Rechargeable power supply station....?

[No. 8 Wire]

[quote name='EBS_freak' timestamp='1503324386' post='3357238']
Sounds like it could be some surge/short happens when you plug it in initially. I'm guessing the protection circuit is fairly sensitive.... and maybe the step up circuit is a bit harsh on sensor. Hmm. Dunno.
[/quote]

I think you are on to something, it does this whether any pedals are on or not. I'll try some experiments later.

[EBS_freak]

I was also going to ask you, hasn't your battery got multiple outputs on? If so, you could up your maximum current draw by splitting across output sinstead of just (presumably what you are doing now) daisy chaining off a single output?

Edited August 21, 2017 by EBS_freak

[No. 8 Wire]

[quote name='EBS_freak' timestamp='1503326014' post='3357257']
I was also going to ask you, hasn't your battery got multiple outputs on? If so, you could up your maximum current draw by splitting across output sinstead of just (presumably what you are doing now) daisy chaining off a single output?
[/quote]

As it happens I have two converters so I tried that - it didn't like that at all.

But I have figured out the issue a little bit - seems to occur if you take out the USB and put it back in while the LEDs are still flashing - they take about 5-10 seconds to reset. Replace the USB well after the lights stop and all is well. Must be some a protection measure to avoid blowing your phone or something. So panic over, all is well.

[CameronJ]

[quote name='EBS_freak' timestamp='1503322178' post='3357196']

The decision to not have centre negative on the Smooth Hound was always an odd decision to me. Anyway, re:Timelord... was looking into these... the Diago Isolator would have been a cheaper option... but it's still not a cheap option.
[/quote]

I looked into this at length and initially thought the same re: Diago Isolator, but the limiting factor is the amount of current each Isolator can supply. The Diago can only supply up to 110mA of current whereas the Timelord can supply up to 400mA I believe. The Smooth Hound needs around 300mA so the choice here is clear.

[No. 8 Wire]

[quote name='CameronJ' timestamp='1503399169' post='3357851']
I looked into this at length and initially thought the same re: Diago Isolator, but the limiting factor is the amount of current each Isolator can supply. The Diago can only supply up to 110mA of current whereas the Timelord can supply up to 400mA I believe. The Smooth Hound needs around 300mA so the choice here is clear.
[/quote]

If you're going the rechargeable battery/converter route then I would have thought a dedicated battery is the cheapest way to go - if the smooth hound will run off it. I have a line 6 M5 (500mA draw) that my battery system will not run, even though it should be within spec - all my pedals turned on at once are fine and that should be a 400-500 mA draw. That said, the M5 does seem so be particular about power supplies and also might have a start up spike that triggers the protection on the battery - its done the same with lower rated supplies before.

Be good to know if something like a smooth hound with a high draw will run of one of these converter systems, even with a dedicated pack.

[EBS_freak]

[quote name='CameronJ' timestamp='1503399169' post='3357851']
I looked into this at length and initially thought the same re: Diago Isolator, but the limiting factor is the amount of current each Isolator can supply. The Diago can only supply up to 110mA of current whereas the Timelord can supply up to 400mA I believe. The Smooth Hound needs around 300mA so the choice here is clear.
[/quote]
Indeed - right you are! Thats quite a short fall in current between the two units.

[Happy Jack]

[quote name='chrisanthony1211' timestamp='1503251241' post='3356708']
Smooth hound doesn't seem to like using a battery pack with another pedal, generates a load of noise....
[/quote]

A-ha! There was me thinking that my Smoothhound just didn't like the battery pack ... it never occurred to me to try it with a battery pack on its own.

Might have a play with that later.

[chrisanthony1211]

Well I've bought a Sandstrom Gold series 9000mAh battery and the 5v to 9v converter and all is good, only used it to power my smooth hound for half an hour this afternoon but worked great with its own battery, what a great idea to use these batteries!

Dare I ask what the calculation is for how long the battery will power a device with a 250MA draw?

