How to Power Your MiniDisc Device

Portable MiniDisc Player & MiniDisc Recorder Power

One of the most confusing aspects of portable MiniDisc players and recorders can be how to power them. To simplify things there are essentially three ways of powering these devices and pros and cons for each.

1) External battery case/caddy

They are available for most, but not all devices, and enable use of a standard AA/LR6 battery to power the device. They typically attach to the device by using a screw mechanism. Note that there are several different types of case/caddy. Ensure the case/caddy is compatible.

Pros:

  • Simple, and easy to use. Just requires the case/caddy and a working battery
  • Low learning curve as people are familiar with AA/LR6 batteries

Cons:

  • The case/caddy attaches to the exterior of the device, adding bulk, which reduces portability somewhat
  • If cosmetic appearance is a priority, attaching a battery case/caddy to the device may be considered a detriment


2) Rechargeable 'gumstick' battery

This is where confusion can arise, because gumstick batteries are uncommon and most people are unfamiliar with them. They are known as gumstick batteries as their shape resembles a pack or stick of chewing gum.

Most portable MiniDisc players/recorders are designed to work with a rechargeable gumstick battery. They are inserted into the device itself, and can be removed. As these batteries are rechargeable, they are useless unless you have a method of charging them.

One option is to use a battery charger that is dedicated to, or compatible with, gumstick batteries. Remove the battery from the device, and charge in the charger.

Another option is to use a battery charging stand that is compatible with the player/recorder. With the battery inside the device, simply place it on the stand to charge. However, these are usually dedicated to a specific model of player/recorder and also require an AC adapter.

Pros:

  • Maintains portability as they are inserted into the device itself
  • Do not impact cosmetic appearance as they are inserted inside the device
  • Rechargeable, so can be recharged and reused many times

Cons:

  • High learning curve as people are unfamiliar with gumstick batteries
  • Requires a gumstick battery itself, which are uncommon (although still being manufactured by third parties)
  • Requires a method of charging the battery, which means additional investment


3) AC adapter

A few devices enable direct connection of an AC adapter to provide power.
Generally speaking, only portable MiniDisc recorders have this option, but there are exceptions.

As you may expect, providing power with an AC adapter means connecting the device via a cable to an AC adapter, and connecting the adapter to mains power.
In many cases, if there's a functional gumstick battery in the device, then connecting an AC adapter can also be used to charge the gumstick battery.

Pros:

  • A very stable power source
  • Can be used indefinitely (theoretically)
  • Does not really impact cosmetic appearance
  • Can often be used in place of a battery charging stand to charge a gumstick battery

Cons:

  • Very limited portability as the device is physically connected to mains power via a cable
  • Requires a compatible AC adapter


Summary

It's important to understand the options available and choose the one, or ones, that best meet your requirements.

If you are new to the world of portable MiniDisc players/recorders and want to keep things simple, an external battery case/caddy and AA/LR6 battery is the best option. If you are thinking more of the long-term, then investing in a gumstick battery charger and one or more gumstick batteries is a good option. If recording onto a portable MiniDisc recorder is a priority, then power via an AC adapter is the most reliable method.

Hopefully this information is clear and covers everything you need, but don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.