Battery Powerpacks

Whilst DC/USB power is best for my devices, there may be occasions where you need to go with batteries for a session.

Mobile phone powerbanks
These usually don't work as they are 'smart', designed for high current draw from a mobile device.

This is to do with the powerbank rather than a MIDI device.

My units are low current. Therefore, the powerbank can't 'see' the MIDI device and just thinks nothing is connected and switches off.
You can artifically load the bank if it has dual USB ports,
say with a USB LED light in a spare port to fool it into staying on.
Some devices have an 'always on mode', so this may work.

'Dumb' power packs
Like this one from China work well with all my 5v USB devices, like MIDI thru splitters.
They use 18650 vape style batteries.




PP3 9v Battery to 2.1mm lead. 
One of these will work with Headmelter and Masterclock units for quick sessions.
An average PP3 can usually provide 400mA for 1 hour. My devices are typically 20-30 mA.
So you 'should' get around a day of use from a decent battery.
Your mileage may vary.


I have no affiliation with these suppliers, shown for example only

7 way device being powered by dumb 18650 battery pack


Example of Masterclock with 9v battery pack