Kolakube
Joined: 01/12/09
Posts: 1645
Loc: Geordieland
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US to UK step down transformers. ?
#1002973 - 12/08/12 09:17 AM
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Hi,
Just bought a few items for the US. Hopefully they will dodge customs but
thats another mattter.
Anyhow, I will neeed to 2 US to UK step down converters
so I loook on Ebay. They seem to range from 5 quid small sockets to huge untis worth 200
pounds.
What exactly do I need? Smaller the better for me.
--------------------
(Sent via my iPhone and no doubt riddled with typos as a result)
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chris...
active member
Joined: 12/03/03
Posts: 4152
Loc: Glasgow
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Kolakube]
#1002977 - 12/08/12 09:46 AM
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Check the specs of the equipment very carefully (the relevant info is usually written by
the power inlet).
Some units are "dual voltage", so all you need is a pin
adaptor (cost around £5).
Others are 110V only, which means you need a
transformer. Unless that is the device in question involves a US power brick, in which
case the best solution is usually to replace with an equivalent generic UK power brick.
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vinyl_junkie
active member
Joined: 24/06/03
Posts: 1436
Loc: Kent, UK
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Kolakube]
#1002978 - 12/08/12 09:58 AM
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What he said and I would say you want at minimum a toroid transformer otherwise these
things will buzz like crazy.
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Hugh Robjohns
SOS Technical Editor
Joined: 25/07/03
Posts: 18399
Loc: Worcestershire
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Kolakube]
#1002997 - 12/08/12 11:38 AM
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Quote Kolakube:
Anyhow, I will
neeed to 2 US to UK step down converters...
Okay.. first point to correct: it's UK mains to US mains
step-down you need! (US to UK implies a step-up!) Pedantic syntax, obviously, but fires
have started that way! 
Chris is bang on. You need to check the equipment carefully.
Modern
equipment often employs switched-mode power supplies that can accept any mains voltage
from 90-140V without changing anything.
In older gear it may be possible to
change the input mains voltage with an external switch (sometimes built into the IEC inlet
or fuse holder). Sometimes the switch is internal. In either case, you'll also need to
change the mains inlet fuse (if fitted) because the supply current will halve if you
double the input voltage, and consequently the standard US fuse will then provide no
useful protection for the equipment at all!
If the equipment is not
switchable, then you'll need a step-down transformer to transform the 230V UK mains to the
115V required by US gear. There are two issues here:
1) the power rating of
the transformer -- this needs to be comfortably larger than the power rating of the
equipment you are plugging in
2) earthed or isolating transformers -- some
step-down transformers are also designed as isolating transformers. In this case, you can
only power one device from it. If you connect more than one device you are potentially
putting yourself in danger if one device should develop a fault.
If it is an
earthed transformer, make sure you use a proper earthing mains plug on the equipment
end!
hugh
--------------------
Technical Editor, Sound On Sound
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nathanscribe
Joined: 19/01/07
Posts: 716
Loc: Yorkshire, by gum.
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Kolakube]
#1003017 - 12/08/12 02:09 PM
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I've had several pieces of gear from the US, and have tried a couple of different
step-downs. The ones that have worked best for me have been 100W units from Maplins
(identical looking units are available from other shops as well) but the 45W units have
proved *very* unreliable. Also, the 45W units have no earth, the 100W do. Another
advantage of the 100W units is they have a flying mains lead, whereas the 45W units are
nasty warts that are too big to sit next to anything.
100W on special offer
at the moment: http://www.maplin.co.uk/100w-uk-to-usa-voltage-convertor-31899 I've
found these to be absolutely fine. Buy several while they're cheap.
45W
!!stay away from it!! they blow like - well, this is a family forum so I'll stop there. http://www.maplin.co.uk/45w-uk-to-usa-voltage-convertor-19413
Seriously, I had 2 or 3 of these blow with different (2-pin) kit that was nowhere near the
power rating. They just get really, really hot and buzz like mad, and then pop!
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Kolakube
Joined: 01/12/09
Posts: 1645
Loc: Geordieland
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Kolakube]
#1003043 - 12/08/12 04:25 PM
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Thanks for replies.
So, Nathen you think if I buy two of these that will
do me. I must say the price fits my pocket well. Thanks for the links.
