Linear power supply for Boss (and other) pedals
Posted: Thu Jul 25, 2024 11:55 am
I've been using this type of power supply for years. I find a linear supply is far less noisy and I prefer the "old school" approach.
I've also been using these power supplies as a "buffer" between modern switched-mode plug-packs (wall warts) and older analogue pedals. Find an 18VDC switched mode wall-wart at the thrift store and use it to power one of these PSU boards. (PSU = Power Supply Unit)
When set up for 9VDC or 9.6VDC using a 7809 regulator, these boards can be powered by anything from 12VDC to 24VDC, and 12VAC to 20VAC. A non switched-mode wall-wart with a 12VDC nameplate is an excellent choice, as is an old monitor or laptop supply (typically 19VDC).
Higher supply voltages and higher output currents will necessitate bolting the 78xx regulator to a heatsink of some sort. If using D1 the tab of the 78xx will no longer be at ground potential, so an insulator between the 78xx and the heatsink will be needed if using the enclosure as a heatsink.
Currently I have a couple of these powering pedalboards - one running from an 18VDC switched-mode wall wart, and the other running from a 12VAC wall-wart. Both wall-warts from thrift stores for a couple of bucks.
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I've also been using these power supplies as a "buffer" between modern switched-mode plug-packs (wall warts) and older analogue pedals. Find an 18VDC switched mode wall-wart at the thrift store and use it to power one of these PSU boards. (PSU = Power Supply Unit)
When set up for 9VDC or 9.6VDC using a 7809 regulator, these boards can be powered by anything from 12VDC to 24VDC, and 12VAC to 20VAC. A non switched-mode wall-wart with a 12VDC nameplate is an excellent choice, as is an old monitor or laptop supply (typically 19VDC).
Higher supply voltages and higher output currents will necessitate bolting the 78xx regulator to a heatsink of some sort. If using D1 the tab of the 78xx will no longer be at ground potential, so an insulator between the 78xx and the heatsink will be needed if using the enclosure as a heatsink.
Currently I have a couple of these powering pedalboards - one running from an 18VDC switched-mode wall wart, and the other running from a 12VAC wall-wart. Both wall-warts from thrift stores for a couple of bucks.
.
. .
. .
.