Replacement PSU for M Patch 2 Monitor Controller

Customising, building or repairing your own gear? Need help with acoustic treatment or soundproofing? Ask away…
Post Reply

Replacement PSU for M Patch 2 Monitor Controller

Post by 2pods »

Hope this is in the right place, but anyway the mods will move it if not...

Switched the gear on today (individually as usual, in case of overload) when I noticed no lights on my wee M-Patch 2 monitor controller

It's a few years old, and came with a Euro 2 pin plug which I've been using with 2 to 3pin fused adapter. I've tried the 2 to 3 pin adaptor with my razor cleaning wotsit, and that works OK, so I'm assuming it's the actual adaptor.

It states on the back it's an "AC/DC Class II Transformer, Input 230v ~ 50Hz, Output 15v DC 200mA, model D35-15-200"
Not quite sure which bit of the input barrel to measure, but the diameter is big enough to nearly fit the width of one of 2 pins in.
It also seems to be middle of the barrel positive and the outside negative.

Any chance of a link to a (preferably UK) replacement ?

Thanks
2pods
Poster
Posts: 83 Joined: Tue Oct 12, 2004 12:00 am

Re: Replacement PSU for M Patch 2 Monitor Controller

Post by Drew Stephenson »

Vexingly you'll actually need the internal and the external diameter of the plug.
If you've used a multi-adaptor at any point before you might have a selection of plugs around to try. Otherwise an email to JBL might be your best bet.
Once you've got that then any UK power supply that'll deliver at least 200mA at 15v DC will do the job.
User avatar
Drew Stephenson
Apprentice Guru
Posts: 28024 Joined: Sun Jul 05, 2015 12:00 am Location: York
(The forumuser formerly known as Blinddrew)
Ignore the post count, I have no idea what I'm doing...
https://drewstephenson.bandcamp.com/

Re: Replacement PSU for M Patch 2 Monitor Controller

Post by Hugh Robjohns »

It would help if you could identify the specific coaxial plug size -- there are a few variations of pin and outer diameters that all look quite similar.

However, finding a 15V DC regulated supply capable of delivering 500mA (or more) isn't difficult. (The JBL user-manual graphics suggest it requires 500mA, BTW...)

Here's a possibility:

https://www.acadaptorsrus.co.uk/replace ... y-150-050/

It's just a question of whether that plug fits...
User avatar
Hugh Robjohns
Moderator
Posts: 42149 Joined: Fri Jul 25, 2003 12:00 am Location: Worcestershire, UK
Technical Editor, Sound On Sound...
(But generally posting my own personal views and not necessarily those of SOS, the company or the magazine!)
In my world, things get less strange when I read the manual... 

Re: Replacement PSU for M Patch 2 Monitor Controller

Post by BigRedX »

I've had a look at a review of this device (it's in the SOS archive) and the main signal path is completely passive, the PSU only being required for the status LEDs and the headphone amp, so maybe the unit itself has died.

I'd get out a multimeter and check what's happening at the low voltage end of PSU before going any further.
User avatar
BigRedX
Frequent Poster
Posts: 2805 Joined: Fri Sep 03, 2004 12:00 am

Re: Replacement PSU for M Patch 2 Monitor Controller

Post by porthoss78 »

Hi,

If it does turn out to be the PSU, give these a call/email:

https://myvolts.co.uk

They just need some information about the existing PSU and a photo of the PSU socket (or they did with my PSU replacement for an old Korg).

Hope that helps
J
porthoss78
Regular
Posts: 291 Joined: Thu Dec 20, 2007 12:00 am Location: Bristol

Re: Replacement PSU for M Patch 2 Monitor Controller

Post by Martin Walker »

BigRedX wrote: Tue Oct 05, 2021 6:10 pm I've had a look at a review of this device (it's in the SOS archive) and the main signal path is completely passive, the PSU only being required for the status LEDs and the headphone amp, so maybe the unit itself has died.

I'd get out a multimeter and check what's happening at the low voltage end of PSU before going any further.

+1 to that info - I wrote the SOS review, and the signal path is indeed totally passive, so your M-Patch 2 will carry on working regardless of its current lack of LED indicators and headphone amp.

Martin
User avatar
Martin Walker
Moderator
Posts: 21633 Joined: Wed Jan 13, 2010 8:44 am Location: Cornwall, UK

Re: Replacement PSU for M Patch 2 Monitor Controller

Post by 2pods »

Thanks everyone for your replies.

I should be able to work this out for myself, but I'm having a hard time taking things like electrical formulae in owing to an illness, So I thought I would consult the Gods directly :thumbup:

I do have some multi barrel adaptors laying about. What concerned me was that nearly everything I was looking at seemed to be more than 200mA. Some being 500mA, some even 2A. So I didn't want to fry the poor thing, as it's very useful.

I seem to remember something about that figure was "at least" but I just can't remember. So better safe than sorry.
2pods
Poster
Posts: 83 Joined: Tue Oct 12, 2004 12:00 am

Re: Replacement PSU for M Patch 2 Monitor Controller

Post by BigRedX »

Unless you are using this primarily for the headphone output it should still be working even though none of the LEDs light up as the signal path for the two monitor outputs is completely passive. If you're not getting anything from the monitors then the unit itself is dead and a replacement PSU won't help.

