AC adapter that put out 3volts @ 200mA. I have a wall wort that puts out
2.4v DC @ 2.0A or another one that puts out 5.9vDC @ 400mA. Can anyone advise me of the risks of using any of these. Thanks DennisD
There are only 3 kinds of musicians: those that can count, and those that can't!
PC AMD A4-5300 APU 3.4 GHz, 8gb RAM, 1T HDD, Windows 10,
Reaper 4.77, BIAB2018, PTPA12, RB2018, Roland VS-880 DAW
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 506
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 506 |
200mA is equivalent to 0.2A if you throw a 2.0A adapter on the box, you will likely fry it. Same is true with the 5.9v adapter. You also have to pay attention to the polarity of the adapter.
You can find decent universal adapters for less than $20. They come in very handy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,513
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,513 |
The amperage is not the problem here. It's OK, all other things being correct, to have a power supply with an amperage rating higher than you need. The device only draws the power it needs.
The polarity is critical, as mentioned.
The voltage is the problem with your two suggestions. You need a power supply rated at 3 volts.
2.4 is probably too low (brownout) and 5.9 could damage the device. However, if the device accepts rechargeable batteries, 2.4 may be OK since a rechargeable battery is 1.2 volts, as opposed to a non-rechargeable one that is 1.5 volts.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
Another consideration is...some wall warts are unfiltered and only having filter capacitors in the device being powered (Ibanez Rock&Play RP200) so you could be introducing unwanted noise in the signal chain.
+1 on the polarity factor. You certainly don't want to "let smoke out"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,361
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,361 |
Watch out for regulated or un-regulated supplies. The un-regulated are cheaper, but the voltage can swing depending on the load. Regulated are always safer.
ROG.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 123
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 123 |
In fact the amperage IS a problem. I fried a boss superchorus pedal by using a higher amperage power adapter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Quote:
In fact the amperage IS a problem. I fried a boss superchorus pedal by using a higher amperage power adapter
Bull!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
My experience says that a battery powered device probably has some regulation and that the devices actually operate at a much lower voltage. If there were no regulation the device would not operate well as the voltage of the batteries lowered. Try the 2.4 vdc as long as the polarity is OK. Why not just get one of the universal supplies at Radio Shack. I have a couple of these and they're life savers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
Gee John isn't 'bull' a tad over the top? Spring is coming, I sure wish it would hurry. This used to be my favorite time to drive south and see the changes as the miles go by, until you got to SC or so and spring was full on and at home it was still snowing off and on. I personally have gravitated to EL Toro poo poo, given that about 2/3 of the US you see anymore speak Spanish first. The face of America, over fast food counters and gas stations. I think you have to head to wall street, for wall mart is full of spanish speaking customer service people. I tell my kids, learn Spanish, it seems to be the future, LOL...  I did manage the 'cerveca' and other great stuff on my Mexican adventure.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
200mA is equivalent to 0.2A if you throw a 2.0A adapter on the box, you will likely fry it.
NO.
It is the VOLTAGE requirement that must not be exceeded.
The unit will only draw the amount of amperage it needs to run properly at the required voltage, and since the 2.0A adaptor is certainly able to supply 0.2A or 200milliAmps, as long as its voltage rating is not exceeded, it will be happy.
BUT -- there are some other considerations that are very important. POLARITY of the connector may or may not be the same as the Polarity needed for the device. That is the little marking of + and - next to the jack on the target device. If you use a Walwart supply that has the correct Voltage limit and supplies enough or more Current, it still could instantly damage your device if the + and - Polarity of the power is switched around. Most Wallwart supplies are marked as to the plug polarity wiring, make certain that it is the same as the markkings on the target device.
One last item, the only supply out of the two that *might* work here would be the 2.4v DC @ 2.0A -- BUT it does not deliver the full 3VDC requirement. The device may operate, but you are taking the chance that some components may be running in a brownout condition, because there is 0.6VDC difference between the supplied 2,4VDC and the required 3.0VDC. If the unit uses motors for such things a tape transport, it will likely be running too slow at this voltage.
My answer would then be that, out of the two possible walwarts given by the OP, NEITHER would be a proper choice for this device.
The good news is that you can probably find a generic supply at places like Radio Shack, etc.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
In fact the amperage IS a problem. I fried a boss superchorus pedal by using a higher amperage power adapter
There must have been some other parameter other than the Amperage that caused that problem. Most likely canditate is that the POLARITY of the supply was reversed from what your superchorus pedal required.
However, there is indeed a caveat concerning using a power supply that can deliver much more amperage than the device in question needs to operate properly and that is the case where there already is a FAULT CONDITION in the device itself. If there was something shorted in that device, some component or other, and the supply was capable of delivering, as in the case of the 2A supply powering the 0.2A device, well, there would be an additional 1.8A of Current available to cause all sorts of problems in the device, most of which would be summed up as HEAT, likely leading to more compononent damage and releasing all the magio SMOKE out of the already broken down device. WHEN USING A SUPPLY THAT CAN DELIVER THAT MUCH MORE AMPERAGE TO YOUR DEVICE, YOU SHOULD KNOW ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO INSTALL A PROPERLY SIZED FUSE IN THE DC LINE THAT WILL BLOW AND LIMIT THE AVAILABLE CURRENT IN CASE OF A FAULT.
Quite a lot of electronic equipment passes over my testbench for repair after attempts to use it with the wrong kind of power supply. I'd say a good 75 - 80% of it is repairable, but sometimes the cost of repair, what with the cost of replacement parts and technician time/labor, often exceeds the amount of money to purchase a new device.
--Mac
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 317
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 317 |
Thanks to all of you for taking the time to respond. I will keep my eye out for an adapter with the correct voltage and polarity. I just had the RP200 lonely for an adapter that took 3vDC. I happened to have the two adapters mentioned that I scavanged off something (can't even remember!),so I think I will junk them. Thanks again, this is good information to keep on file. DennisD.
There are only 3 kinds of musicians: those that can count, and those that can't!
PC AMD A4-5300 APU 3.4 GHz, 8gb RAM, 1T HDD, Windows 10,
Reaper 4.77, BIAB2018, PTPA12, RB2018, Roland VS-880 DAW
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,085
Posts799,947
Members40,030
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean