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MF101 Power Polarity

Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 1:38 pm
by Steve Tee
Hi all,

Just wanted to ask a quick question of you regarding the design of the MF101 pedal...

Iv been using it with a multivoltage power adapter at 9V. There are numerous jacks that can be connected on the end to give it a wider variety of applications. It is also possible to fit jacks at both polarities.

Now, I discovered that the MF101 will only opperate when in one polarity. When in the other, there is no response at all. I was wondering if there was any kind of polarity protection circuits in the design of the MF101 to prevent damage from occuring. Or is it possible to seriously damage this pedal by connecting the power source with the wrong polarity?

Cheers guys, appreciate you help with this one!

ST

Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 7:23 pm
by latigid on
Hi Steve, and welcome.

Good electronic circuits employ a "power diode." In effect, when the polarity is reversed, the diode creates a large voltage drop, meaning the current drawn will not damage your unit, and it ensures the power only flows in one direction.

I once plugged a positive adaptor into an old Ibanez FL-9. Thankfully, the pedal was fine, but I did fry the adaptor.

So probably the worst problem will be that the device will not work, and you may destroy your adaptor.

Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 8:16 pm
by Steve Tee
Latigid on,

Thanks for the quick reply! I thought that would be the case but better safe than sorry - some one else has the pedal and cant get it to work. If this happened to me I would just turn the connector around on the psu, but I didnt want to recommend he try this it could destroy the pedal (or worse, electricute him!).

Anyway, thanks again :)

ST