Power Supply Quiet
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RV Living: Why You Should Consider Solar Power
Half a lifetime ago, when my wife and I first got a taste for remote RV living, we decided very early on that solar power had to be the way to go. Despite rapid advances in solar technology -- even way back then -- many fellow travelers were surprised when they learned our RV was "solar powered".
Granted, that tiny house-on-wheels was getting on in years, and there was still a general belief among caravanners and motorhomers that solar power was "too expensive" and "too technical". But whatever their reasons, I'm here to tell you that solar-charged 12 volt battery power was then, and still is, worthy of serious consideration -- regardless of the size or age of your traveling rig.
In fact, even the most basic system -- such as ours was then -- provides not only a significant boost in self-sufficiency, it also saves enough money to recover your outlay in under three months. Even today.
For example, a 30-watt, self-regulating solar panel costs around $280 to $350 here in Australia. If you then factor in a no-maintenance, deep-cycle battery of at least 75 amp-hour capacity -- to be installed in the RV -- at maybe $180, plus suitable cabling, a salable plastic battery box (vented to the outside), and miscellaneous hardware for, say, $50 more, your total outlay shouldn't be much over $600.
After that, every night you make use of your on-board power, on a "no hook-ups" campsite, you stand to save between $15 and $25 on tourist park fees. Sometimes more. On those figures, the whole set-up pays for itself in maybe 30 nights or less!
True, sufficient power would normally be available from your towing vehicle's standard battery over one or two nights, but if the vehicle doesn't move for two or three days the engine will almost certainly need a run for an hour or more to "top up" the charge taken out of the battery. And with single-battery set-ups, there is always a risk of over-using your power, resulting in a flat battery!
On the other hand, if you prefer the overnight security and companionship of a tourist park, an unpowered site -- those nice, quiet spots down the back -- saves maybe $3 - $8 per night. Which means you could still have your investment back in the bank within six months.
No matter how you look at it, solar was -- and is -- the way of the future. It's clean, efficient, silent, and requires almost zero maintenance. And once the initial outlay has been covered, basic power needs from that point on are free.
However, there is a downside. (Isn't there always?) A fixed solar array -- on the RV roof, for instance -- needs to be receiving the sun's rays long and strong to adequately replenish the battery's charge. Parked too long in the shade, or suffering through a lengthy stretch of rain-filled skies, can knock out a single-battery power supply in two or three days, even with judicious use. For that reason, some travelers have an additional, portable solar panel that can be constantly repositioned to catch the sun's most direct rays, for as long as possible.
Nevertheless, in the four years we owned that well-traveled little van we had very few problems. (Mind you, we have always carried "conventional" backup in the form of a small petrol generator, and our vehicle has always been dual-battery equipped to share the campsite power needs.)
And about that tricky technology? Well, if a techno-slouch like me can have the whole system installed and operational in under two hours, anybody can!
What we did was: (1) mount the solar panel directly onto the RV roof (with sealant carefully applied in and around the screw holes), then (2) run the panel's cabling down into the van (through the corner of the all-seasons hatch) into a cupboard. Being a self-regulating solar panel, a regulator was not necessary between panel and battery, so the cables were fixed directly onto the battery.
The battery was housed in a robust plastic storage bin with a close-fitting lid, which I further sealed with silicone. Two lengths of 6 mm plastic hose vented the box to the outside through the caravan floor (inside the cupboard). Battery terminals were fitted with heavy-duty extension straps that passed through the side of the box to the outside to facilitate normal connection via alligator clips, a portable 12 volt socket, or sometimes a low capacity inverter. All holes in the floor and the battery box were fully sealed (both sides) with silicone sealant.
As for maintenance, all that's required is an occasional wipe-down of the solar panel, and a general examination of wiring and seals from time to time. I also put a multimeter across the battery terminals every so often to see how it was tracking. (Of course, this reading is only accurate after the battery has "rested" for a half hour or so, i.e, no charge in or out.)
OK, we've learned a bit more about solar power since then, so we did some things differently second time around. But these differences were, essentially, because our fulltime travel now needs more than twice the power, with quite a lot more in reserve. So gizmos and gadgets are scattered throughout. But when we think back on that tiny, "drag-it-anywhere" caravan, with its most basic, D.I.Y. solar power set-up, we still get to feeling warm and fuzzy. (Self-sufficiency in the bush will do that!)
For our money, solar power and RVs are made for each other; it's impossible to imagine a wandering life without either.
About the Author
Bill Revill is an Australian freelance writer, fulltime RV traveler, and remote lifestyle expert. For further information go to:
http://www.livingontheroad.com
http://www.authorsden.com/billrevill
Copyright 2007 by W.V. Revill.
