[pugs]

I have a RWA modded SB3 with battery power supply.  I just can't remember to recharge the battery after using it so I wind up just draining the battery and using the wallwart.  Can I just buy another power supply from Boulder or Maui Mods without sending in the the SB3 for futher modification?  Any recommendations for a power supply that won't cost too much (<$300) that would be an improvement over the battery supply?

[Wayne1]

Your RWA modded SB3 needs 12 volts DC into it. Not the 5 volts that the ELPAC puts out.

You choices are to find a "good" 12 VDC power supply of at least 1.5 amps or to get your SB3 re-modded to use the standard 5 volts.

[Jampot]

Whoa there,

If I'm not mistaken Vinnie's battery supply uses an umbilical with 5 and 12 v from the battery pack - regulation is done in the battery pack not the SB.

Check with Vinnie.

12 volts into the battery terminals is probably OK, but I would still check. Send him an email.

Jim

[Wayne1]

Perhaps I did not make myself clear. The RWA modded SB3 power supply requires 12 volts to operate. Vinnie uses a 12 volt battery that also runs into a 5 volt regulator.

The power supply bypass circuit he builds into some of his power supplies allows the unit to be run from a 12 volt DC external power supply. It switches the battery out of the circuit and allows the external 12 volt power supply to run into the regulator. That way both voltages are still sent to the SB.

The ELPAC Zybar suggests will not work with the RWA modded SB3 with battery pack.

If pugs wishes to use an external power supply AND he has a battery pack unit that has an external power input jack and switch, he would need to get a 12 volt DC adaptor.

The RWA modded SB3 can also be "re-modded" to use a ELPAC supply of 5 volts without the need for the external battery pack.

[tvyankee]

if you need a supply i have one fs.

http://www.samlexamerica.com/products/productdescription.asp?ProductsID=1001

20 bucks. you pay shipping and paypal.

[oris98]

Hi TVYahkee,  is this 12v PS sounded as good as the ELPAC ?  Have you tried and compared ?  Thanks.

Wayne,  I am on the same boat as pugs.  I have in fact replaced my original battery came from RWA. However, for long term solution, it may make sense to have the unit remodded to accept Bolder modded PS.  I have the following questions:

How much money will it cost to have it remodded to take 5v DC for using ELPAC ?  I have the RWA digital mod only.

Is the Sonic Performance equivalent to the Battery with a stock ELPAC PS ?

Which level of PS mod will it acutally improve the sonic performance of SB3 over the RWA battery option ? 

I am sure some others are on the same boat that would like to further improve the sound from the RWA battery mod.
Thanks in advance.

[Wayne1]

oris98,

Some of your questions could cause me to make subjective comments about the work of another AC maunfacturer.

This is against the rules of AC.

Please contact me by PM or e-mail and I will be happy to respond, privately.

[JEaton]

I have a RWA modded SB3 with battery power supply.  I just can't remember to recharge the battery after using it so I wind up just draining the battery and using the wallwart.  Can I just buy another power supply from Boulder or Maui Mods without sending in the the SB3 for futher modification?  Any recommendations for a power supply that won't cost too much (<$300) that would be an improvement over the battery supply?

I've always wondered whether the sound of battery powered components would be worth the inconvenience.  For myself, I've suspected the answer would be 'no', but this is the first time I've seen anyone else mention the issue.

Maybe you could arrange a trade with someone for a stock SB3+cash, or else an SB3 modded using more a conventional power supply.  Could be that there's someone out there that  wants to see for themselves how the battery powered SB3 sounds.

[woodsyi]

I don't know if this will be better than battery power.  http://cgi.ebay.com/HP-Harrison-6284A-20V-3A-DC-Power-Supply_W0QQitemZ330035409739QQihZ014QQcategoryZ58286QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item330035409739

I have something similar and Bolder UPS mk1 was clearly better -- not a whole lot but no questions the Bolder UPS had more resolution.   The HP unit was comparable to RWA BPA but opinions differed.