Taking UK Spec Gear To North America

Filthy the Dog · 21-09-2004, 15:32

Hi there.

Most people here seem pretty clued up about the actual electronics involved as well as the set-up, so here's my question.

I am planning to emigrate to Canada next year.
I have several items of AV Equipment that I would like to take with me that run on 240v/50Hz only.

Namely a Yamaha AV amp, a Sony VCR and a Gale subwoofer.

Now, I know that a quick fix is to buy a step-up transformer when I get there but is there a way of "fixing" the equipment internally so that I could just plug them in?
(ie - is there a possibility that by replacing a part of the electronics simply and cheaply in the unit, it will operate on 150v/60Hz?).

chrisjr · 21-09-2004, 16:14

A lot depends on the actual kit. A lot of kit is designed for the world market and a lot of stuff I've taken the lid off could be converted to 110V fairly easily. Always assuming it ...

a/ doesn't have a switch on the back for 230-110 working
b/ doesn't have a "universal" power supply. Usually either on a label on the back or buried deep in the manual look for 90-240V AC or similar. If it says that it will work OK without modification.

The frequency (50/60Hz) is irrelevant, as long as the voltage is correctly set it will work OK on either.

All is not lost however if a/ or b/ do not apply as most internationally sold kit probably uses the same components everywhere. What I've found under the lid of a lot of kit are dual primary winding transformers which for the UK are connected in series for 230V use and in parallel for 110V use. Often there are easily moveable jumpers on a circuit board to convert from on to the other.

However if they have used a single winding transformer then that will have to be changed completely. And you may not be able to get a direct equivalent very easily.

Of course to do it properly requires a certain degree of competence and some special safety kit to test it all once done. Not to mention a 230-110V transformer to make sure it works! Remember mains bites

(the voice of experience talking here

)

Quickbeam · 21-09-2004, 20:56

No point in taking your VCR, unless the sole purpose is to play NTSC/PAL pre-recorded tapes. Many PAL VCRs support NTSC playback on PAL TV, but very few are able to record NTSC. The internal PAL tuner won't work anyway, and the SCART sockets will be useless unless you use an adaptor. Note that you'll probably need a multistandard TV to watch PAL recordings on an NTSC TV.

cyberdog · 21-09-2004, 21:30

You'd be better off selling the lot and buying new over there, where electronics are loads cheaper than here.

21-09-2004, 15:32	#1
Filthy the Dog Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 45	Taking UK Spec Gear To North America Hi there. Most people here seem pretty clued up about the actual electronics involved as well as the set-up, so here's my question. I am planning to emigrate to Canada next year. I have several items of AV Equipment that I would like to take with me that run on 240v/50Hz only. Namely a Yamaha AV amp, a Sony VCR and a Gale subwoofer. Now, I know that a quick fix is to buy a step-up transformer when I get there but is there a way of "fixing" the equipment internally so that I could just plug them in? (ie - is there a possibility that by replacing a part of the electronics simply and cheaply in the unit, it will operate on 150v/60Hz?).

21-09-2004, 16:14	#2
chrisjr Forum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Reading Posts: 27,916	A lot depends on the actual kit. A lot of kit is designed for the world market and a lot of stuff I've taken the lid off could be converted to 110V fairly easily. Always assuming it ... a/ doesn't have a switch on the back for 230-110 working b/ doesn't have a "universal" power supply. Usually either on a label on the back or buried deep in the manual look for 90-240V AC or similar. If it says that it will work OK without modification. The frequency (50/60Hz) is irrelevant, as long as the voltage is correctly set it will work OK on either. All is not lost however if a/ or b/ do not apply as most internationally sold kit probably uses the same components everywhere. What I've found under the lid of a lot of kit are dual primary winding transformers which for the UK are connected in series for 230V use and in parallel for 110V use. Often there are easily moveable jumpers on a circuit board to convert from on to the other. However if they have used a single winding transformer then that will have to be changed completely. And you may not be able to get a direct equivalent very easily. Of course to do it properly requires a certain degree of competence and some special safety kit to test it all once done. Not to mention a 230-110V transformer to make sure it works! Remember mains bites (the voice of experience talking here )

21-09-2004, 20:56	#3
Quickbeam Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 143	No point in taking your VCR, unless the sole purpose is to play NTSC/PAL pre-recorded tapes. Many PAL VCRs support NTSC playback on PAL TV, but very few are able to record NTSC. The internal PAL tuner won't work anyway, and the SCART sockets will be useless unless you use an adaptor. Note that you'll probably need a multistandard TV to watch PAL recordings on an NTSC TV.

21-09-2004, 21:30	#4
cyberdog Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: herts Posts: 318	You'd be better off selling the lot and buying new over there, where electronics are loads cheaper than here.

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Taking UK Spec Gear To North America