CIOKS DC5 link - User Manual

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Not included accessories

Mains Link Adapter

This adapter type allows you to link the DC5 to another link power supply and power several

units using one single mains power cord. The DC5 will be the last unit in the chain since it

lacks the AC mains auxiliary outlet.

More Flex cables

To power one pedal using one outlet you simply use a single suitable standard Flex cable and

that’s it. In case the plug type or length you need is not included with your unit there’s a big

selection of standard Flex cables to choose from and to be ordered separately. In case of an odd

voltage or current requirement you might need one of the Special Flex cables available. Please

read more about these and how to use them on CIOKS web site. They really open up for even

more versatility and flexibility in terms of what you can power with your unit.

Powering different pedal types

This issue is different for every individual rig, therefore please e-mail your specific questions

regarding powering your pedals using CIOKS power supplies directly to support@cioks.com.

Technical specifications

AC mains input: 110-120VAC 60Hz or 220-240VAC 50Hz, max. 23W

Outputs: Outlet 1-2: 9 or 12V DC / 100mA each, isolated

Outlet 3: 9 or 18V DC / 100mA, isolated

Outlet 4-5: 9 or 12V DC / 300mA each, isolated

Size: 130x88x31mm (excl. rubber feet)

Weight: 0,7kg

Warranty period: 5 years worldwide

What’s in the box?

• CIOKS DC5 link power supply

• mains power cord

• 10 Flex cables

• pedalboard mounting hardware (2 screws and a hex key)

• manual

• product sheet (drill template)

• Flex guide

CIOKS DC5 link

Power Supply for Effect Pedals

User’s Manual

reversion 1.1

Introduction

Since 1991 the Danish company CIOKS has been providing guitar and bass players with

reliable power supplies dedicated for effect pedals. After our very first product CIOKS Baby

power supply was out in 1991, the Big John and Double Jack were launched in year 1995.

After a long break three more units were introduced in 2007 forming our Standard range of

dedicated power supplies for effect pedals. The big breakthrough came in year 2010 where

we’ve released the first products of the professional range with the DC10 as the most popular

product until now days. CIOKS became global with distributors and dealers worldwide. To

mark our 20

anniversary in year 1991 we made one of the biggest, most powerful and

advanced power supply for pedals – the CIOKOLATE. It’s still a one stop solution for many

guitar players. To follow our slogan "More power, more features, more design", we have in

year 2012 released the link range. Three of the Standard range products have been dramatically

upgraded and went through a spectacular face-lift, where the only thing left were their original

names. CIOKS Schizophrenic link, Big John link and AC Rider link were released in 2013.

The following year our smallest product, ADAM power supply came out and instantly became

our second biggest hit. In cooperation with Eventide we made the Eventide Power Factor

power supply which has now been updated and available in a link version being the first

product in the new professional link range.

In year 2015 we’ve launched our second professional link range product – the DC5 link power

supply. A perfect match for the flat pedalboards like the Pedaltrain nano, mini or metro types.

Toroidal transformer, super flat design, small, light weighted but still powerful enough to

power any two Strymon, Eventide or other high current pedals of the two high current outlets.

The remaining three will at lower currents provide 9, 12 or 18V or even 24V with series

adapter Flex. DC5 link is also a nice 5 isolated outlets add-on to any other CIOKS link PSU.

Features

• 5 isolated outlets with a total output current of 900mA

• two 300mA outlets configurable to either 9 or 12V

• three outlets with 100mA each with voltages 9, 12 or 18V

• toroidal transformer

• short circuit protection of all outlets

• advanced LED monitoring of each outlet

• 120 or 230V mains voltage operation

• detachable mains power cord

• CIOKS unique mains link feature

• 10 Flex cables included

Need help?

Do you have a question about the CIOKS DC5 link and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Overview

Right side

Details the right side of the enclosure, including RCA sockets and polarity.

Top

Describes the top view, covering LED indicator, output voltage, and current ratings.

Left side

Explains the left side features, AC input, voltage selector, and fuse.

Bottom

Covers the bottom features like rubber feet and mounting holes.

Advanced LED Monitoring feature

The CIOKS DC5 link is a power supply designed specifically for effect pedals, building on CIOKS' long history of providing reliable power solutions for guitar and bass players since 1991. It is part of the professional link range, launched in 2015, and is particularly well-suited for flat pedalboards such as the Pedaltrain nano, mini, or metro types due to its super flat design. The DC5 link is compact and lightweight, yet powerful enough to handle high-current pedals. It can also function as an add-on to any other CIOKS link PSU, offering 5 additional isolated outlets.

