A very newbie electrical question

[CyanJaguar]

my four track came from japan, with a step down that converts from 110v-130v down to 100v 60 hz.

Now the step down went bad and I am wondering two things.

Do I need that step down. Doesnt the u.s use 110v. Doesnt that mean I can plug the fourtrack in without the step down.

Where can I get a replacement. aLl the ones I've seen are from 220 -110v.

precc

 

[musicking]

Man if the unit says that it operates at 110V-130V you should have no problem with plugging it straight into an oultet. All single phase power in the US ranges anywhere from 110V-130V 60HZ anyway, due the fact that the power companies cannot provide a consist level of electricity. If you were to put a voltage tester to your outlet it will most likely read about 124V. All electrical appliances and such are built to operate with varying electrical voltages, up to in some cases as high as 140V. I have tested many electrical systems that consistently run in the 130V range. I would not be afraid to operate the unit without the step down transformer that you referred too, unless there is something that you are neglecting to post here. I would double check and make sure that the unit does in fact say that it requires 110V. Some electrical appliances are made to operate at low voltage (anything under 110V). It's like the charger that you charge your cell phone with. You plug it into a 110V outlet, but the ouptput is only 12V, and DC current at that, instead of AC current.

I am a licenced Master Electrician in case you are wondering if I know what I'm talking about.

 

[CyanJaguar]

hey, thanks a bunch man.

I think the unit must be operating at 100 and the transformer provides 100 from the 110.

I found somebody who can fix the transformer.

Thanks man.

 

[CrippledYak]

Kinda unlrelated to the problem, but I thought I'd post a little trick fer any of yas planning on traveling overseas. From what I understand, most TVs are produced for the largest "couch potato" market -- North America -- so any TV found overseas is rated for use @ 110V but contains a transformer that will bring the local area voltage down. You can usually pick one of these up from a local electric repair shop for $10 or so, solder this to the power cord of any equipment you brought, and you are ready to go. I picked this up when I traveled to Oz and refused to pay $180++ for a power converter so I could use my 4 track (that's almost more than I paid for the 4 track!).