[alexpea]

I was just wondering.. Since the power standards are different in most countries, how can one buy amps on ebay and be sure it suits YOUR country's power voltage?

Just like this photo of the BADA

This is 110v at 50hz/60hz, which is used by many asian countries. US standars is 120V at 60hz, and in Norway the standards are 230V at 50hz.

Is it just OK to use a normal power-cord with adapter - used on other things (PC for example), and then use it on the amp?

 

[Jaska]

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexpea /img/forum/go_quote.gif Is it just OK to use a normal power-cord with adapter - used on other things (PC for example), and then use it on the amp?

No. You'd need to use a step-down transformer with such an electrical appliance, or have the internal power supply replaced with one suited to your locale.

 

[alexpea]

Such as the power-supply for my computer, for example?

It says:

AC Adapter
Model: ADP-65DB REV.B
INPUT: 100V-240V ~ 1.5A 50-60Hz
OUTPUT: 19V === 3.42A

CAUTION
For use with information technology equipment

 

[Jaska]

That power supply is designed to deliver a specific output rated for a specific appliance. The chances of that working out with a foreign amp would be one in a million (or at least one in a LOT).

You're definitely better off determining the power specifications of the amp you'll be getting (input voltage and amperage) so you can find a suitable step-down transformer. Then you just plug the step-down transformer into the mains and use an ordinary computer power cord to connect the step-down transformer to the amp.

 

[alexpea]

Like this one?

VOD 100 - STEP DOWN TRANSFORMER

* 100 Watt maximum capacity heavy-duty continuous use transformer
* Converts single phase 220/240 Volts down to 110/120 Volts
* One grounded outlet in front of unit (accepts 3 or 2 prong US and Euro plugs)
* Hard wired with a European Shucko plug also good for Asian outlets
* Durable design with a heavy-duty cord


The BADA PH-12 in the picture above needs 110V at 50 or 60Hz.

What is the difference between the watt these step-down converters offer? It vary's from 100W to 10 000W on that page I found. Will it perform better if I choose one with high watt? And how do I know (as you told me) what to look for concerning the ampere?

 

[Jaska]

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexpea /img/forum/go_quote.gif Will it perform better if I choose one with high watt? And how do I know (as you told me) what to look for concerning the ampere?

You will absolutely need to get one with a high enough wattage rating for the amp. And to determine wattage you just need to multiply volts (110) by amperes (unknown). In this case, if you want the Bada PH-12, just contact Pacific Valve and ask what this value is.

 

[BIG POPPA]

When you multiply volts by amps to get the watts, it is a good idea to get one at least with 2 or 3 times the power needed for the application. I have a Darkvoice Figaro and I used a 100 step up/down converter the first week. I got the 500 watt one for about the same price and the noise floor dropped like a rock IMO.

 

[sejarzo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexpea /img/forum/go_quote.gif Such as the power-supply for my computer, for example? It says: AC Adapter Model: ADP-65DB REV.B INPUT: 100V-240V ~ 1.5A 50-60Hz OUTPUT: 19V === 3.42A CAUTION For use with information technology equipment

There are two kinds of power supplies, linear and switching. Most small switching supplies are built to run on that large range (100V in Japan up to the 240V that is the standard elsewhere.) Their design is more efficient and quite different from a linear supply--which uses a step-down transformer, and must be matched to the supply voltage.

The specs above are most certainly for a switching supply.

 

[BIG POPPA]

Isn't Japan 127v? I noticed that looking for a transformer?