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about voltage
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| fabio_trevez |
in America (but Brazil) voltage is 110-112, in Europe i think is 220. That means that u can't use the same electronic gear in both places, unless u use an ac power converter. But what about older stuff?
have any of you try to adapt, let's say a vintage analog synth, from 110 volts to 220 or viceversa?
i'm just curious. |
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| qiushiming |
| you can always get an electrical convertor/transformer whatever theyre called.. |
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| Derivative |
you need a step up transformer. Check which one you need because getting the wrong one might fook your synth up. You can do email enquiries on most online electrical appliance stores.
Also, be prepared for long delivery times and expensive shipping since transformers are quite heavy. |
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| fabio_trevez |
| quote: | Originally posted by Derivative
you need a step up transformer. Check which one you need because getting the wrong one might fook your synth up. You can do email enquiries on most online electrical appliance stores.
Also, be prepared for long delivery times and expensive shipping since transformers are quite heavy. |
well that's exactly the point, i want to now if somebody have done it, or know it can be done without the transformer. I don't know a thing about electronics, i guess in the modern synths and gear you can just replace the ac power cord, i'm not sure about this. |
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| Derivative |
no there is no other way to do it.
some manufacturers sell replacement power supplies. for instance, i bought my m-audio delta 1010 from the US. i live in dublin. i bought a replacement uk mains voltage powersupply for the delta 1010 from leads direct. it works. however, it is no different from any other transformer. it is in fact, a transformer, only branded by m-audio and (in the end) more expensive.
there is no physical way to get 110 volt operational products running on mains that pushes current at double its designed capacity without the use of a transformer. |
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| Lepanto |
| first of you need a setp DOWN convert because the europe outlet is 220 and that's where the elctricity is entering and it come sout of the converter at 110, therefore step down ;). if your synth, rack synth module, workstation, keyboard, or w/e has an ac adapter, check it. it might say 100-250 V or volts, meaning it's universal and all you need is the actualy plug to put over the american flat fork so it will go inside the european outlet since they are around fork ones. if not, then all you simply need to do is check how many watts the device is and get that type of converter. now, i've done this with different audio gear, including recording gear and amps but never a synth but that's just besides the point since it has to work lol. so if u check the AC adapter and u need a converter under the voltage it will say the strength, in watts, of the device. let's say 300, then you get a 300 watt converter/transformer. here in NYC in the store i work in it would be about 20-25 bucks. |
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| aquila |
| quote: | Originally posted by Derivative
no there is no other way to do it. |
I disagree, I used to know a few electricians who were able to retrofit replacement power supplies in almost any appliance. It can be done.... |
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| Freak |
Step up or step down transformer. I run my vestax, cdjs and a synth or two using them with no problems.
Contrary to what someone posted above, you CAN make it so you dont need a(often bulky) plug transformer
Some pieces of gear have voltage selection switches (sometimes inside) and if not, a simple change of the internal PSU will sort it. Bit of hassle but the option is there.
The transformers I use cost peanuts on ebay and work well. |
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| Pjotr G |
| some gear, like my TR-909 can be switched internally between 110 and 220, methinks |
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| Lepanto |
| quote: | Originally posted by Pjotr G
some gear, like my TR-909 can be switched internally between 110 and 220, methinks |
Some gear you can and some you can't. If it says externally that it's 220 you got a slim chance however. In a regular case you can just cut of the fork and tape a 220 fork on but with an AC adapter you can't. Bottom line, mate, is that it can be done and it's no worries :) |
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| fabio_trevez |
thanks to all of you!:D
I really apprecite your help. |
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| Derivative |
| quote: | | I disagree, I used to know a few electricians who were able to retrofit replacement power supplies in almost any appliance. It can be done.... |
no because those replacement power supplies are fu.cking transformers.
they are used to transform between higher and lower voltage circuits.
i assumed the threadstarter did not have electrical engineering qualifications sufficient to build or retrofit his own step down (thanks for the correction) transformer. and he did not want to go through the wasted time and expense of finding an electrical engineer who will build one or retrofit his powersupply for him.
especially given you can buy custom made step down transformers from hundreds of online electrical stores. |
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