Mutron Micro V Power Jack

[Jdansti]

I'm in the process of converting my old Mutron Mico V power jack from the original 1/8" center positive jack to a plastic 2.1mm negative center jack. I'm sure I can do this without any problem, but I'm confused about the wiring of the original jack.

The photo and wiring diagram below show the original wiring. I see how it works when there is only a battery and no adapter plugged in, but when you plug the adapter in, the positive side of the adapter is connected to the positive battery post through a 510Ω resistor. Is this kosher, or should the battery be removed when using an adapter with the original jack?  This is academic at this time because I'm replacing the jack, I'm just curious about the original wiring.



Edit: Removed my drawing of wiring.

[Jdansti]

I think I found the answer. I found the schematic and there's probably a hidden diode hidden under the heat shrink on the lead coming from the positive battery terminal.

[Jdansti]

Based on the schematic above, I need to put the two diodes and the resistor onto the new jack since they don't exist on the board. I think it will need to be done as shown below. I'd appreciate someone looking at it to see if I've shown it correctly.

[armdnrdy]

Hey John,

It's a bit late in California...I'm a little tired but...does the original schematic show a center positive jack, and your drawing a center negative?

I'm sure the change is to keep things standard.

Other than that...it looks good

[zombiwoof]

I think with valuable vintage pedals that use a 1/8" positive adapter, it's much easier to just use one of these short converter cables, instead of modding a potentially valuable pedal:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Visual-Sound-1-Spot-3-5mm-1-8-Converter-to-Use-With-Pedals-w-1-8-Power-Jack-/271465762347?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item3f349ece2b

Just buy one of these for each of your 1/8" power jack pedals, and you can just leave it hooked up.  It allows you to use your regular power supply, while still keeping your old pedal in stock condition.

I have a few of these for my older 1/8" positive center jack pedals, and they work great.  You plug the barrel-connector cable from your Boss-type power supply into the other end of the converter cable.

I know this is a forum about building and modding pedals, but in the case of vintage pedals I like to keep them in as stock condition as possible.

Just a suggestion.

Al

[armdnrdy]

I had the same thought...but I think we might be too late. 

[Jdansti]

Thanks Al and Larry. The adapter is a great idea. I'm going to get one. I haven't disconnected the old jack, so it's still vintage.

[armdnrdy]

I'm going to get one.

At that price...I would just order the connectors and make one.

Better yet, if you have an "expendable" cable with either a 1/8" plug or a 2.1mm plug, you just have to install one plug end.

[Tony Forestiere]

+1 on the One-Spot. I bought the Combo Pack with the multi-plug cable and various adapters.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Visual-Sound-1-Spot-Combo-Pack-104489125-i1275625.gc?source=4WWRWXGP&gclid=CJDEsbHri74CFRWRfgodoIYAow&kwid=productads-plaid^18283950120-sku^104489125@ADL4GC-adType^PLA-device^c-adid^27490280802
Best Forty dollars I have ever spent. Now they are on sale. 

[Jdansti]

I'm going to get one.

At that price...I would just order the connectors and make one.

Better yet, if you have an "expendable" cable with either a 1/8" plug or a 2.1mm plug, you just have to install one plug end.

Yep, that's a good idea too!  I'll check my spare parts and see what I've got.

[Jdansti]

+1 on the One-Spot. I bought the Combo Pack with the multi-plug cable and various adapters.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Visual-Sound-1-Spot-Combo-Pack-104489125-i1275625.gc?source=4WWRWXGP&gclid=CJDEsbHri74CFRWRfgodoIYAow&kwid=productads-plaid^18283950120-sku^104489125@ADL4GC-adType^PLA-device^c-adid^27490280802
Best Forty dollars I have ever spent. Now they are on sale. 

Good idea!  If I didn't already have a DIY PS and a daisy chain cable, I'd go for it.

[zombiwoof]

I'm going to get one.

At that price...I would just order the connectors and make one.

Better yet, if you have an "expendable" cable with either a 1/8" plug or a 2.1mm plug, you just have to install one plug end.

If you do make one, you need a female 2.1mm end, as with this short cable converter,  it is meant to plug onto the end of one of the plugs from your "daisy chain" multi-cable from your power adapter.

Remember to wire it so the positive (outside connection) of the barrel connector goes to the center connection (tip) of the mini-phone plug, and the  negative (inside or center) connection of the 2.1mm end connects to the sleeve of the mini-phone plug,  as most of those pedals with 1/8" mini-phone jacks on them require a positive center/tip plug ( old MXR, RAT, DOD, etc.), and the Boss-type barrel plug connections on most pedals are negative center.  There are a few exceptions to that, though, for those you need to reverse the connections (they also make a cable converter for those few pedals that are wired for a negative-tip 1/8" mini-phone plug).  I'm sure most of you are aware of this, but some might not know.

Al

[Jdansti]

>Remember to wire it so the positive (outside connection) of the barrel connector goes to the center connection (tip) of the mini-phone plug, and the  negative (inside or center) connection of the 2.1mm end connects to the sleeve of the mini-phone plug

Thanks, Al. I'm sure this is what I'll have to do for the Micro V.

[Jdansti]

BTW-I told my wife that I have a vintage pedal that lists for $300-$500 on eBay. She asked me to show it to her and then she said, "good, I'll make sure I don't sell it for a quarter when I sell all of your stuff in a garage sale after you die. 

[zombiwoof]

BTW-I told my wife that I have a vintage pedal that lists for $300-$500 on eBay. She asked me to show it to her and then she said, "good, I'll make sure I don't sell it for a quarter when I sell all of your stuff in a garage sale after you die. 

I think in the future it would be a good idea to not let on to your wife how much your stuff is worth, it might give her ideas.........
You may have trouble sleeping at night after that comment!.   

Al

[duck_arse]

you better check your wife's listings, jd.

[Jdansti]

I don't think she'd list it while I'm still alive, but if you don't hear from me for a few days, please check eBay for a Micro V shipping from Pasadena, TX and call the authorities. 

Seriously, she's joking...  I think...

[deadastronaut]

BTW-I told my wife that I have a vintage pedal that lists for $300-$500 on eBay. She asked me to show it to her and then she said, "good, I'll make sure I don't sell it for a quarter when I sell all of your stuff in a garage sale after you die. 

I think in the future it would be a good idea to not let on to your wife how much your stuff is worth, it might give her ideas.........
You may have trouble sleeping at night after that comment!.   

Al

yeah, don't ruin the garage sale bargains..

[PRR]

> when I sell all of your stuff in a garage sale after you die.

So she's keeping you (and your stuff) until you die.

So she won't throw you out.

OTOH, there's this TV show "Wives With Knives".

[Jdansti]

Mine's more into guns.