Wall-mounted-transformer Powered Kits

[PAiA-Scott]

Many PAiA kits use a wall-mounted AC-AC transformer as the power source with input connection points for the two wires of the transformer secondary, typically 12VAC. Rectifier diodes and smoothing capacitors follow for conversion of the AC to DC. The DC is usually bi-polar or with both positive and negative polarities, for example negative 12, zero, and positive 12 (±12VDC). The wall-mounted transformers are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain and expensive, especially off the US mainland. DC switcher types are readily available and smaller, lower-cost than their linear-type predecessors (with regulated output too). Ones with 5V ratings can easily be sourced and this combined with 5V being available from USB power sources make DC-DC converters a viable option for obtaining dual-polarity DC power.

Many power device manufacturers now offer DC-DC converters in small four-pin SIP packages (search your favorite electronic component website) with a variety of input and output voltages. Two 5V to 12V (or 15V) can be built to make a dual-DC power source in an area not much larger, if smaller than, the filter capacitors or the former AC to DC power section. I've had success substituting these with both a 5V DC switcher, cell-phone charger, and rechargable battery pack USB power source, for the 12VAC transformer and following DC sections with FatMan, P9700S, and Vocoder. Will pursue getting kits readied for these and other kits.