posted by dark on Jul 22, 2013:
I just bought a Japanese 3do. The power supply says 100v on it. The system runs just plugged straight into the wall, but it was expensive and its old, so I kind of want to baby it and not stress out the proprietary built-in internal transformer.
After doing some research, I see that many people recommend using a step down convertor for older Japanese systems such as the famicon and super famicon.
I did some more research and was slightly shocked to see how pricy 120 to 100 v step down convertors are (like $40+), especially when 220<>120 or 220<>100 are much less.
Does anyone have any recommendations for an affordable step down transformer for 120 > 100 v?
120v to 100v step down transformer for Japanese consoles in the US?
120v to 100v step down transformer for Japanese consoles in the US?
posted by APE on Jul 22, 2013:
Most of these transformers have some tolerance built in because power isn't a perfect 60hz sine wave at 120v even. It varies.
Babying it likely won't do any good and replacing the transformer isn't difficult.
Most of these transformers have some tolerance built in because power isn't a perfect 60hz sine wave at 120v even. It varies.
Babying it likely won't do any good and replacing the transformer isn't difficult.
120v to 100v step down transformer for Japanese consoles in the US?
posted by Pikkon on Jul 22, 2013:
I have a japanese ps1 and have no problems running it,I'm in the US,also the fami and super fami use external power supplies so you could use a sega genesis model 1 psu,no step down needed.
I have a japanese ps1 and have no problems running it,I'm in the US,also the fami and super fami use external power supplies so you could use a sega genesis model 1 psu,no step down needed.
120v to 100v step down transformer for Japanese consoles in the US?
posted by Flash on Jul 22, 2013:
Most japanese consoles with switching PSUs will work fine with any voltage in 65-125v range. Never had any problems running with either DIY step down transformer from medical equipment PSU (70v) or with 220 to 120 one. 19 years and no problems so far.
Most japanese consoles with switching PSUs will work fine with any voltage in 65-125v range. Never had any problems running with either DIY step down transformer from medical equipment PSU (70v) or with 220 to 120 one. 19 years and no problems so far.
120v to 100v step down transformer for Japanese consoles in the US?
posted by Lum on Jul 23, 2013:
Not much market here. It's regarded safe enough for common devices, Americans have little interest in importing the PAL consoles who more clearly need it.
Not much market here. It's regarded safe enough for common devices, Americans have little interest in importing the PAL consoles who more clearly need it.
120v to 100v step down transformer for Japanese consoles in the US?
posted by RetroSwim on Jul 23, 2013:
Above posts are all on the money.
Also, how is $40 not affordable? You get that in raw material, just about.
$40 is pocket change in vintage gaming terms.
Above posts are all on the money.
Also, how is $40 not affordable? You get that in raw material, just about.
$40 is pocket change in vintage gaming terms.
120v to 100v step down transformer for Japanese consoles in the US?
posted by Oldgamingfart on Aug 1, 2013:
A switching PSU will normally be fine. A standard 100v transformer (eg, SFC or MD PSU) however, won't be so happy on 125v and may overheat slightly. The extra 25v AC will also mean an increase on the DC secondary. Not really a problem, as the console has a voltage regulator but still not ideal.
A switching PSU will normally be fine. A standard 100v transformer (eg, SFC or MD PSU) however, won't be so happy on 125v and may overheat slightly. The extra 25v AC will also mean an increase on the DC secondary. Not really a problem, as the console has a voltage regulator but still not ideal.
120v to 100v step down transformer for Japanese consoles in the US?
posted by Flash on Aug 1, 2013:
Don't be afraid, transformer won't overheat that much from 10-15 extra volts, and 7805 can handle up to 30 volts without any problems (with proper cooling of course, CDX/MultiMega + more than 12v PSU - very bad idea). And 100 to 125 won't give you more than a volt or two. Nothing to worry about. Also APE right about one thing - AC equipment is designed to work with voltages 15-20% higher than nominal, because power isn't that stable, especially in rural areas, so all european equipment can handle 250v, american - 130-140, for japanese stuff 125v will be ok.
Don't be afraid, transformer won't overheat that much from 10-15 extra volts, and 7805 can handle up to 30 volts without any problems (with proper cooling of course, CDX/MultiMega + more than 12v PSU - very bad idea). And 100 to 125 won't give you more than a volt or two. Nothing to worry about. Also APE right about one thing - AC equipment is designed to work with voltages 15-20% higher than nominal, because power isn't that stable, especially in rural areas, so all european equipment can handle 250v, american - 130-140, for japanese stuff 125v will be ok.
120v to 100v step down transformer for Japanese consoles in the US?
posted by FireAza on Aug 1, 2013:
I thought America was 110v? I have a US step-down transformer and it says 110v on it. Anyway, I use this transformer to play my Japanese consoles, no problems at all.
I thought America was 110v? I have a US step-down transformer and it says 110v on it. Anyway, I use this transformer to play my Japanese consoles, no problems at all.
120v to 100v step down transformer for Japanese consoles in the US?
posted by A Toubib on Nov 1, 2013:
Sorry to bump an old thread, but did anyone ever bite on a 120v to 100v step down. I found a couple online for around $25-$30 (Link to one) but I wanted to know if anyone has opinions before I jump on one.
Sorry to bump an old thread, but did anyone ever bite on a 120v to 100v step down. I found a couple online for around $25-$30 (Link to one) but I wanted to know if anyone has opinions before I jump on one.