I have an old EH Hot Tubes (the CMOS version, not vacuum tube version) that needs a new power transformer. The closest fit I can find is, believe it or not, at radio shack. It's just a basic 24V center tapped 500mA power transformer but I was wondering if anyone had experience with one before I head over there after work tomorrow. Should be fine yeah? I've never had a problem with their toggle switches and LEDs, but a lot of their jacks and plugs are shitty.
I've used 'em, never had a problem. I'd say they're about the same as any Chinese-made thing you'd buy from a real electronics supplier. Not top of the line, but they get the job done!
It doesn't really need a transformer, actually. I've operated mine on a 9v battery for a long time. The battery life is not extensive, mind you, but it is certainly not like trying to run a digital pedal off a 9v battery for more than an hour. I gather EHX built them with transformers for the extra bit of security. Keep in mind that in the late 70's, we did not have power bricks and pedalboards. We had a couple of pedals on the floor, so if a pedal was going to need a bit more current, it was going to need a power cord.
If you simply feed the V+ lines in the pedal with a decently-regulated 9V, you'll be fine. For any resale purposes, I'd imagine any prospective buyers would be happier with a power jack they could plug their supply into than an AC cord dangling off a pedal.
I made a bi-polar power supply many years ago from one. I've used it with a bunch of different projects over the years have never had a problem with it.
+1 to both of the above
I had RS power transformers live for decades. And have not seen significant change in build quality from 1970s to 2000s.
You could do far worse.
After the assuring advice from all of you, I got to Radio Shack to discover the 24VCT transformer they carry is much too large to fit in the EH Hot Tubes enclosure. >:(
Does anyone have a lead on a nice small 120V---24VCT transformer in the 1VA range? It seems like Mouser/Digi are not stocking a lot of the small power transformers they used to.
https://www.tubesandmore.com might have.