[sdiy] +/- 15Vdc Power Switch

[cs e]

Well, I'm using an adapter (with a small din-type plug) that provides
the +/- voltage (240mA) - so I can't switch the main AC (unless you
consider unplugging the adapter as an act of switching).
I just want to be able to flip the thing on cleanly and not have to
worry about the live pins going not into the jack properly...of course
I could always plug into the jack and then plug the adapter into the
outlet.  However, if I know I'm going to be using my synthesizers
frequently, I will leave their adapters "juiced up"...not a very green
way to live, I know, phantom loads...

This is for a small/portable VC-monosynth.

On 7/30/10, David G. Dixon <dixon at interchange.ubc.ca> wrote:
>> I'm building a synth that uses a +/- 15V DC regulated power supply.  I
>> would like to use a switch to turn the synth on and off (switching
>> mains AC on/off is not an option).
>>
>> I have a Double-Pole, Double-Throw switch (a pair of inputs routed to
>> two possible output pairs, depending on switch position).
>>
>> My plan is to simply connect the +15 and -15 Vdc (to circuit) if "on"
>> and disconnect (float) if "off".  I will leave all grounds connected.
>> Is this OK?
>
> It is definitely not what I would (or did) do.  Get yourself a proper switch
> (I used a nice lighted one from an old organ) and switch off the mains power
> directly.  You don't what your PSU juiced up when you're not using your
> synth, do you?  Also, I'd highly recommend using one of those recessed
> 3-prong power plugs (like desktop computers use) with a little drawer for
> the fuse (which is absolutely essential).
>
>