Tascam 488 - Transformer?

[LimbCrucifix]

Hi there

I'm after a Tascam 488 and spotted one on eBay in the States. I'm just wondering what kind of transformer I'll need for the power supply (I live in Ireland)? I'm assuming it's one like this - http://www.airlinktransformers.com/transformer/us0051-50va-american-120volt-transformer.asp
Is the power supply the only part that will be different on an American model? Sorry for the noob question!

Thanks

 

[sweetbeats]

No sweat!

If the 488 you bought is a USA spec unit, then whatever you need in your area to convert your mains power source to the type needed by the 488 will do. Nothing else need be done/purchased. The US spec 488 feeds on 120V AC 60Hz power. It is rated to draw 39W. That transformer looks like the ticket.

 

[LimbCrucifix]

Thanks very much man, highly appreciated! Will start bidding now

 

[cjacek]

I would recommend you get one with 3x the VA of your product, at least 100 watts. At least this one (or one higher up):
http://www.airlinktransformers.com/...a-european-voltage-convertor-230v-to-120v.asp

 

[Fruscayerdrix]

Hello,

I'm sorry to drag this old topic up, but i have a similar question. Unfortunately the links in this topic are all dead.
I just received a Tascam 488 MKII from the US. I'm from the Netherlands, where we use a 230v power supply. On the back of my Tascam it says:
120v AC, 60 Hz, 39w.
So i'm guessing i need to buy a transformer. Will any 230 - 110 convertor do the job? Will i fry the circuitboards if i plug it in without a transformer?

 

[jpmorris]

So i'm guessing i need to buy a transformer. Will any 230 - 110 convertor do the job? Will i fry the circuitboards if i plug it in without a transformer?

Yeah, don't do that. With luck you'd destroy the PSU before it can cook the ICs, but I wouldn't bet on it.

Is it possible to obtain a local version of the PSU from TEAC?

 

[Fruscayerdrix]

Yeah, don't do that. With luck you'd destroy the PSU before it can cook the ICs, but I wouldn't bet on it.

Is it possible to obtain a local version of the PSU from TEAC?

You mean something from this page? http://teactascamparts.com/page13.html And then swap the internal transformer? I'll send them an e-mail.
What are your thoughts on an external transformer like one of these: 220 naar 110 volt omvormer

It's in dutch, but we use quite a lot of english words so you should be able to understand the most important things.

 

[jpmorris]

You mean something from this page? TEAC TASCAM TRANSFORMERS And then swap the internal transformer? I'll send them an e-mail.

I hadn't thought of that, I was thinking of getting an entire replacement supply if they have them, but replacing the transformer is a definite possibility. If you do that, make sure you check the output voltage before plugging it in to the machine, though :3

What are your thoughts on an external transformer like one of these: 220 naar 110 volt omvormer

Looks like it meets the spec, but I can't honestly say from experience because the only US kit I've used so far has had switch-mode supplies that didn't care about the input voltage.

 

[Fruscayerdrix]

For now the bigger issue seems to be the 60hz to 50hz conversion. It's supposedly a more complicated proces. On another forum i've read that someone used a 424 with voltage convertor and it worked just fine. But i can image that the engine will run slower on 50hz if it's meant to run on 60hz power. I'm still not sure if that's a real problem though. It might only become a problem if i want to finish a recording from my 488 on my 424 (because the 424 will run on normal speed) But i don't intend on doing so. The audio signal from the 488 will be correct, since it's also been recording on a slower running engine: so for mixing down this should pose no problem.
Is this logic any good?

 

[jpmorris]

For now the bigger issue seems to be the 60hz to 50hz conversion. It's supposedly a more complicated proces. On another forum i've read that someone used a 424 with voltage convertor and it worked just fine. But i can image that the engine will run slower on 50hz if it's meant to run on 60hz power.

That shouldn't be an issue with this machine. Some older reel-to-reel machines use a synchronous capstan drive and those will have problems running at the wrong frequency. I think the TEAC 80-8 was one of the last to work that way, everything since is servo-controlled and I believe that goes for most cassette decks. I've just checked and the 488 does indeed use DC servo motors so you should be fine.


EDIT: Regarding my earlier comments about the PSU, I thought it used an external brick, but I was clearly thinking of something else. Sorry about that. Using one of those step-down transformers is probably a better bet than modifying it.

 

[Fruscayerdrix]

That shouldn't be an issue with this machine. Some older reel-to-reel machines use a synchronous capstan drive and those will have problems running at the wrong frequency. I think the TEAC 80-8 was one of the last to work that way, everything since is servo-controlled and I believe that goes for most cassette decks. I've just checked and the 488 does indeed use DC servo motors so you should be fine.


EDIT: Regarding my earlier comments about the PSU, I thought it used an external brick, but I was clearly thinking of something else. Sorry about that. Using one of those step-down transformers is probably a better bet than modifying it.

Thanks for looking that up. The 424 i have does use a brick adaptor, but with the 488 it's just a powerline with a plug.
Hopefully i'll be able pick up a convertor tomorow. I'll post how it all works out; for the people who run into the same problem in the future.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Fruscayerdrix]

So i just picked up a convertor: 230v 50 Hz in, 110v out and it works like a charm. No hum or other inconveniences. I've also been in contact with someone at TEAC who confirmed that all you need is a converter, since the machine is using DC motors (just like jpmorris mentioned) So the difference is Hz does not cause any kind of trouble.

Cheers.

 

[jpmorris]

Good to hear it. I would recommend that you try and attach a label to the US plug, say near the lead or something, pointing out that it's 110v. Just in case you or anyone else forgets and tries to use a straight 240v->US adaptor a couple of years down the line.

 

[Fruscayerdrix]

I already did. It seems like an easy thing to forget, and i'd hate to see it go up in flames . Good thing the US plug is entirely different from our standard plugs so no one can just plug it in without an adaptor or converter.