A 9VDC regulated power supply (i.e. PSA) for less than $3

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laurie
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A 9VDC regulated power supply (i.e. PSA) for less than $3

Post by laurie » Wed Oct 16, 2019 12:55 pm

I think I posted one of these on the old forum...

Here's how to do it:

1) Go to thrift store and find a 9V switched mode power supply. The switched mode supplies are small and very light, and the definitive way of knowing is if it says something like "Input 100-240V".

2) Use a meter to check the output voltage, and the polarity of the output plug.

3) Change the output plug if needed.
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Here is the one I did this morning.
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This is the power supply I picked up for CAD$1.99 at Value Village. It tested at 9.35VDC which is perfect. It had a Boss-type plug but it was the wrong polarity (center positive).
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New plug. Cost about CAD$1.
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laurie
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Re: A 9VDC regulated power supply (i.e. PSA) for less than $3

Post by laurie » Thu Jan 19, 2023 6:09 pm

An update.

The actual power supply shown above has been in use in my "workshop" for years now. There have been a couple of pedals where it has not worked well - the pedals are noisy when plugged into the adapter, and perfectly silent on battery.

So I have a new recommendation - when taking this approach, use an adapter that is specifically designed to power audio equipment.
I believe that the one above is designed to power a home computer router.

I have swapped over to a "Plantronics" branded adapter. Plantronics make telephone headsets, so the adapter needs to not cause issues with audio gear. The Plantronics adapter is dead silent on the pedals that I was having trouble with using the adapter shown above.

Again the Plantronics adapter cost me $2 at a local thrift store, and the plug was a few pennies.

I'll post a pic later of the actual Plantronics adapter I'm now using.
Last edited by laurie on Fri Jan 20, 2023 12:17 am, edited 2 times in total.

User avatar
laurie
Posts: 1632
Joined: Fri Aug 17, 2018 2:07 am
Location: Canada
SBZ: Multi Platinum
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Re: A 9VDC regulated power supply (i.e. PSA) for less than $3

Post by laurie » Thu Jan 19, 2023 6:38 pm

Measures 9.88VDC with no load. Works perfectly as a "PSA" supply.
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