Quick Pedal PSU Question

[Wild_Child]

I have a DC-9 pedal power supply with 5 outputs that claims 450mA total.

Does this mean that each output is assigned 90mA regardless of how many pedals I have plugged in or does it vary? For example, if I had two pedals attached, would it be 225mA per output?

[Algiman]

No, it means that the total current drawn by all of the stuff plugged into the PSU must not exceed 450mA, as that is the maximum the DC-9 can put out. Look up your pedals here and see how much current they each draw:

http://www.cioks.com/assets/CURRENT%...ON%20TABLE.pdf

Unless all your pedals are drawing lots of power, you'll be unlikely to come anywhere close to 450mA.

[Vim Fuego]

Basically there is 450mA available for all outputs. If the outputs are wired in parallel (which they will be) then each output will take the current it needs up to the limit of the supply.
e.g.
2 pedals @ 100mA each will use 200mA out of the 450mA available
1 pedal at 350mA and one at 100mA will be ok and each will get what it needs, add another 100mA pedal and you'll overload the supply.
Probably all that will happen is one of the pedals wont work but it could cause the supply to fail or overheat.
The problem is that often manufacturers don't quote the correct current drain for a pedal so it can be difficult to tell.
Jim

[Wild_Child]

Thanks guys, I think I understand it now.. I was half way there in thinking the mA varies on each output. So the pedal draws whatever it requires, subtracting from the total mA of the power supply available to additional pedals. Thanks for the link too, Aligman!

The reason I ask is because I just bought an RMC Wizard Wah and while reading up on it I came across this from the man himself:

Model number: RMC5 - WIZARD WAH
Current draw: <10 mA
If an AC adapter is used, the adapter requires a 5.5/2.1mm coax plug with a negative center post, 9VDC AC regulated Class II, 20mA to 200mA max current output.


NO power supply which exceeds 200mA output should be used with "new-generation" RMC wahs. This is not limited to any particular brand or style.

So does that mean even if my other pedals are using in excess of 250mA, leaving 200mA or less available to the wah, it would not be suitable since the overall maximum of the PSU is 450mA? Or would it be okay, since the output of an individual plug is less?

Also, am I right in thinking that the Voodoo Labs Pedal Power 2 has a seperate 100mA for each 9v output? If so, that might be the way for me to go...

[Algiman]

The RMC5 must be working in a very unusual way. Sorry, don't understand that one.

The Voodoo Labs Pedal Power 2 is a fine piece of kit, and even with the RMC5's weird power requirements would work fine.