--------------------
(Sent via my iPhone and no doubt riddled with typos as a result)
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Kolakube
Joined: 01/12/09
Posts: 1645
Loc: Geordieland
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Kolakube]
#1003046 - 12/08/12 04:33 PM
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Vinyl Junkie, I just bought an MKS50 with PG300 controller. Wonder if it will
have the same power cable as your Alpha Juno? Sorry fellas I should have said
what I just bought. Chris - Dont think its a power brick or your idea of
swapping out was great. I hadent thought of that. I draw this infrence from here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Roland-Power-Cable-2-prong-cord-Juno-106-Alpha-D
50-Jupiter-6-Korg-DSS-NEW-/200801498504?pt=Keyboards_MIDI&hash=item2ec0b3b588...Doesnt look like a brick. Hoping VJ can confirm re above. He's had an Alpha for
ever.
-------------------- (Sent via my iPhone and no doubt riddled with typos as a result)
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Kolakube
Joined: 01/12/09
Posts: 1645
Loc: Geordieland
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Kolakube]
#1003050 - 12/08/12 04:36 PM
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However the PG300 maybe a brick http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AC-Adapter-For-Roland-Boss-GFC-50-MCR-8-PC-2-PG-
10-PG-300-PG-1000-Power-Supply-/370613365546?pt=Laptop_Adapters_Chargers&hash=item564a472b
2aI know im demoing american ones but its just so I can guess what
im going to need here. As said I should have said on my first post what I was getting.
-------------------- (Sent via my iPhone and no doubt riddled with typos as a result)
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nathanscribe
Joined: 19/01/07
Posts: 716
Loc: Yorkshire, by gum.
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Kolakube]
#1003073 - 12/08/12 05:20 PM
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Looking at the MKS-50 service notes, it looks like there's a multi-voltage transformer in
there that a competent person should easily be able to re-connect for use with 240V. As
Hugh says, the fuse would need to be changed also. However, if you don't feel confident
doing this, or can't find someone to do it who is a sure bet, then I'd recommend one of
those 100W step-downs I linked to. I've been using those for a few years and they've
always been fine.
As for the PG-300, it just needs a 9V 200mA supply, so you
could do worse than the official Boss/Roland PSA-240 - they're not the cheapest 9V blob
around, but they work and are known to be quiet - I've had some really bad cheap 9V
supplies before that chuck a whole load of crud out. But anyway, you won't need a
step-down for that, just a regular 9V DC wart.
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Kolakube
Joined: 01/12/09
Posts: 1645
Loc: Geordieland
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Kolakube]
#1003107 - 12/08/12 07:41 PM
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Hi Nathan.
Thanks. No I'm not very hands on like that. I think I'll go for a
one of thoes step down convertors you kindly linked me too. Changing a fuse is daunting to
me.
Can I just use the pg300s wart with another covertor you linked too? I
have had many problems to from copy off Roland psu's. I'm not sure where you get original
ones from.
--------------------
(Sent via my iPhone and no doubt riddled with typos as a result)
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vinyl_junkie
active member
Joined: 24/06/03
Posts: 1436
Loc: Kent, UK
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Kolakube]
#1003111 - 12/08/12 08:00 PM
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Nathan those 100w Maplin's voltage converters are nasty as hell I have one!
I
got it to use on my Bozak mixer (only consumes 30w) until I have the funds to modify it
with a really nice new external rack mounted 240v regulated psu with better filtering so
the step down is temporary.
Any way it hums like a proverbial mother f*cker
also the interference bla bla bla
A toroid wouldn't buzz that much physically, it
annoys the living hell out of me.
You can get toroid step downs from ebay cheap,
they are better quality, more efficient and shouldn't buzz.
Mickey from what
I can see the MKS-50 uses one of those lame 2 pin kettle leads like the S-950, my Alpha
Juno is a normal 3 pin affair.
Edited by vinyl_junkie (12/08/12 08:03 PM)
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Kolakube
Joined: 01/12/09
Posts: 1645
Loc: Geordieland
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Kolakube]
#1003116 - 12/08/12 08:16 PM
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Thanks martin. Nathan is this the PSU you described for the PG300? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OFFICIAL-BOSS-PSA-240-9V-200MA-AC-REGULATED-POWE
R-SUPPLY-ADAPTER-/290746751250?pt=UK_Guitar_Accessories&hash=item43b1db5912
-------------------- (Sent via my iPhone and no doubt riddled with typos as a result)
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vinyl_junkie
active member
Joined: 24/06/03
Posts: 1436
Loc: Kent, UK
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Kolakube]
#1003121 - 12/08/12 08:25 PM
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I'm jealous you got that PG thing lol I started to get back into my Alpha after it sat
unused for years and really like it again but the programing GRRRRR! I might get the cheap
version.. The Behringer BCR
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Kolakube
Joined: 01/12/09
Posts: 1645
Loc: Geordieland
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Kolakube]
#1003124 - 12/08/12 08:32 PM
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I thought you used it on a daily basis.
Yeah the Behringer is a great
controller mate. Love the LEDs.
