I have a quick voltage question.
I have recently purchased a BBE sonic maximizer from the US (I'm in Australia) and have found that the plug is the US type and the power cord. So basically I can't plug it into the wall.
The question is, how can I get around this? Is it as simple as finding a universal adapter or will the voltages differ or something??
do you have the manual? Read it. If you don't, look at it more closely, or even pop the lid and hunt around;
I don't know exactly WHICH BBE device you have, but according to their website, some have a switchable power supply that will accept either ~115V/60Hz or ~230V/50Hz.
But DO NOT just change the plug and plug it in... expensive, smelly mistake.
Quote from: niftydogdo you have the manual? Read it. If you don't, look at it more closely, or even pop the lid and hunt around;
I don't know exactly WHICH BBE device you have, but according to their website, some have a switchable power supply that will accept either ~115V/60Hz or ~230V/50Hz.
But DO NOT just change the plug and plug it in... expensive, smelly mistake.
Thanks, I'll jump on their site again and find the manual.
I wasn't meaning to changed the plug, I was thinking of those adapter things that people (mostly tourists) buy when they are going overseas.
This is the model I have. It doesn't sound like the power source is switchable. Have I got a lemon????
http://www.bbesound.com/pdfs/482_manual.pdf
still bad news. US is 110VAC, Aus is 240VAC. Feeding over twice the expected voltage into the circuit is very bad... unless it's designed to cope.
Quote from: niftydogstill bad news. US is 110VAC, Aus is 240VAC. Feeding over twice the expected voltage into the circuit is very bad... unless it's designed to cope.
So is there anyway I can use it safely?
Whats a sonic maximizer ( I'm assuming it's audio for the following warning). Audio devices that use AC are toasted by the lower freq of the power. I think it can damage transformers, but i dunno. If your up to a challenge, you can make 120VAC (clean power) @ 60 hz (but it's hard to do). PM me if you want to else, take the risk.
Quote from: sir_modulusWhats a sonic maximizer ( I'm assuming it's audio for the following warning). Audio devices that use AC are toasted by the lower freq of the power. I think it can damage transformers, but i dunno. If your up to a challenge, you can make 120VAC (clean power) @ 60 hz (but it's hard to do). PM me if you want to else, take the risk.
I'm struggling to put together a beginners stomp box, so I'm really not thinking it's a good idea for me to open this up.
I was wondering if there was an easy fix or if there was a step down adaptor or something?
it's not a lemon... you just can't plug it in easily!
You can buy "step-down transformers" that will convert 240VAC to 110VAC. Can be expensive, and are generally heavy... but a quick and simple solution nonetheless.
You could replace the transformer, if you can find an appropriate one that fits in the case. Try http://www.altronics.com.au
In fact, depending on the transformer, you could even have one custom wound. You may be able to send the original transformer to someone and they'll wind one as close as the can to those specs, but for 240VAC operation. Try Harbuch Electronics.
the manual specifies either 50 or 60Hz.
buy a step down transformer for immediate satisfaction, and consider in the future replacing the internal transformer.
Quote from: niftydogit's not a lemon... you just can't plug it in easily!
You can buy "step-down transformers" that will convert 240VAC to 110VAC. Can be expensive, and are generally heavy... but a quick and simple solution nonetheless.
You could replace the transformer, if you can find an appropriate one that fits in the case. Try http://www.altronics.com.au
In fact, depending on the transformer, you could even have one custom wound. You may be able to send the original transformer to someone and they'll wind one as close as the can to those specs, but for 240VAC operation. Try Harbuch Electronics.
http://www.tortech.com.au/stepdown2.html
Is that the sort of thing you mean by step-down transformer?? That thing is huge!!!
To replace the transformer what would I need to do??
Would this one do the trick???:
http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/4135347a0c37899c273fc0a87f9c0719/Product/View/M1155
The only thing I'm concerned about is it says small appliances up to 25watts. From looking at the BBE manual I think the Sonic Maximizer runs at 8watts (but I'm not 100% sure I'm reading it right). Would this thing do the trick?
Thanks for your patience.
that first one - no good, the dick smith one is spot on. Provided, that is, that the socket is the right one to accept the plug on the maximiser.
