Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Alembic Basses & Guitars => Topic started by: ajdover on June 05, 2012, 11:53:27 AM

Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: ajdover on June 05, 2012, 11:53:27 AM: Was wondering if this was still a go? Last I heard anything about it was a post from last fall. Anyone know if this is still going to happen?

Alan
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: mica on June 05, 2012, 12:12:38 PM: Yes, it's happening, finally. My regular precision sheeetmetal fabricator evaporated (I really hope he's OK) and I've had to shop for a replacement. Just last Friday we were paid a visit by the folks that are going to do the work, and we've set a new delivery date of late July/early August, so it will be pretty darned soon.

The initial run is going to be 60 units (about half are reserved, including yours, Alan), and I plan on keeping them available so people can chose the mini power supply or the rackmounted one on new builds. Custom!
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: ajdover on June 05, 2012, 12:56:42 PM: Mica,

Awesome! Can't wait to get mine. I took my Series II out to an open mic last night, and had to take the DS-5R with me. Will be very convenient to have a smaller power supply for things like that. Thanks for the update!

Alan
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: s_wood on June 05, 2012, 01:05:24 PM: Mica, I should be down for two of these...right?
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: mica on June 05, 2012, 01:09:47 PM: Yeah, yeah.

I got a list!
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: tubeperson on June 05, 2012, 01:37:13 PM: Please add me Your Tubiness to the list! Please!!!!!!!!.
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: sjhoffma on June 05, 2012, 01:41:02 PM: Mica, please add me to the list, I still need a power supply for 76 series 1
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: ajdover on June 05, 2012, 02:03:49 PM: BTW, at said open mic last night we were asked to play Roberta Flack's Killing Me Softly. I have to say, I never envisioned playing that song on my Series II Entwistle Replica when I ordered it! ;-)

Alan
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: mica on June 05, 2012, 02:14:43 PM: Got it, Steven and Sam.

That sounds like a Kodak moment, Alan! You can literally light up the stage with the LEDs.
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: ajdover on June 05, 2012, 02:51:55 PM: Mica - it was a Kodak moment. I literally had folks coming up to me just to look at the LEDs. And I have to admit, the other bassists there were in awe of the craftsmanship, as well as the tone. All I was using was my Mesa Boogie Walkabout Scout, and it still cut through.

Alembic. When you absolutely, positively have to cut through the mix. For everything else, there's Master Card! ;-)

Alan

P.S. Homemade corn chowder tonight, all produce locally sourced.
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: sonicus on June 05, 2012, 04:43:59 PM: Hello Mica ,
Will the new ones be the same dimensions as the blue ones ?
How will the face be laid out as far as connections . etc..? Same as the Blue ones? What color will the new ones be ? I should be on the prepaid list . Sorry for all the questions... LOL!

Wolf
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: mica on June 05, 2012, 05:57:11 PM: You're on the list, Wolf, paid and everything! The layout is very very similar to the blue ones, but there's a new stereo/mono switch since Switchcraft really discontinued the other connector we were using.

I'm pretty sure these are going to be all black, but I could change my mind at the last minute.
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: sonicus on June 05, 2012, 06:59:09 PM: Thanks Mica. I am sure that these units will be great when released.
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: jazzyvee on June 05, 2012, 07:26:54 PM: Jazzyvee

(Message edited by jazzyvee on June 05, 2012)
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: lbpesq on June 06, 2012, 07:26:37 AM: Mica wrote: I'm pretty sure these are going to be all black, but I could change my mind at the last minute.

I only have two words: Clown Vomit

Bill, tgo
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: darkstar01 on June 06, 2012, 07:36:22 AM: is it too late to claim one of these to go with my 6 that's in progress? that would be awesome. even if it is in clown vomit.
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: jseitang on June 06, 2012, 08:29:43 AM: As someone who has various working projects going on at Alembic, please count me in for this too as well.

Jimy
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: jon_jackson on June 06, 2012, 11:15:07 AM: I'm still interested.
Jon
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: dnburgess on June 06, 2012, 05:23:41 PM: FWIW I think they should be the original blue colour. Everybody knows them as little blue boxes. Why confuse things?
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: LMiwa on June 06, 2012, 08:02:34 PM: Still interested!
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: mica on June 07, 2012, 12:31:49 PM: Austin, I've got you on the list and the 6-string marked to ship with the DS-5.