Edited August 22, 2017 by chrisanthony1211

[CameronJ]

[quote name='No. 8 Wire' timestamp='1503403788' post='3357905']


If you're going the rechargeable battery/converter route then I would have thought a dedicated battery is the cheapest way to go - if the smooth hound will run off it. I have a line 6 M5 (500mA draw) that my battery system will not run, even though it should be within spec - all my pedals turned on at once are fine and that should be a 400-500 mA draw. That said, the M5 does seem so be particular about power supplies and also might have a start up spike that triggers the protection on the battery - its done the same with lower rated supplies before.

Be good to know if something like a smooth hound with a high draw will run of one of these converter systems, even with a dedicated pack.
[/quote]

I suspect this is in part down to the fact you're using a USB battery pack with a 5v to 9v converter rather than a dedicated 9v pack. As you say the Line 6 M5 is quite fussy with power - I used to own one and it was always noisy when sharing power. That was before I really knew about the benefits of isolating pedals.

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1503410046' post='3357992']


A-ha! There was me thinking that my Smoothhound just didn't like the battery pack ... it never occurred to me to try it with a battery pack on its own.

Might have a play with that later.
[/quote]

You'll have no trouble with the Smooth Hound sharing a pack as long as you isolate it from the other pedals sharing the battery. My Smooth Hound is on the same pack as 5 other pedals and a Micro Thumpinator but works flawlessly running through a GigRig Timelord as isolation.

[No. 8 Wire]

[quote name='CameronJ' timestamp='1503426721' post='3358161']
I suspect this is in part down to the fact you're using a USB battery pack with a 5v to 9v converter rather than a dedicated 9v pack. As you say the Line 6 M5 is quite fussy with power - I used to own one and it was always noisy when sharing power. That was before I really knew about the benefits of isolating pedals.
[/quote]

Its not an issue for me really as I don't in general use the M5, mostly because I find it noisy! just thought I'd give it a go on the battery in case it solved that problem. I think the noise may be to do with my house supply (especially in my practice room) though rather than the M5s fault. It does seem to affect pedals and amps (even basses) that are quiet elsewhere.

Great that the Smooth Hound at 400 mA will run off its own supply.

[rmorris]

[quote name='EBS_freak' timestamp='1503041028' post='3355195']
Made my own.

[url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AAx8-AA-x-8-Battery-Holder-Case-Enclosed-Box-With-On-Off-Switch-Leads/400570557989?_trkparms=aid%3D555014%26algo%3DPL.DEFAULT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20151005190705%26meid%3D18c19475bf0c4b20a6c2c7a12bfe4695%26pid%3D100506%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26&_trksid=p2045573.c100506.m3226"]http://www.ebay.co.u...3.c100506.m3226[/url]

and 8 eneloop pros.

Just reverse the polarity on the attached cable.
[/quote]

Looks a useful box but I'm not clear - Are you removing the batteries to charge them ?

[chrisanthony1211]

You can pick up the rechargeable mobile phone power banks pretty cheap, and the conversion cable for a little over £5, as long as it provides a stable power supply and doesn't blow up it a no brainier!
I have a two hour practice tonight to give it a good run out.

[EBS_freak]

[quote name='rmorris' timestamp='1503477407' post='3358479']
Looks a useful box but I'm not clear - Are you removing the batteries to charge them ?
[/quote]
Yes.

[EBS_freak]

[quote name='chrisanthony1211' timestamp='1503484268' post='3358562']
You can pick up the rechargeable mobile phone power banks pretty cheap, and the conversion cable for a little over £5, as long as it provides a stable power supply and doesn't blow up it a no brainier!
I have a two hour practice tonight to give it a good run out.
[/quote]
I was just looking at one of those small power sticks an hour ago in WHS with this in mind....

[chrisanthony1211]

Think I may have over done it, I think I got a battery which will run my smooth hound for about 40 hours.......

[EBS_freak]

[quote name='chrisanthony1211' timestamp='1503504866' post='3358792']
Think I may have over done it, I think I got a battery which will run my smooth hound for about 40 hours.......
[/quote]
Ha ha. Will it run a small community?

Post it up then... what you gone for?

[chrisanthony1211]

It's a sandstrom 9000mah, I also found myself a rather handy plastic case and some foam to make a nice home for them both!

