DS-5 with activators?

[FC Bass]

I found this thread: http://club.alembic.com/Images/402/2872.html
 
So I was wondering if the Activator circuit could take the full output of a DS-5? (22/24 Volt iirc?)

[keith_h]

It's been a while but the output of my DS-5R was around +/- 17.6VDC as I recall.  
 
You can always add a voltage regulator to limit the DS-5 to 9 volts when using the Activators. The parts wouldn't be much more than 5-10 Euros. Without making any attempt at design something like a 7809 or LM317 in a TO-220 package with some filter caps, pots to set voltage and a switch to control the XLR power connections would likely work well.  
 
Keith

[tomhug]

OK - time for the dumb question: Why would you want to do this?

[sonicus]

I think it is a great idea to always be within maximum performance specs . I have also inquired  about this mod.  Then you can kiss the batteries bye , bye . LOL  
 
    Both of my IN-2's  measure out @ +/- 15 volts DC  
 
     My DS 5's & DS 5R's measure out @ aprox +/- 20-22 volts DC  
Measurements made with Klein Tools   digital volt meter and not under load from the circuit.    
 
    To my knowledge these voltage specs will be too high for the ACTIVATOR requirements. I would think that a mod to make the activators perform safely from the DS-5 is possible and probable,  
 
Wolf
 
 
 
(Message edited by sonicus on December 15, 2015)

[pierreyves]

because I bought an Alembic anniversary with preped for series I or II, but series are too expensive for me now and I want to run through DS5-R and put out the inelegant plate of stereo/mono switch.   other question: DS5-R has alternative or continuous voltage ?  

 

[pierreyves]

your opinion please Mica on this way ? May I connect directly the DS5-R with cable adaptation or should I reduce the voltage ? If yes, how much ?  
Thankx ;-)

[pierreyves]

hello ?

[mica]

The voltage does have to be reduced. We can email you a schematic of what to you need to do (there is some work on the 1/4 jack as well).

[pierreyves]

Very very Thanks Mica ! Yess IWould like it  
Merry Christmas and take care of you and family

[jazzyvee]

I like the idea of converting to using the ds-5 and stereo for signature Basses that have a pan pot instead of two volumes.  Also i wonder if there was simpler option without adding a 5 pin socket to the bass, but have stereo out from the bass jack feeding the ds-5 with signal only through a stereo to  5pin cable thus giving the option to bi amp or stay mono through the psu outputs and powering the bass with its regular battery.

[sonicus]

I can see where this is going and I like it very much as a power option . A kit for the various Alembic styles would be swell . A little power kit for use with activators   or XY and other non Series Alembic electronics that use the Alembic  DS5 type / 5pin power supply as a system  of electrical power universally  instead of batteries for any Alembic instrument option . Awesome    Installation or realization could vary as to the instrument in question . A question of proprietary nature surely

[jazzyvee]

As we expect installing a 5-pin power option to a new bass wouldn't be a problem for the alembic team but yeah a kit for non series basses or guitars would be a cool post build option. I don't have battery life problems at all but like the idea of the bass always operating at full voltage and maybe the non series could operate at 18v in that mode if that would give more headroom.

[keith_h]

Mica states above that the voltage would have to be reduced. It would be fairly straight forward and inexpensive to do this with a voltage regulator by someone who is versed in electronics. If I were to do it I would build it into the bass and 5-pin circuit for safety but it could also be built externally.

[sonicus]

Keith . Yes I concur with your statement as well.

[pauldo]

Hmmm, a voltage regulator set just high enough for maximum performance BUT THEN add a variable adjustment to lower the voltage.

Why you ask?

When the 9 volt on my Distillate starts to drop down (die) I get the most incredible distortion effect (all be it for a very short time).  It would be cool to be able to have a 'controlled failing battery' situation that could be used!!