This seems like a simple thing, but from my (limited) experience and a quick search, I really only know of batteries, rechargeable or otherwise, that are made to work with devices that are made to work with batteries. What I need is a portable power source that I could use to power devices meant for a/c power.
Now that the weather is getting nice I’d like to busk in the nearby park with my electric guitar and so I’d need a way to power a small (10W I think) amp and an effects processor, and I’d prefer it to be rechargeable for obvious reasons. Is something like this available and I’m just missing it (I mean, it seems like something that should be common - a way to plug an a/c plug into a portable power source?).
sounds like what you’re after is an inverter - Inverters at Canadian Tire Other possibilities include the Fender AmpCan or any number of portable amps made by Crate, and using batteries for your stomp box(es).
That looks pretty good (except for the fact that it seems to be currently sold out). But one thing I forgot to mention in my OP is that I’m in Germany, so it also needs to be able to power an amp made for 220V a/c power. (I bought the BOSS ME-50 effects processor in the States but it seems to work fine with an ordinary German a/c adaptor). So can I use that along with a simple plug adaptor like this (though I think I’d need it male and female reversed in this case)?
Also, I’m on an extremely tight budget (hence the busking), so I’m looking for the least expensive option possible.
My original thought was to get a portable, battery-powered amp but for some reason last time I thought about it and looked into it (last fall) I remembered these amps being very expensive, but I’ve just noticed that my ME-50 does indeed take batteries (I never thought to look before) so maybe the portable amp is the way to go. Not sure yet.
How handy are you, Moe? You could pretty easily source the parts for this project. Look for people/businesses tossing old UPS devices. These almost always break when the batteries go bad. Replace the batteries and away you go.
Yea, that is an uninterruptible power supply. You plug your crucial devices into one so in the event of a power interruption, the battery powered UPS kicks in and lets you save files, shut down properly, figure alternative power, etc. They don’t usually last that long but your amp and pedal seem like they won’t use the juice too fast. I’d have some battery suggestions but first you need to locate a donor UPS. UPS Wiki link
OK, well, after much internet searching, I have come to the conclusion that I have no idea how to locate a UPS device.
I did learn that a “inverter” appears to be what I’m looking for, but in general they appear to be kinda expensive. I mean, in my mind I’m picturing some plastic thing for about 10 bucks that you put some batteries in and it has a place to plug in an ac power cord. Yet in reality it seems a lot more complex.
Assuming I can’t locate a UPS device, are there any other potential DIY solutions for powering my amp with battery power?
Incidentally, (and I’m guessing this is not simple but I might as well ask), what would it take to power my amp with solar power? (I just think in a green city such as Berlin, that would be so friggin’ cool!)
You’re not going to be able to do this on the cheap. The batteries alone will be expensive. If you already have appropriate batteries (do you own a car?) the price may be less, but I don’t think you’re going to do this for $10. Here’s a whole page of options if you already have a battery.
As far as going solar, there’s more systems out there than I thought, but the price runs from ‘don’t ask’ to ‘wow’ to ‘a lot’.
Here is a complete solar solution. No price listed so you’ll have to contact them.
some of the new practice amps have multi-effects capability as well, so you’re not gonna get rolled for your vintage Big Muff Pi and your Small Stone Phase Shifter.
This little beauty is about double the price of the converter shown earlier, but really practical.