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450W Power Supply $54.99 Zalman 450-watt Power Supply, 12cm Quiet fan, ATX12V v2.3, 20+4pin |
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Ppcs910 - Pc Power & Cooling Silencer 910 Atx12V & Eps12V Power Supply - 910W - Atx12V & Eps12V Power Supply $190.48 legendary Silencer Performance Now in an Incredible 910w of Continuous Clean And Stable Power. Our Silencer 910 Power Supply Gives You Unparalleled PC Power & Cooling Performance And Reliability Along With a Unique Ultra-quiet Cooling Design, Quad Pci-express Connectors, Classic Black Finish, And a Price That Seals The Deal. [PPCS910] UPC: 783068910015 UNSPC: 39121004 8.45 LB |
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Bp550Plus - Antec Basiq Bp550Plus-Ec Atx12V & Eps12V Power Supply - 550W Internal - Atx12V & Eps12V Power Supply $73.47 The Basic 550 Plus is The Perfect Power Supply For The Entry-level User, Providing Stable Power, Quiet Cooling, And Advanced Cable Management For Improved Airflow And Ease-of-use. [BP550PLUS] UPC: 761345235020 UNSPC: 39121004 11.6L x 7.8W x 1.5H 5.85 LB 1 Cubes |
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Bp430 - Antec Basiq Bp-430 Atx12V Power Supply - 430W - Atx12V Power Supply $61.77 the Ideal Choice in High-quality And Value-priced Power Supplies, Antec's Basiq 430 is The Perfect Power Supply For The Entry-level Power User. A Quiet-running 80mm Fan Provides Superior Cooling With Minimal Noise. The Basiq Also Boasts Dual 12v Rails, Ensuring Greater Stability For Your System. [V95604] UPC: 761345234009 UNSPC: 39121004 9.3L x 8.2W x 4.4H 4.35 LB 0.19 Cubes |
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Antec 450-Watt Power Supply $39.99 Get effective power and quiet cooling performance with this Antec 450-watt power supply that features heavy-duty circuitry protection on all rails to help prevent damage from a variety of dangers. |
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Antec 750-Watt ATX Power Supply $111.99 Power your computer with this power supply that features 750W of continuous output power for enhanced performance. A 135mm fan delivers quiet, reliable cooling. |
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Tp650 - Antec Truepower Tp-650 Atx12V & Eps12V Power Supply - 82% - Internal $118.29 truepower Tp-650 Atx12v & Eps12v Power Supply, The Original High-performance Power Supply, Has Been Totally Re-engineered to Satisfy Todays Demands For Quality, Reliability And Performance. Antecs Truepower Tp-650 Atx12v & Eps12v Power Supply Offers Users Its Most Advanced Power Supply Yet, Featuring Japanese Brand Capacitors For Reliability, DC to DC Converters For Exceptional Voltage Regulation, a Japanese Brand 120mm Pwm Fan For Quiet Operation And 80 Plus Bronze Certification For Greater Efficiency. The Truepower Tp-650 Atx12v & Eps12v Power Supply is The Ideal Solution For Power Users, Elite System Builders And Quality-minded Enthusiasts Alike. [TP650] UPC: 761345236522 UNSPC: 39121004 9.25L x 8.5W x 4.5H 6.25 LB 0.21 Cubes |
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Antec Solo No Power Supply Quiet Mini Tower Case Piano Black/Silver Solo $125.42 Antec Solo No Power Supply Quiet Mini Tower Case Piano Black/Silver Solo |
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Zm460Baps - Zalman 460W Atx12V & Eps12V Power Supply - 460W - Atx12V & Eps12V Power Supply $108.6 zalman 460w Atx12v & Eps12v Power Supply is Ultra-quiet in Order to Achieve Enhanced Computing Environment. Noise Has Been Greatly Reduced With The Implementation of The Heat-sensor Circuitry. EZ Grip Connectors For Odd & Hdd For Easy Connecting And Disconnecting of The Plugs. Minimized Power Loss With Reduced Contact Resistance by Gold-plating The Terminals of All Connectors. Two +12vdc Rails of Combined Output up to 34a Provide More Stable Power to High-end Systems. [ZM460BAPS] UPC: 823884004618 UNSPC: 39121004 4.95 LB |
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Antec 650-Watt ATX Power Supply $86.99 This power supply features 650W of continuous output power with dual +12V output circuits to ensure system stability. A 120mm fan delivers quiet, reliable cooling. |
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Medfusion Power Supply $142.6 Medfusion Power Supply |
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Micatxpow255 - Startech.Com 255 Watt Micro Atx Computer Pc Power Supply - 255 W $49.33 Need A Micro Atx Power Supply For Your Compact System? Startech.com's 255 Watt micatxpow255 May Be The Last Micro Power Supply You Ever Buy, Thanks To A Long-life transformer And Built-in Short-circuit Protection. The Temperature Controlled Smart fan Cools Your Entire System While The Emi/rfi Power Filter Reduces Noise/ripple. the Micatxpow255 Is A True Quiet Power Supply. [852601] UPC: 065030802390 UNSPC: 39121004 8.3L x 9.3W x 3.9H 3.15 LB 0.14 Cubes |