Programming from the front panel was how you
always used to do it if I remember rightly though. Not up for it anymore. Dont blame you
mind haha
--------------------
(Sent via my iPhone and no doubt riddled with typos as a result)
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Mike Stranks
active member
Joined: 03/01/03
Posts: 3063
Loc: Oxford, UK
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Kolakube]
#1003236 - 13/08/12 10:05 AM
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I'm confused.... not difficult I know... :-)
Are you wanting to run UK gear on
US mains or US gear on UK mains?
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Scope
Joined: 03/07/06
Posts: 2152
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Mike Stranks]
#1003239 - 13/08/12 10:13 AM
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if it helps :
I am running a US110v MKS80 & MPG80 off a 100w UK to US
transformer.
( the MPG is powered from the MKS )
The transformer cost
under £10 & I am happy to report no problems at all.
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chris...
active member
Joined: 12/03/03
Posts: 4152
Loc: Glasgow
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Mike Stranks]
#1003240 - 13/08/12 10:27 AM
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Quote Mike Stranks:
I'm
confused....
[...]
US gear on UK mains?
That.
( well, for the OP anyway )
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nathanscribe
Joined: 19/01/07
Posts: 716
Loc: Yorkshire, by gum.
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: vinyl_junkie]
#1003252 - 13/08/12 11:32 AM
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Quote vinyl_junkie:
Nathan those
100w Maplin's voltage converters are nasty as hell I have one!
Well, mine have been OK, which is why I
recommended them! They are cheap, so I've never expected them to be the best around, but
I've had no complaints so far. Have you got any links to an alternative?
@KolaKube: yep, that's the official Boss supply, though I wouldn't pay 15 quid for a
used one. You can find 'em for that new. I'd be tempted to get something a bit chunkier
actually, say 300mA, as the PG manual says it requires 200mA so the official one might run
a bit hot. You'd have to try it I suppose. I don't like running DC warts near their max.
capacity personally. I don't trust the specs enough!
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Mike Stranks
active member
Joined: 03/01/03
Posts: 3063
Loc: Oxford, UK
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: chris...]
#1003306 - 13/08/12 03:36 PM
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Quote chris...:
Quote Mike Stranks:
I'm
confused....
[...]
US gear on UK mains?
That.
( well, for the OP anyway )
Thanks Chris
... it's just
that the O/P said he'd bought gear for the US, but maybe that was a typo and
he meant "from" the US - in which case he's concerned about import duty at this side of
the pond.
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chris...
active member
Joined: 12/03/03
Posts: 4152
Loc: Glasgow
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Mike Stranks]
#1003309 - 13/08/12 03:42 PM
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Quote Mike Stranks:
... it's just
that the O/P said he'd bought gear for the US
Ah - somehow I'd missed that. Now I'm' confused
too!
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Kolakube
Joined: 01/12/09
Posts: 1645
Loc: Geordieland
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Kolakube]
#1003553 - 14/08/12 06:16 PM
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Hello guys.
This damned iPhone. As well as my own amazing typo ability :-/
I'm in the UK and just imported US kit. Sorry for confusion.
Nathan.
Took the plunge mate. Just bought the £15 one. Had great comms of the guy.
I'm going to pick up one of thoese maplin converters you recomended. If its a
no go I'll upgrade. How will I know if its not working out though? I used to have an
sh101 running on a poor power supply and there was a ton of background noise. Is that what
I'm listerning for here.
Thanks to all for replies so far.
--------------------
(Sent via my iPhone and no doubt riddled with typos as a result)
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SafeandSound Masteri...
Joined: 23/03/08
Posts: 852
Loc: London UK
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Kolakube]
#1003579 - 14/08/12 08:24 PM
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I recommend the 300w one from here: http://www.threedoubleyou.com/convertpower.htmHad a couple
as I used to record a lot of music sessions with US based musicians and they often brought
kit with them, drum machines, effects and modules. Reliable and quiet + 5 years use. cheers SafeandSound Mastering online mastering studio
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nathanscribe
Joined: 19/01/07
Posts: 716
Loc: Yorkshire, by gum.
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Kolakube]
#1003633 - 15/08/12 08:27 AM
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Quote Kolakube:
How will I know
if its not working out though? I used to have an sh101 running on a poor power supply and
there was a ton of background noise. Is that what I'm listerning for here.
Well, my 100W ones have been OK, but
regarding the 45W ones that were rubbish, they were very noisy, and I mean *very* - a lot
more than you'd expect from transformer buzz. That, and the damn things would blow out
after a while. If it's dead, you *know* it's not working... 
