Extension cord would be easier than extending the current cord.

But a nice, easy mod would be inserting an inline switch on the power cord.

ang tatanga niyo

This post just has some of my thoughts and solution tips regarding the included power suppy cord for the Line 6 HD500...

I absolutely agree that a 6 foot cable is too short.  It is a rare venue that 6 feet is sufficient, except a moderately large one, with stage power outlets all over the place.

So what I did was I purchased a 6 foot extension cable similar to this one here available from BixNET.com (priced at $8.95 at the time of this posting.)

6 Ft DC Power Extension Cable with 5.5 x 2.5mm Connector

So now the problem was that I didn't want a "disconnect" to occur during a performance.  So what I do in these cases, is I use cable shrink wrap (available at electronics stores) and heat shrink it over the connecting jacks.  They will NOT inadvertently separate, and yet if you choose to at a later date, you can easily cut the shrink wrap tubing off, and again have the original two cables "unmarred."

So now I have a 12 foot cable!

When you choose your cable, make sure it has 5.5 x 2.5 mm connectors.  I also insisted on the same 16 AWG cable, which incidently is the same gauge of wire utilized in my Line 6 HD500 provided cable.

I chose this solution route because I was not able to find an entirely new transformer cable that had the right specifications (9 volt DC, 2.5 Amp min, with negative center) and a robust 16AWG round cable.  If your search is more fruitful, I wouldn't really worry about voiding a Line 6 warrenty with a reputable and properly "spec-matched" transformer cable.  On the other hand, you can avoid the whole warranty issue completely for about about $9, and some cheap heat shrink wrap.

Regarding having a switch, I don't mind not having a switch, since bending down to throw a small switch isn't much different than bending down and unplugging a cable.  In live situations, with minimal setup time and sound check time, it's also just one more thing to not worry about being set "right."  And putting a switch on the plug that is up to 12 feet away doesn't help me much.

I do commend Line 6 for using a new modern "power switching" transformer (as utilized in laptop computers) since they do not heat up and are really lightweight.  And while the thing is a huge plug wart, I prefer it over the "transformer in the middle of the power cable" for the following reason:  With a transformer not co-located with the electrical outlet jack itself, it means there is the possibility of the transformer "finding" itself on stage laying next to some audio/instrument cables.  (I think it is one of the laws of thermodynamics that a transformer will search for, and lay next to an audio/instrument cable.)  And even with expensive "monster" cabling, this will generate a hum in the sound system that takes time to isolate and remove.  But I've never seen anyone lay audio/instrument cables over or near an electrical outlet.  (And while the wart can "see" all the audio cables it so desires, it is stuck there by the plug.)

Take care,

John