Were you able to check the PSU with a multimeter?

If you do need a replacement PSU then anything delivering 15DC (make sure it's DC) with a minimum of 200mA and the right polarity plug (and double check this) should do the trick.
User avatar
BigRedX
Frequent Poster
Posts: 2805 Joined: Fri Sep 03, 2004 12:00 am

Re: Replacement PSU for M Patch 2 Monitor Controller

Post by Wonks »

Indeed. The milliamp rating of a PSU is the maximum current that can be drawn from it. Depending on the PSU design, you may need to draw maybe 5-10% of its rating before you get a fully voltage regulated supply, so it's best not to use a single 7mA pedal with a 1A/1000mA PSU if you can help it.

But a unit that draws say 180mA from a 15vDC will draw 180mA from a 200mA PSU, 180mA from a 500mA PSU and 180mA from a 1000mA PSU.

You only get problems once you try and draw more that the PSU rating, so a 180mA unit fed from a 100mA PSU is very unlikely to work at all. As you start to exceed exceed the PSU's mA rating, the supplied voltage first drops off, and then the PSU gets hotter and hotter. If an internal fuse (if there is one) doesn't blow, then it can really overheat and possibly catch fire or release the magic smoke.

Think of it a bit like like a 230v mains socket. It can provide up to 13A, so you can happily plug in a phone charger drawing almost nothing, or a 3kW electric fire, and all is fine. You only get problems once you exceed 13A.

Likewise with a PSU, you only get problems (except possibly from very light loading when the supplied voltage can drift up quite high), once the PSU's mA rating is exceeded.
User avatar
Wonks
Jedi Poster
Posts: 18273 Joined: Thu May 29, 2003 12:00 am Location: Reading, UK
Reliably fallible.

Re: Replacement PSU for M Patch 2 Monitor Controller

Post by Martin Walker »

BigRedX wrote: Thu Oct 07, 2021 2:12 pm Unless you are using this primarily for the headphone output it should still be working even though none of the LEDs light up as the signal path for the two monitor outputs is completely passive. If you're not getting anything from the monitors then the unit itself is dead and a replacement PSU won't help.

Were you able to check the PSU with a multimeter?

If you do need a replacement PSU then anything delivering 15DC (make sure it's DC) with a minimum of 200mA and the right polarity plug (and double check this) should do the trick.

I've just decided not to be so lazy and pulled out gear so I could laay my hands on my own M-Patch 2 PSU, and that reads 12V DC @500ma, centre positive. This simply means that the voltage isn't too critical (as you'd expect given that it's only supplying the headphone amp and the LEDs). In fact, it states on some M-Patch 2's Power DC 12-16V.

EDIT: I've now also confirmed that it's a 2.1mm output plug you need.

Hope this helps!

Martin
User avatar
Martin Walker
Moderator
Posts: 21633 Joined: Wed Jan 13, 2010 8:44 am Location: Cornwall, UK

Re: Replacement PSU for M Patch 2 Monitor Controller

Post by Drew Stephenson »

Martin Walker wrote: Thu Oct 07, 2021 7:48 pm
BigRedX wrote: Thu Oct 07, 2021 2:12 pm Unless you are using this primarily for the headphone output it should still be working even though none of the LEDs light up as the signal path for the two monitor outputs is completely passive. If you're not getting anything from the monitors then the unit itself is dead and a replacement PSU won't help.

Were you able to check the PSU with a multimeter?

If you do need a replacement PSU then anything delivering 15DC (make sure it's DC) with a minimum of 200mA and the right polarity plug (and double check this) should do the trick.

I've just decided not to be so lazy and pulled out gear so I could laay my hands on my own M-Patch 2 PSU, and that reads 12V DC @500ma, centre positive. This simply means that the voltage isn't too critical (as you'd expect given that it's only supplying the headphone amp and the LEDs). In fact, it states on some M-Patch 2's Power DC 12-16V.

EDIT: I've now also confirmed that it's a 2.1mm output plug you need.

Hope this helps!

Martin

2.1 is the internal barrel measurement, have we established the outer?
User avatar
Drew Stephenson
Apprentice Guru
Posts: 28024 Joined: Sun Jul 05, 2015 12:00 am Location: York
(The forumuser formerly known as Blinddrew)
Ignore the post count, I have no idea what I'm doing...
https://drewstephenson.bandcamp.com/

Re: Replacement PSU for M Patch 2 Monitor Controller

Post by Martin Walker »

blinddrew wrote: Thu Oct 07, 2021 10:13 pm 2.1 is the internal barrel measurement, have we established the outer?

The outer diameter is 5.5mm for both the 2.1 and the 2.5mm inner diameter versions.

