Pedal power supply

[Joecool85]

If I was to use this: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2049685&cp=&kw=adapter+9v&parentPage=search 9volt "video game supply", is there a way to make it good for pedals?  Maybe like, a 1000uF cap from 9v+ to ground?

[bancika]

sure, look at http://www.storm-software.co.yu/diy/index.php?project=power
my site isn't finished yet, but that part is. I used 15v unregulated wupply to get both 12V and 9V regulated outputs with filter caps.

[Joecool85]

What about this:
Same schematic can also be used for other power regulators but make sure that you have at least 3V more on input than regulated output voltage.

If I have 9volt in, would I just use the 100uF cap?  Does it matter?

[bancika]

It depends. If your supply is regulated you will have constant 9V, if not voltage will depend on load. For example, my 1000mA 9V power supply gives 15V when load is small (few pedals with 10-15mA each). Check with you multimeter, if it says 9V your supply is regulated and you could add that cap, it cannot hurt. Otherwise, you need power regulator IC 7809 that will give you constant 9V not depending on load.

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

Radioshack is pretty expensive compared to www.jameco.com for plugpacks.
Plus, you don't need to buy the 'optional extra' lead! (if I am interpreting the RShack page correctly).

[Joecool85]

No idea what you are talking about, maybe the link didn't work right, this is what I was trying to show you:

[bancika]

Ok,
1) take voltmeter and measure adaptor voltage: one pin to jack tip, one to shield. If voltage is 9V +- 5% than it's ok, maybe you don't need that cap at all. But if it's higher than 9V (mostly around 15V) than you need to regulate it to be 9V. That's what 7809 IC does. If your adaptor requires regulation it's best to make external box with it and you can have as much outputs as you like. Take a look at mine

I made one input jack to box which goeas from unregulated power supply and 5 regulated outputs for power up to 5 pedals.
Any clearer

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

No idea what you are talking about, maybe the link didn't work right,

I was looking at the extension cable shown below in the image. But I guess the adaptor already comes with a cable..  it wasn't obvious to me.
As for whether the RS plug pack is regulated or not, there doesn't seem to be any mention of that, so I guess not. I expect most pedals would be happy with it.
One point: if it is an unregulated pedal (unless it actually says it is regulated, it probably isn't) then, you wnat to measure the voltage while it is delivering current to the pedal you want to drive (or an equal load). Because, an unregulated supply drops voltage according to load. It is qquite common to measure say 14V on an unloaded plug pack, then run 100mA out & see the voltage at 9V say.