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Hcg-520 - Antec Hcg-520 Atx12V & Eps12V Power Supply - 88% - Internal $88.41 antec's High Current Power Supplies Are The Perfect Psu Combination of Power And Efficiency. The High Current Gamer Features a High-power +12v Rail And Special Heavy-duty High Current Connectors And Cabling That Supply Extreme Levels of Power, And Also Superb Efficiency Thanks to 80 Plus Bronze Certification And Active Pfc. Highest-quality Gold-plated Connectors, Japanese-brand Capacitors And Quiet 135 mm Double Ball Bearing Fans Complete The Package. If Loads of Power, High Current Engineering And Extreme Efficiency Are What You Are After, The High Current Gamer is The Psu For You. [GE9447] UPC: 761345238502 UNSPC: 39121004 7.1L x 10.9W x 4.5H 5.85 LB 0.21 Cubes |
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Hcg-400 - Antec Hcg-400 Atx12V & Eps12V Power Supply - 88% - Internal $73.47 antec's High Current Power Supplies Are The Perfect Psu Combination of Power And Efficiency. The High Current Gamer Features a High-power +12v Rail And Special Heavy-duty High Current Connectors And Cabling That Supply Extreme Levels of Power, And Also Superb Efficiency Thanks to 80 Plus Bronze Certification And Active Pfc. Highest-quality Gold-plated Connectors, Japanese-brand Capacitors And Quiet 135 mm Double Ball Bearing Fans Complete The Package. If Loads of Power, High Current Engineering And Extreme Efficiency Are What You Are After, The High Current Gamer is The Psu For You. [GE9446] UPC: 761345238403 UNSPC: 39121004 7.1L x 10.9W x 4.5H 5.6 LB 0.21 Cubes |
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Zm500-Hp - Zalman 500W Atx12V & Eps12V Power Supply - Atx12V & Eps12V Power Supply $134.15 heatpipes Installed For Maximum Cooling Performance And Ultra-quiet Operation improved Power Factor & Reduced Harmonics Through Active Pfc atx20+4 Pin Main Connector supports Atx12v Cpu 4-pin And Eps12v Cpu 8-pin high Efficiency Design modular Cables ez Grip Connectors For Odds & Hdds gold-plated Terminals sleeved Cables internal Blue Led [ZM500HP] UPC: 823884005035 UNSPC: 39121004 6.15 LB |
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Thermaltake 500W TR2 ATX Power Supply $69.99 This 500W power supply is compatible with Intel and AMD processors. The ultrasilent 120mm fan ensures quiet and smooth operation. |
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Diago Micropower9 Power Supply $39.99 The Diago Micropower9 Power Supply uses low-noise digital technology for maximum efficiency. The Micropower9 is perfect as a direct universal replacement for hundreds of other proprietary bulky and ugly wall warts, as well as being ideal for smaller pedal boards of up to 6 pedals.The Diago Micropower9 uses digital switch mode technology, making it quiet, light, efficient and tiny, reliably powering your pedal(s) so you can concentrate on making music.1000MA's of clean, quiet powerPowers up to 6 pedalsTiny footprintWeighs only 200 grams |
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Atx2Pow400Hs - Startech.Com 400 Watt Silent Atx12V 2.01 Pc Computer Power Supply With 120Mm Fan - 400W $61.84 this Is The Ideal Solution For Delivering Stable Power To The Most Demanding Devices. You Can Rest Assured That This Power Supply Will Be As Dependable As You Need It To Be. Compatibility With Existing Standards, As Well As A Generous Number Of Accessory Connectors To Maximize Your Configuration Possibilities. Automatic Temperature-controlled Fan Keeps The Power Supply Quiet During Low Power Demand. High Performance Components And Connectors Are Designed For Extra Long Life And Provide Maximum System Performance, Improves System Reliability By Providing Stable Power To All Components. [1155182] UPC: 065030819589 UNSPC: 39121004 8.1L x 9.3W x 3.9H 5.1 LB 0.18 Cubes |
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power supply $39.99 Athenatech - Power supply ( internal ) |
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Power supply $108.99 VisionTek - Power supply ( internal ) |
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Atxpow300Pro - Startech.Com Professional 300 Watt Atx Computer Pc Power Supply - 300W $52.59 power Your High Performance System With Startech.com's Professional Series Atx Power Supplies The Most Robust Yet! The Atxpow300pro Delivers 300 Watts Of Clean, Reliable Power, Enough To Feed Today's Power Hungry 1 Ghz (or Higher) Cpus And Multi Hard Drive Systems. this Whisper Quiet Power Supply Keeps Your Entire System Running Cool, With Its Smart Dual Ball Bearing Fan. [857121] UPC: 065030787642 UNSPC: 39121004 9.4L x 8W x 3.9H 4.4 LB 0.12 Cubes |