Jimy, I have you on the list now.

I have you on the list from before, Jon.

Loch, I've got one reserved for you on the list now too.
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: darkstar01 on June 07, 2012, 12:57:42 PM: thanks mica!
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: abidu on June 11, 2012, 05:09:46 AM: Mica, please add me to the list, I need a power supply for my series 1.Thanks!
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: mica on June 19, 2012, 08:18:35 PM: Things are really cooking on this project now! Dad has been test fitting the parts to the prototype chassis:

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/134046.jpg)
(Erik was contributing the brainstorming with his crayon drawing!)

They are going to be retro [color=0000ff]BLUE[/color] with a black front and back panel. A few key changes:

1. Dual switchable voltage, just like is on the DS-5R.

2. Modular IEC connector for power. Muuuuuch easier for travel and also repair.

3. Most components are mounted on a new printed circuit board (represented by a metal plate under my dad's hand). Whopiiiie!

Like I said, things are really cooking, shipping should be in 30 days or less.
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: jon_jackson on June 20, 2012, 05:10:21 AM: Excellent news!
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: sonicus on June 20, 2012, 04:11:25 PM: Cool!
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: mica on June 27, 2012, 02:34:48 PM: Circuit cards arrived today!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/134650.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/134651.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/134652.jpg)
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: mica on June 27, 2012, 02:39:42 PM: Chassis were also delivered today!
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/134658.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/134659.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/134660.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/134661.jpg)
The blue sleeves should be here on Friday or Monday. Giddy!
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: sonicus on June 27, 2012, 04:09:36 PM: They look beautiful !
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: dlbydgtl on June 27, 2012, 05:26:39 PM: Count me in. Perfect for theater! John
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: jon_jackson on June 28, 2012, 05:09:21 AM: A Factory To Customer for the power supplies! Excellent!
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: Bradley Young on June 28, 2012, 10:37:55 PM: Just curious; this seems to only have one resistor, but the schematic from: http://club.alembic.com/Images/395/60881.html?1246843699 (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=15707)

...has two. Also, the board seems to use diodes to construct a bridge rectifier, instead of a packaged one.

I promise to answer amateur programmer questions (I'm sure this is elementary stuff, but I'm not a hardware guy-- interested, but little time/too much ADD already) in return.

Bradley
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: terryc on June 29, 2012, 12:47:54 AM: Hand built byoung..hand built...no short cuts with Alembic
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: room037 on June 29, 2012, 01:40:54 AM: One register is used for power indicater LED on far left side of the front panel, that I think.
Two register for stereo-mono SW are mounted on the switch.

Eiji

(Message edited by room037 on June 29, 2012)
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: mica on June 29, 2012, 01:59:28 PM: Eiji is right, there's only one resistor on the PC card is for the LED, but there's another two on the switch. On a PC, it's quite easy to put in 4 diodes (and it takes up less room than the bridge). The bridge saved effort on the non-PC board version. On the DS-2, there were 4 diodes, but they were soldered to terminal strips and it was not fun.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/134780.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/134781.jpg)
I remember that there's folks that like to see the back too. If you've got one of these reserved, look for an email in the next few days with an invoice. Next week we've got vacations to work around, so the run will be started on July 9th. The only physical change is the switch, which is traditional chrome... we didn't want to wait until they show up next week to get the sample made.
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: sonicus on June 29, 2012, 03:44:48 PM: Mica ,_____ A work of Art! with a capital A !

Completely Swell ___
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: jseitang on June 30, 2012, 12:04:32 PM: SO FINE.
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: terryc on July 01, 2012, 10:38:11 AM: Nice neat units, obviously it will be better for Series owners to use one of these in conjunction with their rack units if they want to use other stand alone amplifiers eg at backline supplied venues.
Me..I shall just keep installing the 9 volters in my MK Signature
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: jazzyvee on July 02, 2012, 02:11:07 AM: I wonder if alembic have considered an external PSU for non Series basses?

Jazzyvee
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: jacko on July 02, 2012, 04:23:00 AM: I doubt if it's worth the effort Jazzy. My basses get fresh batteries once a year but the old ones have never crapped out on me. Even the LED batteries last longer than 12 months. I would imagine people playing more than once or twice a week may have to change more often but I don't suppose it would be too much of a hardship.