[CameronJ]

Oh very nice.

I reckon this'll be my next purchase: https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_powerplant_powerbank.htm

10,000 mAh, two 9v outputs, a USB output and a built in LED torch! Reckon I'll get myself 2 of them as an upgrade to my existing batteries (which will then serve to power my pedaltrain Nano+ instead)

[No. 8 Wire]

[quote name='CameronJ' timestamp='1503510233' post='3358841']
Oh very nice.

I reckon this'll be my next purchase: https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_powerplant_powerbank.htm

10,000 mAh, two 9v outputs, a USB output and a built in LED torch! Reckon I'll get myself 2 of them as an upgrade to my existing batteries (which will then serve to power my pedaltrain Nano+ instead)
[/quote]

That's a good price for that if you are buying something else to get free postage. I might have gone for that over my homebrew.

[CameronJ]

I know what you mean, the €8 postage isn't the cheapest but to be fair I don't begrudge it as Thomann's customer service tends to be spot on. To get the postage for free you've got to spend €199 which I don't think I'll be spending this time around.

Edit: the postage is actually €10...but I'm still willing to pay it. Especially when my order includes items I can't get from any shops in the UK.

Edited August 23, 2017 by CameronJ

[sifi2112]

I just received a Harley Benton power plant today .. looks decent, led light is certainly useful as a torch, briefly tested it powering a pedal but no time to play, will use it tomorrow powering all my 7-8 analog pedals

I also didn't mind paying the 10 euro postage .. I've used Thomann many times & they been great, honouring returns & warranty etc

[No. 8 Wire]

[quote name='CameronJ' timestamp='1503514403' post='3358890']
I know what you mean, the €8 postage isn't the cheapest but to be fair I don't begrudge it as Thomann's customer service tends to be spot on. To get the postage for free you've got to spend €199 which I don't think I'll be spending this time around.

Edit: the postage is actually €10...but I'm still willing to pay it. Especially when my order includes items I can't get from any shops in the UK.
[/quote]

I don't begrudge the postage but I usually wait until I've got a few things I need to spread the postage a bit. Bought a lot of gear from them. A bass, 2 cabs, keyboard, countless strings and small items, been happy so far.

[CameronJ]

[quote name='sifi2112' timestamp='1503524635' post='3358990']
I just received a Harley Benton power plant today .. looks decent, led light is certainly useful as a torch, briefly tested it powering a pedal but no time to play, will use it tomorrow powering all my 7-8 analog pedals

I also didn't mind paying the 10 euro postage .. I've used Thomann many times & they been great, honouring returns & warranty etc
[/quote]

What's the verdict?

[sifi2112]

Well I won't say the jury's still out as it'll probably take weeks before it needs recharging as I'm just using analog pedals but so far I really like it .. taking it to tonight's practice just to power tuner & B7K.

Been using a onespot till now but as alll but two pedals already have 9v batteries I'll be using this powerbank as main power source & should it die/fail I'll unplug daisy chain & use internal batteries, for B7K & Little Lehle II I've external 9v clips to power them (Lehle just for led), pretty much covered & so much easier now just using analog

[No. 8 Wire]

0949 Conducting an experiment.

I'm going to measure how long it takes to discharge the 20000 mA battery to get an idea of how much 'real world' capacity is available.

Plugged in a single pedal to see how long the battery lasts. Its a Mooer Tender Octaver with a (hopefully) 128 mA draw, can't measure the current to check unfortunately. The step up converters have an efficiency or around 90%, so the pedal should be using 1.28W of power, which on the 5V side equates to 256 mA current, or a max of 86 hrs battery use. So we'll see how close it gets!

I've fully charged this battery, but immediately on plugging in the pedal, its already dropped to 3/4 full. Also I'm fairly sure the battery self discharges (maybe the charge control circuit always draws). So I'm fairly sure the life will be well below the ideal!

After this I'll try out a representative number of pedals from the board - say 3 on and see how that goes.

Edited to correct some figures!

Edited August 28, 2017 by No. 8 Wire