DC power jacks for pedals -size

[pjd3]

Hi, and once again, thank you for guidance on my Blackvibe build. It has one issue that I'm having Stan Day look at, a total crap out at max input chord strike! (sounds great up till that point).

This is a bit off the amp track but, what size DC power jacks and plugs do you use for pedal builds? I'd like to do a Small Bear order tonight and finally eliminate batteries. It gets expensive.

It seems like the 2.1 mm are a common size. I was pondering making all the output power jacks that size and just have a selection of that and other sizes (2.0, 2.1 and 2.5) available to custom make power cables on the fly for any pedal that has a different size.

Is there also a standard length on the DC power plugs? I've seen different lengths which makes it a bit more difficult to decide.


Also, I know this is very low voltage and low current but do you and wire dressing routine ought to be followed? Hum.. noise or buzz?

Thanks. I'm updating my whole setup to meet up with all the amp build effort and money!

Phil D.

[MakerDP]

2.1mm is the standard.

This is what you want... http://smallbear-electronics.mybigcomme ... tic-round/

Keep your power runs as short as you can and tucked-away in the corners if you can and you will be fine. Don't be sloppy but don't overthink it either.

[pjd3]

Thanks Maker. Looks good. It will either be that one or the one without battery switching since the power supply I made is actually 8 independent power supplies in a box. I saw those little 12volt transformers at Small Bear about a year ago and thought they were pretty cool for keeping each pedal totally isolated. Probably went overboard but, its there now waiting on DC power jacks.

The only other thing I ponder is the length. I see there is a long barrell jack and a short barrell jack. I haven't seen much of any discussion on that. I figured I'd go with the short ones unless I was told differently, although it seems like the long barrell plugs would work in short barrell jacks but not the other way around. Just wouldn't know for sure yet. Once I get the lowdown on that I'll be confident to order away, and hopefully get it right the first time!

Thanks Maker,
Phil D.

[MakerDP]

Do you have a power supply laying around somewhere? Like a BOSS or EHX or whatever? Measure the length and buy accordingly.

[pjd3]

Unfortunately, I have never owned or used a commercial stompbox power supply even though I have build a number of power supplies for different purposes.

I did just now order ten 2.1mm unswitched jacks from "lovemyswitches" and will start to gather info the size of DC receptacles in my commercially bought pedals. Most of my pedals I build my self so I can put in whatever size I'd like into those. (its looking like there is a standard 2.1mm)

What I had (until now) been missing in my head is if there had been a standard that I'd best adhere to going forward - just to be as inline with things as I can. But its all good. I can take things as they roll in.

Thanks Man
Phil D.

[tubeswell]

2.1mm switching jacks