Function Description

The primary function of the CIOKS DC5 link is to provide clean, isolated power to effect pedals. It features a toroidal transformer, which contributes to its efficient and quiet operation. The unit offers five isolated outlets, ensuring that each connected pedal receives its own dedicated power, which helps eliminate ground loops and noise. Two of these outlets are high-current, capable of delivering up to 300mA each, and can be configured to either 9V or 12V DC. These are ideal for powering demanding pedals like those from Strymon or Eventide. The remaining three outlets provide 100mA each and can be set to 9V, 12V, or 18V DC. With the use of a series adapter Flex, these outlets can even achieve 24V.

The DC5 link incorporates short circuit protection on all outlets, safeguarding both the power supply and the connected pedals from potential damage. An advanced LED monitoring system is integrated for each outlet, providing real-time status feedback. The power supply supports both 120V and 230V mains voltage operation, making it suitable for international use. A detachable mains power cord is included for convenience. A unique CIOKS mains link feature allows the DC5 to be integrated into a larger power setup, though it acts as the last unit in the chain as it lacks an auxiliary AC mains outlet.

Usage Features

To begin using the DC5 link, users must first ensure that the voltage selector switch matches the local mains voltage (either 115V for 110-120V range or 230V for 220-240V range). The mains power cord is then connected to the power supply and the wall socket. The CIOKS logo on the top of the enclosure features a red LED that illuminates when the power supply is connected to mains and operating.

The right side of the enclosure houses four RCA sockets for power outlets, all of which are centre positive. The correct polarity for specific pedals is achieved by using the appropriate Flex cables. On the top surface, next to each outlet socket, the output voltage and maximum current rating are printed. Outlets with dual voltage settings (e.g., 9/12V) clearly display both options. The red settings switch, equipped with five white knobs, allows users to set the output voltage for each outlet. By default, with all knobs turned to the left, all five outlets provide 9V. Turning a knob to the right selects the higher voltage option for that specific outlet.

The advanced LED monitoring feature provides crucial feedback on the status of each isolated outlet. In normal operation, the LED indicator for an outlet is fully lit. If an outlet is operating near its current limit, the LED will dim. In the event of an overload or short circuit, the respective LED indicator will turn off, immediately alerting the user to a problem and its location. Furthermore, if a higher voltage than the default 9V is selected for an outlet, its LED indicator will illuminate with a higher intensity, distinguishing it from other indicators. This monitoring system also accounts for the actual mains voltage level, adjusting current limit indications accordingly. If mains voltage is higher than nominal, more current can be drawn; if lower, maximum current ratings might be diminished. This provides a clear visual confirmation of clean power delivery to the pedals.

The left side of the enclosure features the AC power input connector, a C6 type commonly found in laptop adapters. On the same side, users will find the mains voltage selector switch and the fuse.

The DC5 link comes with a comprehensive set of 10 Flex cables to connect various pedals to the power supply. These include five black 5.5/2.1mm centre negative DC-plugs, one red 5.5/2.1mm centre positive DC-plug, one green 5.5/2.5mm centre positive DC-plug, one black 3.5mm tip positive jack-plug, one black with 9V battery clip, and one Split Flex cable for powering two pedals from a single outlet. CIOKS also offers a wide selection of additional standard and special Flex cables for purchase separately to accommodate diverse pedal requirements.

Maintenance Features

The only user-replaceable part on the CIOKS DC5 link is the fuse. Should the fuse blow, it must be replaced with a 5x20mm, T 315mA (slow blow/time lag) type.

For mounting the power supply to a pedalboard, four detachable rubber feet are located on the bottom of the enclosure. Beneath these feet are four holes with metric M4 threads, designed for easy attachment. It is crucial not to use screws that penetrate more than 5mm into the unit to avoid internal damage. CIOKS provides mounting hardware, including two screws and a hex key, along with mounting guides on their website for various pedalboard brands like Pedaltrain or Temple Audio.

The DC5 link is designed for durability and comes with a worldwide warranty period of 5 years. For specific questions regarding powering different pedal types or any other technical inquiries, users are encouraged to contact CIOKS support directly via email.