Or, this one (http://www1.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MF1091&CATID=19&keywords=&SPECIAL=&form=CAT&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID=449).
To replace the transformer, you first need to work out what the original one is. It may be labeled. If it is, it's just a matter of matching (or beating) all of the specifications, but with a primary rated for 240VAC instead of 110VAC.
You may even find that it already has a tap for 240VAC on the primary, in which case you'd only need to rewire the AC input! But you'd be lucky to find that, and rewiring it could be dangerous to your health.
Quote from: niftydogthat first one - no good, the dick smith one is spot on. Provided, that is, that the socket is the right one to accept the plug on the maximiser.
Or, this one (http://www1.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MF1091&CATID=19&keywords=&SPECIAL=&form=CAT&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID=449).
To replace the transformer, you first need to work out what the original one is. It may be labeled. If it is, it's just a matter of matching (or beating) all of the specifications, but with a primary rated for 240VAC instead of 110VAC.
You may even find that it already has a tap for 240VAC on the primary, in which case you'd only need to rewire the AC input! But you'd be lucky to find that, and rewiring it could be dangerous to your health.
Thanks. I've ordered the JayCar one. I don't think I trust myself to be able to swap transormers without it all ending in tears.
Niftydog is correct, get the Jaycar one, at least there is a chance at Jaycar that the staff are interested in electronics!!
I'm using a 2KW stepdown & a USA plugboard for my gear from across the Pacific..
Quote from: Paul Perry (Frostwave)Niftydog is correct, get the Jaycar one, at least there is a chance at Jaycar that the staff are interested in electronics!!
I'm using a 2KW stepdown & a USA plugboard for my gear from across the Pacific..
Thanks. Would it make any difference to the sound using a step down transformer?
some might say yes... but they'd be kidding themselves. The reality is that, provided the transformers is working as advertised, there'll be no noticeable difference.
I have heard about step-downs introducing hum. But this may have been a case of a 60Hz transformer being used for 50Hz supply. Only one way to find out!
Thanks for the advice guys.
Hi.
Erm, without opening another topic... What you are saying is this thing (click (http://www.lashen.com/vendors/CooperTools/Weller_WES51.asp))
will work with that Jaycar step down transformer?
I think it would but I'dd rather check before buying... Or if you have a nicer
price... Point it to me.
Cheers
LM
Yes, should work.
and that's about as nice a price as you're going to find.
Hi.
Thanks, just checking...
But is it worth having the thing (is it any good)?
Cheers
LM
Is what worth having?
1)transformer:Overseas - yes
2)soldering iron(as in not having one before): YES
3)soldering iron(as in not having a good one before): pretty worth it if you do lots of different circuits and can spare a bit(or chunk) of change.
I can't atest to the product, but Jaycar wouldn't be selling it if it wasn't any good.
It's worth having if you really want to get that soldering iron working!
Heh...
That certainly killed two flies at the same time... :)
Anyhow what I originally thought was if the station is worth having... I
start drooling just looking at it (since I use a crappy 10$ iron now)...
Oh, I'm so tempted....
BTW, I can't even get these soldering stations here (Slovenia) but the
older model is avaliable (at a whooping price of 250$).
Speaking of whooping prices... Just heard how much the reissued TS-808
are selling for... A whooping 200$. Now someone please tell me effects
building doesn't pay off... :roll:
Cheers
LM
Quote from: LinuxManJust heard how much the reissued TS-808
are selling for... A whooping 200$. Now someone please tell me effects
building doesn't pay off... LM
Well, maybe *advertising* pays off, is what you mean, because thanks to the wonderful people on this board, anyone can build a clone 808, no sweat! I expect to see a stomp-box led economic revival in Slovenia, god knows there are enough qualified engineers there!
Have you tried contacted the manufacturer directly? They might have some useful info. They might even offer to mod it for you?
Kerry M
Quote from: bwanasonicHave you tried contacted the manufacturer directly? They might have some useful info. They might even offer to mod it for you?
Kerry M
I'll look into it, although sending it to get modded might end up costing more than the step down transformer.
Quote from: Paul Perry (Frostwave)Niftydog is correct, get the Jaycar one, at least there is a chance at Jaycar that the staff are interested in electronics!!
I'm using a 2KW stepdown & a USA plugboard for my gear from across the Pacific..