Graeme
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: xlrogue6 on July 02, 2012, 09:49:01 AM: The only time my battery has ever crapped out and killed the output was my one and only playing-on-a-float-in-a-parade experience, and of course it didn't matter because A: I was pretty much inaudible anyway and B: even if I was audible it was only for a few seconds. I've been more vigilant about checking my batteries since then!
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: sjhoffma on July 02, 2012, 02:08:56 PM: Magnifico! Can't wait till they ship!
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: sonicus on July 02, 2012, 04:19:50 PM: Jazzy, I think an external power adaptor for non-Series Alembic instruments is a marvelous idea, in fact I have already had that conversation regarding such. My idea was to use TRS jacks/cables on a non stereo non series alembic instrument to bring in 9 volts externally. if I remember correctly I was told that the modifications will vary from various models .This has actually already been done with some other active electronics instruments.
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: jazzyvee on July 03, 2012, 01:42:48 AM: The one of the many good things about the DS-5 is that the bass always gets the full power it needs each time it is used so will always be running at design capability. With less than brand new batteries you never know if you have full capacity at any time and although I don't recall ever having a battery go down on a gig, I have at home, and once they get to a particular level the drop into unusable distorted sound happens pretty quickly. Whatever solution I think would still need to allow the existing battery to be available as backup like in the series stuff and be cost effective which I think many come into your point jacko.

Shame there wasn't one added to this new DS-5... :-)

Jazzyvee
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: charles_holmes on July 06, 2012, 03:22:07 PM: gotta have one, I'm tired of taking mine in and out of my rack
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: lembic76450 on July 07, 2012, 07:09:12 AM: Mica, did I miss the price being stated, or is that a subject for a phone conversation?
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: mica on July 09, 2012, 01:53:15 PM: Retail is $595, but I'm offering a prepaid discount for direct orders. Email me for details (actually, I'll email you, Kenn).
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: lembic76450 on July 09, 2012, 03:08:11 PM: Mica, I'm in, I left a phone message a few minutes ago...
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: mica on July 09, 2012, 06:17:29 PM: Thanks, got it!
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: jazzyvee on July 10, 2012, 12:45:42 AM: Any reason why the the mono socket is not marked on this new version as it is in the older versions?

Jazzyvee
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: terryc on July 10, 2012, 01:35:20 AM: Pardon my ignorance on these units but which socket do you use if you switch to mono?.
Am I assuming that the bass socket is the neck pick up and treble is the bridge or have I got that completely wrong as well??(I have a 'battery' Alembic by the way)
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: jazzyvee on July 10, 2012, 02:14:24 AM: On the rack version of the PSU, there is a label marked "mono" underneath the bass socket which is for use when the unit is switched to Mono. In actuality, when switched to mono you get both pickups out of the bass socket plus you still get the bridge-only pickup only through the treble socket. I don't know how the old blue box is configured and whether there is a stereo/mono switch is on the back or it get switched depending on which jacks you use. I 'm sure an owner will confirm.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/135545.jpg)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/135546.jpg)
Hope that helps Jazzyvee
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: terryc on July 10, 2012, 05:24:23 AM: cheers for that jazzyvee
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: mica on July 10, 2012, 11:02:22 AM: Vince is correct about the traditional operation. Now both output jacks supply a mono signal when the switch is in the mono position, and there is no crosstalk.
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: stenobass on July 18, 2012, 12:57:01 PM: Hi Mica,

I would like to order one of these too, can you add me to the list or should I email you?

Thanks!
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: mica on July 26, 2012, 07:33:01 PM: Today we finally sent the first group out the door! More leaving tomorrow. We should everything that was preordered shipped by the end of the month.

Thank you very much for helping to make this project possible!
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: ajdover on July 26, 2012, 07:45:18 PM: Awesome. Can't wait to get mine.
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: sonicus on July 26, 2012, 08:34:36 PM: Thanks Mica ____Great , I am excited now__ my heart dances !
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: sonicus on July 26, 2012, 08:41:31 PM: Thanks Mica ____Great , I am excited now__ my heart dances !

