Author Topic: External Power for Spoiler (Read 286 times)

rjscollo · « **on:** August 31, 2009, 02:33:02 PM »

Could anyone tell me if there's a setup for external power for an 83 spoiler? Perhaps using a Boss PSA power supply. I have constant paranoia about battery's dieing in the middle of a gig. I figure if the instrument has to be plugged into the amp, then why not power too. Any thoughts?

dela217 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 31, 2009, 03:04:08 PM »

Alembic set up one of my basses with Anniversary electronics for the 5 pin power supply. I guess it can be done for the Spoiler too. It would just be mono instead of stereo. That way, it takes the same cable as my Series basses.

Michael

rjscollo · « **Reply #2 on:** September 01, 2009, 07:08:58 AM »

Thanks Michael, I was wondering if I could tap into the + and - of the battery connection and install an input as used in the boss pedals, provided the voltages are correct. The mechanical aspect is simple enough, I just need to know if voltage and other aspects are correct. All thoughts appreciated, Thanks, Bob

rjscollo · « **Reply #3 on:** September 01, 2009, 07:15:46 AM »

georgie_boy · « **Reply #4 on:** September 01, 2009, 07:26:46 AM »

Beautiful top!!!!

FC Bass · « **Reply #5 on:** September 01, 2009, 07:30:12 AM »

My guess is that if you go for the diy method, It's much more likely to get problems onstage...

I never had a battery faillure in more then ten years, change the battery each year and you'll be fine ;-)

Nice (very nice) Spoiler and welcome!

LMiwa · « **Reply #6 on:** September 01, 2009, 09:58:18 AM »

Most basses have a stereo jack and use the mono plug to short from the ring to the sleeve to connect the battery.

If you're really creative, you could wire a stereo cable to supply the power to the bass (tip = signal+, ring = +9V, sleeve = signal & 9V grounds). You would need to create a box that has the stereo jack to the bass cable, a 9V power input jack, and a mono out jack to your amp. You'll also need to short across the 9v connector inside your bass.

You'll probably want to add supply filtering inside your box as well, since most wall warts are not filtered and will cause your bass to hum.

All in all, it's quite a bit of hassle, which is why I've never actually done it. Getting good 9V batteries and changing them regularly is a lot easier and cheaper.

rjscollo · « **Reply #7 on:** September 01, 2009, 12:29:35 PM »

Thanks Guys, I've been using Ultralife 9V Lithium batteries which work great and last a lot longer then standard Duracells, although more expensive. I generally put in 3 hours a day of practice, plus gigs and rehearsals. Batteries haven't a prayer of lasting a year. If I practice on my 69 Fender Pbass, the neck scale is different so it screws me up. Especially when reading.

mica · « **Reply #8 on:** September 01, 2009, 12:43:20 PM »

What opamp is in your Spoiler? If you've never replaced it, it's likely that the newer ones will greatly extend your battery life and it's an easy and cheap part to switch out.

mario_farufyno · « **Reply #9 on:** September 02, 2009, 07:43:23 AM »

Two questionings:

- Getting the power going trough the same cord that runs the signal doesn't causes noise induction (hum)? In studios we always avoid laying cords alongside power cables...

- Using ordinary power suplies in the same outlet of the rest of your gear can't bring ground loop noise to Alembic's eletronics?

(Message edited by Mario Farufyno on September 02, 2009)

tdukes · « **Reply #10 on:** September 02, 2009, 07:51:09 AM »

I don't think you would have much induced noise since the power going to the instrument is DC. The power cables laying around your studio are probably AC. There may be some noise on the DC which may enter your signal, but its probably not through induction. It probably directly modulates the signal since it is powering the electronics.

I don't know about the ground loop.

Todd.

lbpesq · « **Reply #11 on:** September 02, 2009, 07:57:13 AM »

The Tribute I recently picked up at the World Guitar Show was wired by the original owner to be externally powered through the effects loop. I believe it was a fairly simple operation that the owner performed himself with some guidance from Alembic. I'll be bringing it up to the mothership this week to have it returned to stock.

Bill, tgo

David Houck · « **Reply #12 on:** September 02, 2009, 08:00:06 AM »

Mario; I can assure you that on an Alembic Series instrument, having the power and the signal in the same cable is not an issue.

tdukes · « **Reply #13 on:** September 02, 2009, 08:00:13 AM »

Congratulations on your new Tribute Bill!

Todd.

mario_farufyno · « **Reply #14 on:** September 02, 2009, 06:30:32 PM »

Thanks, Todd, now I understood it. I've always assumed it would the same with DC and AC, but you're right - it is just what matters.