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Respironics Universal Power Supply $191.7 Universal Power Supply for use with Avant 9600 Pulse Oximeter. |
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Respironics Replacement Power Supply $69.13 Replacement Power Supply for Smart Monitor 2 Apnea Monitor. |
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Quiet PC $92.4 Quiet PC. Computer case, Computer cooling, Heat sink, Computer fan, Water cooling, Power supply unit (computer), Motherboard, Hard disk drive, Laptop, Computer monitor, Printer (computing) Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 120 Publication Date: 2009/11/03 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.28 inches |
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ANTEC TRUEPOWER 650W POWER SUPPLY $134.99 Power up and save with the TruePower 650W Power Supply ! Antec has truly reinvented itself with the TruePower-one of the most advanced power supplies on the market. Its high-performance is guaranteed to satisfy your need for quality, reliability, and performance. The TruePower 650W comes equipped with DC-to-DC converters, offering exceptional voltage regulation for as long as you use it. Courtesy of the universal input you can use this power supply anywhere in the world. In addition, the 120mm fan with 80PLUS® Bronze certification delivers greater efficiency and quiet operation, consuming 33% less energy without compromising performance. UPC: 761345236522 Manufacturer's Part Number: 27487K |
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Dunlop DC Brick Power Supply $155.64 More than a power supply, this box is a power conditioner as well. Unlike aging batteries, the Brick supplies predictable voltage at all times, keeping your effects consistent from show to show. Its FCLC (Foldback Current Limiting Circuit) provides ultimate protection against power shorts and overloads. Even at full load, you'll enjoy the quiet and cool operation of a fully regulated power supply. But since battery powered effects rarely exceed 30 milliamps each, you're not likely to use anywhere near the Brick's capacity of 1000 milliamps output! |
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Diago PS01 Powerstation Power Supply $99.99 With 3000 MA, the Diago Powerstation is the ultimate pedal board power supply. It will power from 1 to 30 pedals without noise or hum. Diago's digital switch mode technology makes it quiet, light, efficient and small, reliably powering your pedals so you can concentrate on making music. (Case not included, see our sku # H75202)Powers over 95% of pedals, up to 30 at a time.Automatically supplies correct power, up to 3,000mA, 10 times most power suppliesIt's quiet - uses studio-quality components for hum and noise-free operation.It's small - much like the power supply you'd get with a laptop.It's light - so it can be Velcroed down to your pedal board (Velcro supplied).It's highly efficient - so it doesn't get hot.Universal Input capability, works in any country.Design includes short circuit and voltage protection, so that you or your pedals wont fryIncludes Cable kit |
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Diago Ps01 Powerstation Power Supply $99.99 With 3000 MA, the Diago Powerstation is the ultimate pedal board power supply. It will power from 1 to 30 pedals without noise or hum. Diago's digital switch mode technology makes it quiet, light, efficient and small, reliably powering your pedals so you can concentrate on making music. (Case not included, see our sku # H75202)Powers over 95% of pedals, up to 30 at a time.Automatically supplies correct power, up to 3,000mA, 10 times most power suppliesIt's quiet - uses studio-quality components for hum and noise-free operation.It's small - much like the power supply you'd get with a laptop.It's light - so it can be Velcroed down to your pedal board (Velcro supplied).It's highly efficient - so it doesn't get hot.Universal Input capability, works in any country.Design includes short circuit and voltage protection, so that you or your pedals wont fryIncludes Cable kit |