Whoops ,_____double post (due to file locking error) LOL

(Message edited by sonicus on July 26, 2012)
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: jon_jackson on July 28, 2012, 07:07:44 AM: Got my tracking number yesterday. Oh boy!
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: LMiwa on August 02, 2012, 08:35:42 AM: Mine just arrived - VERY nice!

Thanks Mica
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: jazzyvee on August 05, 2012, 09:40:09 AM: Has the price for these been published?

Jazzyvee
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: terryc on August 06, 2012, 07:49:25 AM: $595 is listed on this thread which at the current rate is ? 381.87
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: LMiwa on August 06, 2012, 12:22:36 PM: To quote Mica from above - Retail is $595, but I'm offering a prepaid discount for direct orders. Email me for details.
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: ajdover on August 07, 2012, 04:13:27 PM: Just opened the box to mine today - what a great little unit this is! It will make it so much easier to take the Series II out. Thanks, Mica!

Alan
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: sonicus on August 07, 2012, 04:34:20 PM: When I opened my box and unwrapped mine I smiled a big grin ear to ear and thought what a masterpiece of a little DS-5 and a surprise of a a sweet little extra. My BIG Thanks to Mica , Ron ,Susan, Mary and all those awesome world class craftsmen /craftswomen and artists at Alembic . Yay !!!!!!
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: mica on August 07, 2012, 06:33:24 PM: Glad they are all arriving safely. I'll be working on the new rackmount power supplies very soon (maybe even starting on Thursday). The fun continues!
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: jon_jackson on August 08, 2012, 05:17:11 AM: I second Wolf's comments. Not only the DS-5 itself, but the entire packaging had the same care and attention we have seen on Alembic products. Thanks for making these beautiful little units again. Much appreciated.
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: borisbass on August 17, 2012, 06:05:50 AM: Hi Mica
Any rough idea when the rackmount power supplies will be available, and how much?
Cheers
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: jazzyvee on September 09, 2012, 06:42:18 AM: Are these ones available still? This is listed on the http://www.station-music.de/index.html (http://www.station-music.de/index.html) web site.
it's not listed as used so I presume this is a special order with the switch or new old stock.

(http://alembic.com/club/messages/393/139020.jpg)

Jazzyvee
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: mica on September 10, 2012, 05:25:50 PM: I haven't finished the artwork for the rackmount power supplies yet, but I'm just a few decisions away from completion. I will be posting here on the Club just as soon as they are under production.

There are more small DS-5 power supplies available. In fact, I plan to keep them as a regular product, so that new orders can choose which component they prefer, case size or rackmounted version.

I have sent you an email, Vince.
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: mica on September 10, 2012, 05:35:58 PM: Oh, and Station Music bought some spare power supplies recently, that's a new unit pictured.
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: jacko on September 11, 2012, 01:31:14 AM: I have sent you an email, Vince.

And I've spoken to Mica this week and it's all set for me to collect your parts when i visit the workshop :-)

Graeme
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: jazzyvee on September 11, 2012, 09:50:54 AM: Yep Cool thanks for the Email Mica, I'm just about to start my radio programme so will give you a call this evening when I get home. Are you 8 hours behind UK time and finish up at 4:00 West Coast time?

Shameless plug coming.
You can catch my Jazz Radio programme live on air every Tuesday from 18:00 to 20:00 on www.newstyleradio.co.uk (http://www.newstyleradio.co.uk)

I already have quite a few listeners from the USA, Texas, New York, NJ & Florida. If you have any of your own jazz recordings, I'd be happy to give them an airing here in the UK.

Jazzyvee
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: stenobass on September 17, 2012, 02:38:41 PM: Hi Mica,

I still have not received my small DS-5, can you let me know when it will be delivered?

Thanks,
Stefano
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: that_sustain on September 18, 2012, 02:05:48 AM: I can only dream for now of pulling one of these out in a studio. Time stands still, as the engineer catches a first glimpse of the blue box. He's a little afraid of it's might..while being overjoyed.
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: moonliner on October 04, 2012, 02:30:33 AM: Hi Mica,

I think I might need one of these to power up my little project coming up! So excited!
Title: DS-5 Small Power Supplies
Post by: bonesrad on January 11, 2013, 09:32:56 AM: Are there any more of these still available? If so, do you just call Alembic direct to order?

Thanks,
Bones