What does this look like and how much does it cost? I'm thinking of getting a mesaboogie poweramp and the only affordable way is to get one from the US. the mesa 2:90 runs at 117VC though.
Quote from: talking_goatWhat does this look like and how much does it cost? I'm thinking of getting a mesaboogie poweramp and the only affordable way is to get one from the US. the mesa 2:90 runs at 117VC though.
According to the specs in the catalog, it takes 1 amp at 117V, so that is about 120 watts., which the Jaycar MF-1080 stepdown will give, $99.95A.
125W, 74D,90mm High. Weighs 2.4Kg.
Allow for freight & customs & GST in your calculations for importing.
Ok, I'm still trying put my rack together and due to budget considerations I'm looking at getting some gear from the US. The problem is powering the US bought stuff cos of the voltage difference, I already have the step down transformer (jaycar one) for the BBE, but I'm also looking at a mesa power amp and some other stuff and don't really want to have to use a step down for each item. So I was wondering if it would be possible to power all the US units using this furman conditioner (see link below) and plugging the furman into the step down transformer?
http://www.furmansound.com/pro/pwr_cond_seq/PDF/SeriesII_15A_Manual.pdf
:arrow:
sure it's possible. But you need to carefully add up all the individual devices maximum current requirements and make sure you get a suitably large step-down.
Be warned though, it could be a mighty heavy transformer!
Quote from: niftydogsure it's possible. But you need to carefully add up all the individual devices maximum current requirements and make sure you get a suitably large step-down.
Be warned though, it could be a mighty heavy transformer!
How do you go about doing this? So if there are two units that are both running at 110VC would that mean you mean you need a 220VC step-down?
Sure, you just run the output of the stepdown into a USA plugboard, just be sure the transformer can supply the total watts.
I can only just lift my 2KW transformer, if that is an indication..
No, nothing to do with voltages.
Look for each devices wattage rating, add them all up and get a transformer that is rated to cope comfortably with the total, plus a little safety margin.
Say you add them all up and you need 200W, don't go out and buy a 200W transformer because it will run very hot and fail sooner. Double up for example, buy a 400W transformer and it will cruise comfortably running at half capacity.
Those "budget considerations" could easily be blown out of the water by the cost of a decent step down transformer. Do some research first! (not to mention freight etc.) Also, make sure the gear is happy with the difference in frequency.
It's starting to sound like a total nightmare! I think I'm just going to have to keep saving! Why does stuff have to be so bloody expensive! :cry:
because people pay the prices. Blame the rich!
Quote from: niftydogbecause people pay the prices. Blame the rich!
Damn SCUMBAGS! :twisted:
Ok, what if I was to get a US furman power conditioner, plug all the US gear into that and then plug that into a single step down transformer like this one:
http://www1.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MF1084&CATID=19&keywords=&SPECIAL=&form=CAT&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID=449
Would that eliminate a lot of the problems?
the only real "problem" is that you have to be sure that you're not going to overload the step-down. This means you either have to check each devices specifications (in the manual) or physically measure each devices current draw.
You then add it all up, add a bit for a safety margin and get a suitable transformer.
Using a US power conditioner is just ANOTHER thing that's loading the transformer. Probably best to have as little as possible on the step-down because the bigger the transformer, the more money it's going to cost and the heavier it's going to be.
But I say again, make sure that the money you're saving by going for US gear is not offset by the cost of a suitable step-down transformer! You'll also need a way of distributing the 115VAC to each device, which requires a US style powerboard or similar.
Gonna chip in here myself.
I want to import a tweed era Champ or possibly a kit and I've been through similar crap with transformers.
The best solution is definitely to have the device converted to the correct spec. transformer internally.
I used to live in Japan and there they run 100v at 50hz. Why?
Who knows- just to be annoying??? :o
When I came back to OZ I brought back some audio amplifiers and the correct 240v step down transformers. Guess what ?.....hummm!
Yeah, they hummed. Two different brands of good quality transformer.
Annoying background hum.
Have a question though.
Exactly what voltage is standard at the wall in the US?
I have read (even in this thread) 110, 115,117. Whats the truth???
I need to know exactly to get my champ running right, they are a simple, single ended amp and need exactly the correct voltage to sound good.