Voltage step-down device needed !

SirJackdeFuzz

SirJackdeFuzz

New member
Guys, has any Britt, mainland European or Aussie bougth an amp in the States and is now using it back home ???

I will probably get an amp in the States in the next few months, but as we all know, the States is running on 110, and "we" are on either 220 0r 240 !!!

So, i will need a VERY TRUSTWORTHY Step-down device.

I know there are many about, but i would like to have the piece of mind that the one i use is of industrial quallity !
I do not want to buy a $2200.00 amp and see it go up in smoke because the step-down converter failed on me !!!

So, who is in the same boat as me ?

Any brands/site i can look into ?

Thanx
;)
 
Re: Voltage step-down device needed !

I have used 120V amps in the Far East and Europe through the use of a step down transformer. Make sure that it has at least 1.0 KVA (1000 watts) @100% rating. Cost around $35 US

For your personal safety, also get a 1:1 isolation transformer. Cost around $ 120 US.
 
Re: Voltage step-down device needed !

IMHO, any $2200.00 amp should have an export transformer that can be wired for 120VAC or 240VAC. Hell, it ought to have a voltage select switch that lets you change it without rewiring.

Unless you're talking about used/vintage gear. Then you need some sort of step-down. An autotransformer will be cheaper and lighter. Autotransformers don't provide isolation, but the PT in the amp does that, so it's not really necessary.

For example:

Stancor GSD-1000: 230/120 volt, 1kVA capacity, step-down autotransformer - $114.35, 17 lb.

Stancor GISD-1000: 230/120 volt, 1kVA capacity, isolation & step-down transformer - $182.18, 31 lb.

You can find these beasts at Mouser Electronics, one of the well-respected electronics distributors in the States - all the DIY amp guys buy from them.

You may be able to save some additional money & weight going to a smaller (500 VA) unit. This depends on the amp(s) you want to use it with. If you're talking about a big, inefficient, 100-watt tube amp, then a 1 kVA transformer is probably a good idea - it will have plenty of extra capacity to avoid sag. If you're tlaking about a smaller amp (50 watts or less) or a solid-state amp (more efficient), then you could probably get away with a 500 VA transformer.
 
Re: Voltage step-down device needed !

Rich_S said:
IMHO, any $2200.00 amp should have an export transformer that can be wired for 120VAC or 240VAC. Hell, it ought to have a voltage select switch that lets you change it without rewiring.

Unless you're talking about used/vintage gear. Then you need some sort of step-down. An autotransformer will be cheaper and lighter. Autotransformers don't provide isolation, but the PT in the amp does that, so it's not really necessary.

.
Click to expand...


Thank you very much for the extremmely usefull info guys !!!

I'll look into it asap, as i will be in the States (TX) early next month !!! :usa2:

FWIW, the $2200.00 i mentioned, was a "ball-park" figure and one would think that an amp of that price will have a built in voltage selector !

But one of the amps that i want (man, it sounds like i am Bill Gates) is a Peavey VTM60W head !

. . . but . . .


I would also love to have a newer amp !

Orange/Mesa/Fender . . . is on my short list !

I do not know if all their $1000.00+ amps have this much-needed voltage selector switches ???

If i do go with an Orange i can pick up one in London, on my way home, BUT Mesa and Fender is WAAAAy cheaper in the US ! FACT !


Once again, many thanx to all !
;)
 
Re: Voltage step-down device needed !

Where in Texas you gonna be?

BTW, I'm not suggesting you buy one of those particular transformers from Mouser while you're here. Just use those as an example and find something similar locally. Carrying a 31-pound transformer in your suitcase is just silly.
 
Re: Voltage step-down device needed !

Rich_S said:
Where in Texas you gonna be?

BTW, I'm not suggesting you buy one of those particular transformers from Mouser while you're here. Just use those as an example and find something similar locally. Carrying a 31-pound transformer in your suitcase is just silly.
Click to expand...



LOL . . . understood !


I'll be just outside Houston, in the small sea-side town of Galveston.
 
Re: Voltage step-down device needed !

Ah, Galveston. Grew up down there. Nice place, but dont' expect beautiful water. You might get it one day but the odds are stacked against you.

I made Stratman's Franklin with a 120/240v switch on the underside. It was pretty easy to do in that amp since the chassis has a bit more room to work. On other amps, you just have to find a good spot for it. Rich is right, it's best to find an amp that is just made for it.

Let us know when you're to arrive. Maybe we can meet up for a cold beer.
 
Re: Voltage step-down device needed !

Scott_F said:
Ah, Galveston. Grew up down there. Nice place, but dont' expect beautiful water. You might get it one day but the odds are stacked against you.

I made Stratman's Franklin with a 120/240v switch on the underside. It was pretty easy to do in that amp since the chassis has a bit more room to work. On other amps, you just have to find a good spot for it. Rich is right, it's best to find an amp that is just made for it.

Let us know when you're to arrive. Maybe we can meet up for a cold beer.
Click to expand...


Will do Scott . . . beer sounds great !!!


Say, can you "convert" any of your amps into ahead ?

I'm asking because i can not take a combo back home, so i am "limited" to HEADS-ONLY !

PS, you are not gonna cruise on the Rhapsody in the next six months are you ???
(i know you've done the Rhapsody before, but i'm still asking)

;)
 
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Re: Voltage step-down device needed !

Well, sure heads are a no-brainer. But the cabinet guy does take his sweet time some times. PM me if you are interested in something particular, as well as what your timeline is.
 
Re: Voltage step-down device needed !

SirJackdeFuzz said:
I'll be just outside Houston, in the small sea-side town of Galveston.
Click to expand...

38 miles from my house. There may be some jamming in our future.

May I ask why you're coming all the way from South Africa to Galveston?
 
Re: Voltage step-down device needed !

Gaaaa-lveston! My aim is true-oo.

Wait... that's not it...
 
Re: Voltage step-down device needed !

Rich_S said:
38 miles from my house. There may be some jamming in our future.

May I ask why you're coming all the way from South Africa to Galveston?
Click to expand...

The same reason sooo amy Soof Arrfrikans are coming to the US these days !

Cruise ships !

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/finda...VwjbF1Au1TPVIERK1lU9VVG:10ktmf1jr?shipCode=RH

SHE SAILS FROM GALVESTON - just ask Scott F, he's been on this one - more than once i think !
http://www.cruiseweb.com/RCI-RHAPSODY.HTM
Does a seven day Caribbean run, and going to one of my fav places in the WHOLE WORLD - KEY WEST !

http://oasis.fortunecity.com/tropicana/431/Rhapsody.html


NOT much of a guitar playing life, but i have almost zero expenses (sp?), and the money is tax free !


;)
 
Re: Voltage step-down device needed !

What are you going to do on ship?

THe good news for you is that the vast majority of folks boarding are Texans and the atmosphere on the boat is extremely friendly.
 
Re: Voltage step-down device needed !

PHOTOGRAPHER !

I already did an 8month contract on the Rhapsody in '02, sailing from Galveston ;)

. . . and yes, the folks that sail is extremely friendly, compared to the Britts, or New York folks that sail with us on other cruises.

Sorry Britts & any one on this board from New York, but that IS THE TRUTH - i am 7 years in this business, i know my clients !!!

The Phapsody IS the friendliest bunch of passengers i've ever met, and that include BOTH the Disney ships. Yup, i've met the MOUSE himself ! . . . and Minnie, and Donald, and Daisy, and Goofy, and Pluto, and . . . you get the point ? Good, because i just lost the plot . . .
 
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