Modding GT-1 to be powered by USB?

Started by Pi3141, November 25, 2019, 11:19:36 AM

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Pi3141

Hi,

the GT-1 can be powered by 4 AA batteries. In case of rechargeable batteries, that's a voltage of around 4.8 V and in case of alkaline it's around 6 V.
However, it cannot be powered by the USB cable when connected to a PC although USB can supply 5 V.

I'm thinking about a mod where the 5 V pin of the USB jack would be connected internally via an additional wire to the plus terminal of the battery compartment, assuming the USB jack and the battery compartment having a common ground.
This would apply the 5 V of USB to the same terminal where the battery voltage is normally applied. I would probably install a switch to choose between USB power and battery power.

As a preliminary test I connected a bench power supply to the battery terminals in order to measure the current draw at 5 V. It was around 150 mA when the GT-1 was on with a cable connected to the input jack.
Standard USB ports are capable of supplying up to 500 mA, so theoretically it should be possible to power the unit via USB in the way described above.

What do you think about this idea? Would it be worth trying or will this mod potentially fry either the GT-1 or the PC's USB port or both?

admin

#1
Just get a usb to 9vdc adapter



https://www.amazon.com/USB-Voltage-Step-Converter-Cable/dp/B07JVJ5S2V/ref=asc_df_B07JVJ5S2V/



Might also need a polarity reversing cable



https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Power-Reverse-Polarity-Converter-Keyboard/dp/B016XFCVSY/ref=pd_aw_sbs_267_2/139-2593151-1624864

Although I expect internal AA batteries will provide lowest noise



This rechargable pack works well with many effect units we talk anout
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00935L44E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Pi3141

Quote from: admin on November 25, 2019, 12:38:38 PM
Just get a usb to 9vdc adapter

https://www.amazon.com/USB-Voltage-Step-Converter-Cable/dp/B07JVJ5S2V/ref=asc_df_B07JVJ5S2V/

...


I have seen this kind of adapters. According to the specification they need 2A at the input which is above what standard USB ports can deliver. I guess the adapter is meant to be used together with a power bank or USB power supply (phone charger etc.).
Apart from that it would take up two USB ports to connect the GT-1 to a PC this way. One for the power and one for the data. Did anyone confirm that these adapters work when plugged into actual USB ports of a computer?

admin

#3
Computers will not be suitable and you risk smoking both computer and GT-1

I just use AA batteries