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Topic: SPARK amp bummer - lost transformer, power cord |
JB Bobbitt
From:
California, USA
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Posted 13 Feb 2021 3:11 pm |
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The power input specs on the amp jack say DC 19V 2.5 amps.
Is there an off-the-shelf (Walmart, Best Buy. Amazon) replacement I can buy? Or does it have to be theirs?
Thanks a heap,
-jbb
_________________
"Time is an enemy"
-Bob Dylan |
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David Nugent
From:
Gum Spring, Va.
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Posted 13 Feb 2021 3:28 pm
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| Perform a search for a company named, 'Phihong', they have several types and values listed. Bought a replacement power supply for my Hilton pedal and it works fine. |
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Jerry Erickson
From:
Atlanta,IL 61723
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Jon Light
From:
Saugerties, NY
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Posted 14 Feb 2021 4:13 am
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| Manual shows center pos. Be 100% certain you've got that right or you will have all spark, no amp. |
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Tony Prior
From:
Charlotte NC
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Posted 15 Feb 2021 1:08 am
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all you need to be concerned with is the Center ring , be it + or -. Do like millions do if its reversed, CUT the cord and reattach it "opposite" . There is no reason to purchase a FACTORY power supply and probably for 3x the price.
There are no rules, just plus and minus ! It needs at LEAST 2.5 amps as stated by spec, if thats even true, more is ok. Remember, they used a PS that was available , it very well can be overrated.
Don't be afraid to try a 15V PS . Low VDC circuits many times have "WIDE" specs. It will either turn on with a 15VDC or it won't, as long as the center ring polarity is correct there is no chance of damage. It will probably operate just fine with 15VDC.
I have an old Casio keyboard, the PS died, a replacement 15VDC PS was near $50. I have a box full of old PS's from wherever, one was from an internet Cable box, it was 15VDC . I reversed the wire for the center ring polarity and all is well.
Moral to the story, when accessories and gadgets die, get rid of them but KEEP the plug in Power Supplies. The primary differences are the type of PLUG and the Center ring. Other than that , they are just Low Voltage DC supplies and one of them may just save the day.
_________________
Emmons L-II , Fender Telecasters, B-Benders , Eastman Mandolin ,
Pro Tools 12 on WIN 7 !
jobless- but not homeless- now retired 9 years
CURRENT MUSIC TRACKS AT > https://tprior2241.wixsite.com/website |
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Larry Dering
From:
Missouri, USA
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Posted 15 Feb 2021 5:46 am
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| Tony is mostly right but I will add that some power supplies are filtered and others are not. Those not filtered will introduce noise in the unit. Also many are well above the marked output. I tested some universal ones and found that 9v marked on housing was putting out 13v. Granted this was not under a load so actual output in use may be lower. Just investigate the product for proper uses. |
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George Biner
From:
Los Angeles, CA
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Posted 17 Feb 2021 10:30 am
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19V is a very common laptop power voltage, so an old laptop supply with a new connector might work.
The big issue that hasn't been mentioned is the dimensions of the actual barrel-type connector -- there are thousands of types of these and mfrs use unique ones so 1. you don't plug in something else and 2. they can sell you their own replacement power supplies. So you have to measure the diameters of the connector very carefully and buy the right one. And get the polarity right, of course.
I own a Spark amp, and IMO the external PS is a very cheesy way to do things, but it saves a lot of money. And for a versatile guitar oriented amp, it has no footswitching capability - oy! Not sure how I'm supposed to launch into that screaming lead sound! Otherwise, it's a fine and innovative amp.
_________________
Guacamole Mafia - acoustic harmony duo
Electrical engineer / amp tech in West Los Angeles -- I fix Peaveys
"Now there is a snappy sounding instrument. That f****r really sings." - Jerry Garcia |
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Godfrey Arthur
From:
3rd Rock
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Posted 17 Feb 2021 7:24 pm
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Review on the Amazon page says it worked for a Spark amp but the barrel plug was not the right diameter hole size, it was loose. A 2.5mm barrel plug is the normal "larger" plug over the 2.1mm.
The Spark amp barrel must be 3.00mm or larger then.
Here's a guide on how to ball park measure the barrel jack hole:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHyA4M0A8V4
_________________
ShoBud The Pro 1
YES it's my REAL NAME!
Ezekiel 33:7 |
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Cartwright Thompson
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Posted 18 Feb 2021 10:54 am
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| I use an Alitove like the one in the link above with my Spark. It works perfectly. |
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