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hec HP485D 485W Power Supply - No Power Cord $23.99 Modern video cards and modern computers require a power supply with some muscle, and Hec's HP485D aims to do just that. With 75% efficiency, less power gets wasted as heat and it is RoHS certified to cut down on energy requirements. Two 8cm fans with super quiet technology provide quiet cooling. Connections for four peripherals and three SATA drives give you plenty of versatility. Whether you need to replace an existing supply or you're building a custom computer, this could power your every wish for your system. Fans: 2 x 80 mm fans Main Connector: 20+4Pin +12V Rails: Single PCI-Express Connector: 1 x 6-Pin SATA Power Connector: 3 Power Good Signal: 100-500ms Hold-up Time: 16.6ms min. Efficiency: > 75% |
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hec HP585D 585W Power Supply - No Power Cord $25.99 Modern video cards and modern computers require a power supply with some muscles, and Hec's HP585D aims to do just that. With 75% efficiency, less power gets wasted as heat and it's RoHS certified to cut down on energy requirements. Two 8cm fans with super quiet technology provide quiet cooling. Connections for four peripherals and three SATA drives as well as a PCI Express board give you plenty of versatility. Whether you need to replace an existing supply or you're building a custom computer, this could power your every wish for your system. Fans: 2 x 8 cm DC Fan Main Connector: 20+4Pin +12V Rails: Single PCI-Express Connector: 1 x 6-Pin SATA Power Connector: 3 Power Good Signal: 100-500ms Hold-up Time: 16.6ms min. Efficiency: = 75% |
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Va-100P-5 - 10-Outlet Power Supply $396 This AC Power Supply is an Efficient Ten-outlet Universal Switching Power Supply That Can Supply 5V DC at up to 8a. It is Designed to Operate Kramer Products That Use an External 5V DC Power Transformer. [2965576] Truck Delivery UNSPC: 39121004 13.78L x 8.86W x 3.15H 5 LB 1 Cubes |
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COUGAR A-Series A560 (CGR B3-560) 560W Ultra Quiet Power Supply $49.99 Fans: 1 x 120mm fan Main Connector: 20+4Pin +12V Rails: 2 PCI-Express Connector: 2 x 6+2-Pin SATA Power Connector: 6 Efficiency: Up to 89% Over Voltage Protection: Yes Overload Protection: Yes |
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COUGAR A-Series A760 (CGR B3-760) 760W Ultra Quiet Power Supply $89.99 Fans: 1 x 120mm fan Main Connector: 20+4Pin +12V Rails: 2 PCI-Express Connector: 2 x 6-Pin, 2 x 6+2-Pin SATA Power Connector: 8 Efficiency: Up to 89% Over Voltage Protection: Yes Overload Protection: Yes |
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Thermaltake TR-700P 700W Power Supply $89.99 Bring your system to life with the Thermaltake TR-700P power supply. It complies with ATX 12V v.2.3 and EPS 12V v2.91 standards. It also works with the latest SLI or CrossFireX system and multi-core CPU configurations and is ready to deliver 700 watts of power where you want it – safely and reliably. Active PFC (power form correction) maximizes power efficiency, saving energy and money on the power bill. Industrial-grade protections built into the power supply include defenses against over current, short-circuit, over temperature and under voltage operating. The +12V output circuit provides stable voltage to your system, including multiple PCI Express expansion cards. A large, quiet 12cm cooling fan keeps the power supply cool and operating at peak performance. Fans: 1 x 120 mm Main Connector: 24Pin +12V Rails: Single PCI-Express Connector: 2 x 6-Pin, 2 x 6+2-Pin SATA Power Connector: 7 Power Good Signal: 100-500ms Hold-up Time: 30ms Efficiency: >86% |
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Voodoo Lab Pedal Power ISO-5 Power Supply $94.83 The Voodoo Lab Pedal Power ISO-5 is an isolated power supply for powering guitar pedal effects and accessories. It's the ultimate compact solution for smaller pedalboards, rack shelves, or even as an additional power supply for larger boards. With five isolated, filtered and regulated output sections, ISO-5 keeps even the most sensitive vintage and boutique analog pedals dead quiet.Pedal Power ISO-5 includes a high-current output which will properly power modern digital power-hungry effects like those from Eventide, Line 6, and TC Electronic. The power supply also has a dedicated 18V output for those guitar pedals that need the higher voltage for extra headroom.Designed to meet the needs of professional users, Voodoo Lab Pedal Power ISO-5 will provide clean, consistent power, even with the poor AC line conditions often found on stage. Its completely isolated output sections eliminate ground loops, hum, and unwanted interactions between effects, resulting in lower noise and noticeably improved tone. |


US $39.99






