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Kolakube
Joined: 01/12/09
Posts: 1645
Loc: Geordieland
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Kolakube]
#1004219 - 18/08/12 02:02 PM
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Safeand sound
Thanks for the link. I bought the Maplin one nathen recomended.
Just figuer its worth a risk of a tenner first, then ill get something huge.
Thanks all, il let you know how I get on in 5 years time when it clears customs!
--------------------
(Sent via my iPhone and no doubt riddled with typos as a result)
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Paradigm X
member
Joined: 25/01/04
Posts: 260
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Kolakube]
#1010926 - 01/10/12 12:56 PM
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Hi all
Ive recently bought a Kurzweil rumour reverb, which has a really
annoying hum due it being a 110v unit connected via a maplin 45w transformer as linked
above. It hums even when no audio cables are inserted and its virtually silent when either
the two pin US plug or the maplin thing are unplugged.
So my question is is
there anything i can do to improve this other than buying a new one? How did yours pan out
Kolakube?
Im broke so would prefer not to purchase anything more if possible.
Cheers, Ben
-------------------- http://www.paradigmx.com
Edited by Paradigm X (01/10/12 12:56 PM)
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vinyl_junkie
active member
Joined: 24/06/03
Posts: 1436
Loc: Kent, UK
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Kolakube]
#1010928 - 01/10/12 01:07 PM
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You didn't really need a step down by looking at the back of the Rumour, looks just like a
standard wall wart PSU.
9v 2.6a
Just get a UK wall wart with
those specs
Edited by vinyl_junkie (01/10/12 01:10 PM)
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Paradigm X
member
Joined: 25/01/04
Posts: 260
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Kolakube]
#1010932 - 01/10/12 01:18 PM
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Oh, really? Guy I bought it off said it needed that transformer, it came with
it. No disrespect intended. 
-------------------- http://www.paradigmx.com
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vinyl_junkie
active member
Joined: 24/06/03
Posts: 1436
Loc: Kent, UK
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Kolakube]
#1010934 - 01/10/12 01:24 PM
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You'll obviously need a step down if you want to use the original PSU wall wart it came
with but there is no need for one imo. I'd just get a UK wall wart, the plug looks pretty
standard 
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Paradigm X
member
Joined: 25/01/04
Posts: 260
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Kolakube]
#1010936 - 01/10/12 01:25 PM
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Hmm, just read the manual, does say input is 9v, 2A. actually it says 9.5V... typo?
There is a line lump on it.
You're right i think.
I
might even have a 9v PSU, prob not high enough amps tho, will have a look. I dont think
ill blow it up tho, and hopefully get rid of the hum also!
Cheers vinyl.
-------------------- http://www.paradigmx.com
Edited by Paradigm X (01/10/12 01:31 PM)
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Paradigm X
member
Joined: 25/01/04
Posts: 260
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Kolakube]
#1010937 - 01/10/12 01:27 PM
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Oh you replied as i did.
Yes, i think youre right  
Its actually 9v AC not dc so def havent got one.
Still means i have to
purchase something unfortunately.
Thanks tho!
Ben
-------------------- http://www.paradigmx.com
Edited by Paradigm X (01/10/12 01:30 PM)
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ef37a
Joined: 29/05/06
Posts: 5629
Loc: northampton uk
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Paradigm X]
#1010944 - 01/10/12 01:44 PM
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Quote Paradigm X:
Oh you replied
as i did.
Yes, i think youre right
Its actually 9v AC not dc so def havent got one.
Still means i have to
purchase something unfortunately.
Thanks tho!
Ben
9 volts at 2 amps might be tricky to find. Personally I
would buy a 9V 20va toroid from RS or similar and put it in a tin. Whatever you get make
sure (or extend it) that the low voltage lead is quite long, 2mtrs or so. AC wall rats are
notorious for spewing out a high hum field, keep them well away from mic and guitar
leads.
Dave.
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Paradigm X
member
Joined: 25/01/04
Posts: 260
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Kolakube]
#1010958 - 01/10/12 02:34 PM
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theres nothing magic i can do with what ive got then?  Wishful thinking and all that ! Cheers
-------------------- http://www.paradigmx.com
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James Perrett
Joined: 10/09/01
Posts: 9660
Loc: The wilds of Hampshire
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Re: US to UK step down transformers. ?
[Re: Paradigm X]
#1010971 - 01/10/12 03:15 PM
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Quote Paradigm X:
theres nothing
magic i can do with what ive got then?
Wishful thinking and all that !
Check the ones you've got carefully - Alesis gear is often 9V AC
and probably other US manufacturers do the same thing too.
James.
--------------------
JRP Music - Audio Mastering and Restoration.
http://www.jrpmusic.net
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