DC output protected? Options

[GuitarDoc]

Is the StroboStomp2's DC output jack protected against accidental plugging in of a power supply (correct voltage and polarity)?

[mike skubic]

Originally posted by GuitarDoc

Is the StroboStomp2's DC output jack protected against accidental plugging in of a power supply (correct voltage and polarity)?

Yes, to a point.
To completely answer the question, let me first describe the protection supplied to the DC power INPUT jack. The DC IN should be able to withstand both wrong polarity and overvoltage (up to about 16V) for a short period of 30 seconds or so with no permanent damage. (However, to restore operation with a correct source, power must be removed for a couple minutes.)
Attempting to operate above these limits of either voltage or time may damage the protection device(s) permanently, but generally would not harm the actual tuning circuitry. In that case, however, any damaged components would generally have to be replaced before actual operation could resume at the correct voltages.

Now for the DC power OUTPUT jack: a power SOURCE at this jack (always an improper setup!) is further diode protected against being damaged from (or damaging) another supply plugged into the DC IN jack at the same time IF both are of the correct polarity (internal battery also protected) AND if its voltage is not smaller than these other (proper) sources. Under these conditions, the tuning circuitry itself is completely protected. However, a source with opposite polarity at the DC OUTPUT jack will activate the protection circuits described above with the limits given. A smaller voltage supply or one that is reversed polarized will not (CAN not, if you think about) be protected against either an internal battery or second (correctly polarized) source at the DC IN jack as this would still be the intended direction of power flow.

So, easy answer: always mind the warnings/restrictions stated in manuals. But, as long as you don't try to input more than one source at a time, the unit is generally well-protected. Otherwise, it takes a NUMBER of mistakes (plugging in more than one source at different voltages and/or polarities) to do any damage.

Hope that explains things well enough.
-mike

[GuitarDoc]

Mike,

Thank you for your quick reply.

So, if I get this right, plugging a regulated 9VDC wall wart into the DC output by mistake will not damage the StroboStomp2?

[mike skubic]

Originally posted by GuitarDoc

Mike,

Thank you for your quick reply.

So, if I get this right, plugging a regulated 9VDC wall wart into the DC output by mistake will not damage the StroboStomp2?

Correct IF that's ALL you do. If you simultaneously have a source plugged into the DC IN or battery installed also, however, besides possibly damaging one or more of those sources, the worst that should happen (to the Stomp itself) is possibly taking out the protection diode to the DC OUT (unlikely though it would be). Even that case should still leave one with a functioning tuner (but possibly a non-functioning DC Out jack).
Please keep in mind that NONE of these circumstances fall under warranty protection as they are implying incorrect use of the tuner connections.

It's difficult to predict the outcome of every particular case of incorrect connections--especially with the possibility of multiple 3rd party external power sources and specs. But we certainly do our best to avoid damage to our products from the more common anticipated user mistakes.