The only other possible difference is the exposed length of the 5.5mm barrel - in the majority of cases this really doesn't matter, although occasionally if the PSU socket in your gear item is recessed, the plastic surround of the plug is somewhat bulky and the diameter of the hole in the gear chassis is on the snug sound you may find you need a longer length of 'bare 5.5mm barrel' to get the plug fully home to make positive contact. I've only ever had that happen with one device though ;)

Standard 10mm length 5.5mm x 2.1mm plug (as fitted to most PSUs):

Image

Longer 14mm length 5.5mm x 2.1mm plug:

Image

Martin
User avatar
Martin Walker
Moderator
Posts: 21633 Joined: Wed Jan 13, 2010 8:44 am Location: Cornwall, UK

Re: Replacement PSU for M Patch 2 Monitor Controller

Post by Drew Stephenson »

:thumbup:
User avatar
Drew Stephenson
Apprentice Guru
Posts: 28024 Joined: Sun Jul 05, 2015 12:00 am Location: York
(The forumuser formerly known as Blinddrew)
Ignore the post count, I have no idea what I'm doing...
https://drewstephenson.bandcamp.com/

Re: Replacement PSU for M Patch 2 Monitor Controller

Post by 2pods »

Thanks for everyone's help. I appreciate it.

Explanation was crystal clear Wonks, and I might have known Martin W would still have had his :D

So, the one in the link is out, as the barrel is 5.5mm ?
https://www.acadaptorsrus.co.uk/replace ... y-150-050/

I'm borrowing a Multimeter today. If the news is bad, I'll look for something with the right specs.
2pods
Poster
Posts: 83 Joined: Tue Oct 12, 2004 12:00 am

Re: Replacement PSU for M Patch 2 Monitor Controller

Post by Wonks »

As Martin mentioned ‘most PSUs’, then I’m pretty sure he meant 5.5mm, not 5mm. 5.0mm is certainly not ‘usual’, and is going to be pretty rare.
User avatar
Wonks
Jedi Poster
Posts: 18273 Joined: Thu May 29, 2003 12:00 am Location: Reading, UK
Reliably fallible.

Re: Replacement PSU for M Patch 2 Monitor Controller

Post by Hugh Robjohns »

Most of the ones I've used are 5.5mm for the outer barrel diameter.
User avatar
Hugh Robjohns
Moderator
Posts: 42149 Joined: Fri Jul 25, 2003 12:00 am Location: Worcestershire, UK
Technical Editor, Sound On Sound...
(But generally posting my own personal views and not necessarily those of SOS, the company or the magazine!)
In my world, things get less strange when I read the manual... 

Re: Replacement PSU for M Patch 2 Monitor Controller

Post by Martin Walker »

Wonks wrote: Fri Oct 08, 2021 12:59 pm As Martin mentioned ‘most PSUs’, then I’m pretty sure he meant 5.5mm, not 5mm. 5.0mm is certainly not ‘usual’, and is going to be pretty rare.

Whoops sorry, I DID mean 5.5mm - have amended my post to avoid further confusion:oops::blush:

Martin
User avatar
Martin Walker
Moderator
Posts: 21633 Joined: Wed Jan 13, 2010 8:44 am Location: Cornwall, UK

Re: Replacement PSU for M Patch 2 Monitor Controller

Post by Dynamic Mike »

porthoss78 wrote: Tue Oct 05, 2021 9:09 pm Hi,

If it does turn out to be the PSU, give these a call/email:

https://myvolts.co.uk

They just need some information about the existing PSU and a photo of the PSU socket (or they did with my PSU replacement for an old Korg).

Hope that helps
J

I've used these guys and happy to second the recommendation. Not the quickest service but good quality products and great communication.
Dynamic Mike
Longtime Poster
Posts: 5290 Joined: Sun Dec 31, 2006 12:00 am
Why do bad things mostly seem to happen to people who light up a room when they enter it?

Re: Replacement PSU for M Patch 2 Monitor Controller

Post by 2pods »

Thanks for the info.

Nice to know it's not just me who gets a bit confused :lol:

Still awaiting Multimeter
2pods
Poster
Posts: 83 Joined: Tue Oct 12, 2004 12:00 am

Re: Replacement PSU for M Patch 2 Monitor Controller

Post by 2pods »

I seemed to have solved my problem.

Bad news: I have an old one disk WD My Cloud which bricked it self yesterday.

Good news: I took a look at the adapter, and it was well within the specs. So all is well, and I have my lights and HPhone socket back.

Thanks for everyones' help
2pods
Poster
Posts: 83 Joined: Tue Oct 12, 2004 12:00 am

Re: Replacement PSU for M Patch 2 Monitor Controller

Post by Hugh Robjohns »

:thumbup:
User avatar
Hugh Robjohns
Moderator
Posts: 42149 Joined: Fri Jul 25, 2003 12:00 am Location: Worcestershire, UK
Technical Editor, Sound On Sound...
(But generally posting my own personal views and not necessarily those of SOS, the company or the magazine!)
In my world, things get less strange when I read the manual... 

Re: Replacement PSU for M Patch 2 Monitor Controller

Post by Martin Walker »

And a :thumbup: from me as well.

Saved you at least a tenner anyway ;)

Martin
User avatar
Martin Walker
Moderator
Posts: 21633 Joined: Wed Jan 13, 2010 8:44 am Location: Cornwall, UK
Post Reply