Moog Music Forum

I have a 12vdc PSU. Really puts out 16vdc, which is not that unusual. How sensitive is the Werkstatt? Its runs with this 16vdc adapter but I have not left it in long. A typical 9 and 5v VR (780X) can handle up to 35v input. The werkstatt uses a surface mounted version. Any experience running with a higher than 12v PSU?

Is your PSU unregulated, or regulated? If it's unregulated, are you measuring its output unloaded? Unregulated supplies will lower their output under load.

Otherwise, you could probably work out heat dissipation and check the specs of the Werkstatt's regulator, but that sounds like more work than I'd be prepared to put in for the sake of just using the right PSU...

First, thank you for replying. I was unaware of the difference in adapters so am getting educated. Regarding mine- I wish I could tell. Just looked at 4 and none say anything about regulated or unregulated. The one I use with the Werkstatt puts out just over 12v unloaded but I need one more so I will be more careful selecting the next one.

No worries. I'd always use a regulated adapter of the correct voltage, and which is capable of supplying safely above the required current.

The PSU that comes with the Werkstatt is rated at 1.2 amps, which is a lot, and I doubt the Werkstatt ever needs this much. The manual states that the Werkstatt 'typically' consumes about 2 watts of power, which at 12 volts works out at 167 milliamps.

I'd guess that a regulated PSU rated for 300mA at 12V would be fine, but to play it safe you might be better with something rated at 500mA. Getting one rated the same as the original wouldn't hurt.

Just a warning, a couple of us here have had problems with the Werkstatt when using too _low_ voltage power supply (9V):
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=22443

So I don't know how much higher you can go, but definitely make sure the supply gives at least 12V under load.