Battery drain question

kswilson89

I'm thinking of using some 9v battery clips with a 2.1mm barrel connector on the end in order to power my pedals by battery instead of a plug in power supply. I'm only looking to power 2 pedals, was just wondering if I leave the batteries plugged into the power input of the pedals when I'm not playing will the pedals still draw current and reduce the battery life?

skunkwerx

 I know when you use an internal 9v on a Boss, the input jack also needs something plugged into it before it will power up. 

Thats because the pedal is bufferred and will draw power to enable the buffer to work, even when off/bypassed. 

So to prevent battery drain you'd need to unplug the input cable after use, so the battery can stay inside, which is easier than removing the battery each time. 

However, I believe thats moot if you use a power source via the 9v external jack. 
I 'think' a buffered pedal pedal like a Boss will always draw from that regardless of the input jack being filled or not. Obviously when it can, ie. the power source is switched on, or a battery is connected via your method. 

If so you'd need to remove the barrel connector from the pedal or the battery from the clip after each session.  

However I could be wrong, and the external 9v power wiring could act exactly like it does when powered by an internal 9v.
its been a while since I checked this haha. 

If both your pedals are true bypass though, I don't see how they would draw any current if they are off. So the batteries could remain connected to the exterior 9v socket. 

The other option is, wire in a switch, or look for a 9v battery holder with inbuilt switch! Just switch that off and leave everything else connected. 

Im no expert though and I'm sure some more knowledgable people will be along soon to correct me! 

JezWynd

I think they do. I use the battery connectors you mention and if I plug the power into my Carbon Copy, even though no jacks are inserted, the modulation light turns on, so best disconnect them if not in use.

Sporky

The bypass doesn't make a difference - if there's something in the input jack then the circuit is on and will be drawing power from the battery.

Just unplug the 2.1mm barrel when you're not using the pedals. 

NorthernStomps

kswilson89 said:

I'm thinking of using some 9v battery clips with a 2.1mm barrel connector on the end in order to power my pedals by battery instead of a plug in power supply. I'm only looking to power 2 pedals, was just wondering if I leave the batteries plugged into the power input of the pedals when I'm not playing will the pedals still draw current and reduce the battery life?

But why?!