What type of transformer do I need?

Question

Basically, I use DJ equipment, some of which is very expensive. For a particular mixer I want, it would cost £1100 to buy here in England. The same mixer would cost £800 to have imported from U.S.A.

I know I can buy transformers which accept the 2 prong USA outlet then "down-step" the voltage to my countries voltage and lets my plug into my 3 prong socket... BUT..

This is very impractical for me (in terms of the size of the bloody things!), especially if I'm on the move. What I want to know is if there is a small type of transformer which I can maybe implement into a re-wirable plug? This would mean I just have the 1 power cable with no extra bits, going straight into my mains.

If not, are there types which I could maybe s***w into the side of my mixer?

Any help or links to appropriate sites would be great.

Answer 1

You really need to consider power line frequency, as well as voltage.  The U.S. is 60 HZ.  I believe the U.K. is 50 HZ.  Therefore, I am not sure, a transformer alone, would do the job, i.e., unless the equipment is designed to operate at both frequencies.

Is the piece of equipment, you are interested in, available in an international model.  I know, there is computer equipment, that will operate, anywhere, between 100 volts and 240 volts, at 50 HZ or 60 HZ.  Interchangeable power cords, deal with the different receptacles, in different locations.

Answer 2

You basically need a 110v to 220v transformer. Go to "Mouser electronics" web site.www.mouser.com/index.cfm?handler=su...

Answer 3

First, look on the specs on the equipment. Much electronic equipment is rated to run on 100-240 volts 50/60Hz. If you see something like that, all you need is a plug adapter, or you can cut off the US plug and put on a UK plug.

You may have to go to the manufacturer's web pages to get the specs.

If it says 105-125 VAC 50/60Hz, you have to buy and use a 240-120 step down transformer, big and bulky. Check the wattage on your equipment and buy a transformer to match.

If it says 105-125 VAC 60Hz, you are stuck, as frequency converters to convert 50Hz to 60Hz are even bigger and more expensive.

edit. It says 120v 60hz, but there is a chance it will work on 50Hz. Send them an email.  The specs are poorly done, since no one has exactly 120 volts; they should specify a range such as 105-125 volts.

There is no easy way to convert 50hz to 60hz. Best is to make the 50Hz into DC then use a 120v 60hz inverter. Complicated.

Answer 4

Changing the voltage is fairly simple. Your unit is very low power so a transformer is small and cheap.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?Modu...

The frequency would be more difficult but it probably doesn't matter since the unit most likely contains a power supply that converts to some low voltage dc.

I found a manual but it only gave me a block diagram so I cannot be 100% sure.

http://www.avchicago.com/AVC_PDF/Pioneer...

It a fair amount of money and if the frequency was critical (extremely unlikely) it may get a bit messy to convert.

Sorry I cannot tell you for sure.

Answer 5

visit this site http://theclickinfo.com/transformer.inwe...