Tascam 414 MKII 110/220V..

[EddieVergunst]

Hi,
I just bought a Tascam 414 MKII on eBay.. it went for 100$.. couldn't let that deal slip, seeing as they go for around 300$ new over here. Now maybe I should've thought twice about that.
It occured to me only later that off course the voltages in the US are different than in Europe. You use 110 while we use 220.
So..I'm not too informed as far as electronics and stuff goes, so my question is, will I be able to use the US power supply if I just buy one of those plug adapters (from flat US blades to round EU blades)? Or will I need a transformer of some kind (I really hope this is not the case).
Hope you guys can help me out.

Thanks

[arjoll]

Originally Posted by EddieVergunst

I just bought a Tascam 414 MKII on eBay.. it went for 100$.. couldn't let that deal slip, seeing as they go for around 300$ new over here. Now maybe I should've thought twice about that.
It occured to me only later that off course the voltages in the US are different than in Europe. You use 110 while we use 220.
So..I'm not too informed as far as electronics and stuff goes, so my question is, will I be able to use the US power supply if I just buy one of those plug adapters (from flat US blades to round EU blades)? Or will I need a transformer of some kind (I really hope this is not the case).
Hope you guys can help me out.

You will need a step-down or autotransformer to convert your 220 volts down to 120 volts. There's more info on it in this thread.

Your other option - and it is probably more economical - would be to replace the external power supply on this unit. Just get one with the same voltage and same or higher current rating (amps) and you should be right. Make sure that its the same type - either AC or DC - and if you're not sure take it into a reputable electronics store and they should be able to help you.

Cya
Andrew

[EddieVergunst]

Thanks for clearing that up for me.
Well, I do have a power supply here. Specs are: Input: 100-240V 17W 50/60Hz
Output: 3-12V 1000Ma
So I guess that would work right? The supplied power supplies' output is 12V 650Ma.
But how do I find out if it is AC or DC?

[EddieVergunst]

Ok, I found out that this is the adaptor I have:
http://www.digitekco.com/ad_tp.htm

So..it says AC/DC regulated. So I'm assuming this means I can safely use it with the 414?

[A Reel Person]

It should also be (NEG)-tip and (POS)-sleeve, for the proper polarity.

The actual Tascam PS-P2 wallwart power supply is 12Vdc/500ma output.
Your replacement supply should be fine, as long as the polarity matches.
Many replacement wallwarts have switch selectable voltages and polarity.

I've also gotten [2] 414mkII's off Ebay recently, & at $85/ea. (total/delivered). At that price I think you (I) can hardly go wrong! Although I tend to favor high-end Porta's and larger systems, the 414mkII is a nice unit for the low bid price that I paid. So nice, that I got 2. I wasn't inclined to buy the 414mkII new/retail at $249, although I've bought (2) 424mkIII's new/retail at $329 & $279, respectively. Once I hit the $85/delivered pricepoint on the used 414mkII, it became a very attractive deal!

It makes me reminisce about the days of buying the brand new 244 retail for $1100, in 1982! Whew! Now I'm picking up 244's left and right for avg $70!