Adaptor trouble

[foozertone]

I just came across a cache of AC/DC adaptors and I came across something puzzling (to me.) One of these were rated 9v but when I read it with my meter, it was putting out 14.3v. All of them put out considerably more than they are rated. One is rated 6v and it puts out 10.2v Would it be okay to use this to power a pedal? I don't think it's my meter cause it reads batteries with no problem. Has anyone else came across this phenomenon?

Thanks

Jeff

[caress]

i think this is pretty common among cheap, non-regulated adaptors and wall warts...the best thing to do is either buy a respectable power supply or use a 9v regulator on your adaptor input...

[zyxwyvu]

I just came across a cache of AC/DC adaptors and I came across something puzzling (to me.) One of these were rated 9v but when I read it with my meter, it was putting out 14.3v. All of them put out considerably more than they are rated. One is rated 6v and it puts out 10.2v Would it be okay to use this to power a pedal? I don't think it's my meter cause it reads batteries with no problem. Has anyone else came across this phenomenon?

Thanks

Jeff

Adapters are usually rated with a load. Your meter doesn't put much of a load across the adapter, so the voltage is much higher than when used with a pedal. Once it is connected, it should put out closer to the rated value.

Anyways, the extra voltage shouldn't matter much for most pedals as long as the caps and ICs are rated for that amount of voltage.

[CGDARK]

Adapters are usually rated with a load. Your meter doesn't put much of a load across the adapter, so the voltage is much higher than when used with a pedal. Once it is connected, it should put out closer to the rated value.

This is true, but...

Anyways, the extra voltage shouldn't matter much for most pedals as long as the caps and ICs are rated for that amount of voltage.

When you use an unregulated power adapter with a pedal it usually hums badly. You must regulate and filter it before you use it with a pedal.

CG

[George Giblet]

Here's my survey,

http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=60258.0