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I am looking to build a pedalboard. However, I want it to be batttery powered as I want to use it where there may be no mains. I already use a Vox DA5 as an amp and am happy with the battery life it has.

However, I find that my Zoom 508 pretty much eats PP3 batteries. The other problem is , I sometimes forget to disconnect the cable, so leaving the effect switched on, also once on a pedalboard it will be awkward to keep changing the batteries.

I am using a BOSS Acoustic Simulator, BOSS Blues Driver, Passive Volume pedal, and a Zoom 508. I reckon total battey drain to be around 80 - 100ma total. I have thought about connecting a couple of PP3 batteries in parallel, but this would probably only give around 300 - 350maH.

I am considering using 6* C or D type batteries, these give around 2500maH so should last longer.

My idea is 2 sets of these through a switch to allow one set to be on standby if the other set runs out. Then feed the output via a daisy chain cable to my effects pedals 9V in socket.

Has anybody done anything like this before, or can see any problems.

Thanks,

Tim.

Have you tried lithium batteries ? Or a lead acid rechargeable ?
I've done this before, many moons ago.
Lead acid alone is no good because you want 9 volts and you won't get a 9 volt one but you can fit a 3 legged regulator to a 12 volt one to drop it to 9.
You can pick these lead acid batteries up cheap, they're used in alarm systems.

Don't forget the magic word 'sealed' when it comes to buying lead-acid batteries for this sort of application. Sealed lead-acid batteries can be turned upside-down. Anything where the acid can drip out leaves holes in the tops of your feet.

Ray L