Re: European power adapter (was: how to blow up your equipment)

[Jeff Kaiser <loopersdelight@pfmentum.com>]

I  purchased a voltage converter here:

http://www.electroniccity.com/

Figure out how much juice you draw and buy the appropriate one....I 
think mine was around 25 bucks and worked great when I was in London. 
It also came with other adaptors for other countries.

Be wary though, some hardware units supposedly (I have heard this, BUT 
I didn't experience this) that might use the hz for timing could be 
affected if you go from a country that varies from 60hz to 50hz. The 
transformer I purchased doesn't change hz, only voltage. I had zero 
problems with my hardware at the time (two DL4s, moogerfooger ring mod 
and others)

 From Electronic City's Web site:

"North American 110-120 volt electricity is generated at 60 Hz. 
(Cycles) Alternating Current. Most foreign 220-240 volt electricity is 
generated at 50 Hz. (Cycles) Alternating Current. This difference in 
cycles may cause the motor in your 60 Hz. North American appliance to 
operate slightly slower when used on 50 Hz. foreign electricity. This 
cycle difference will also cause analog clocks and timing circuits that 
use Alternating Current as a timing base to keep incorrect time. Most 
modern electronic equipment including battery chargers, computers, 
printers, stereos, tape and CD players, VCR/DVD players, etc. will not 
be affected by the difference in cycles. IMPORTANT: Voltage converters 
and heavy duty transformers do not convert cycles."



Jeff Kaiser
http://www.jeffkaisermusic.com
pfMENTUM.com • AngryVegan.com


On Mar 27, 2006, at 6:27 PM, johnsrude@peak.org wrote:

>> The UK (and most, if not all, of Europe) is on 220 - 240V AC at 50Hz.
>> Transformers for US voltage/frequency gear are pretty readily 
>> available in
>> shops like Maplins if you want a generic solution rather than 
>> manufacturers
>> replacement wall warts.
>
> Wouldn't buying UK wall warts be a cheaper way to run your US gear 
> than buying
> a generic transformer?
>
> Cheers,
> Kevin
> www.TheNettles.com
>
>