Even if the grid frequency is "not used for anything" it can still matter. Some older, larger computers used resonant transformers and these simply won't work. Going from the UK/EU 50Hz world to the US 60Hz world is not usually a problem. In general transformers are slightly more efficient at 60hz. Going the other way can be a problem and US transformers can run warm and over heat. Dave G4UGM
-----Original Message----- From: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic-bounces@lists.vcfed.org> On Behalf Of John Heritage via vcf-midatlantic Sent: 02 May 2021 00:45 To: W2HX <w2hx@w2hx.com> Cc: John Heritage <john.heritage@gmail.com>; vcf-midatlantic <vcf- midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] OT - 120v to 240v step up recommendations
Per the guy who designed it (iComp.De - he makes tons of amiga/commodore custom electronics) - the input frequency doesn't matter:
does 60 hz / 240V power vs 50 hz / 240V power matter for this power supply if I go the transformer route?
It shouldn't - it's a simple rectifier design where grid frequency is not used for anything.
On Wed, Apr 28, 2021 at 8:13 PM W2HX <w2hx@w2hx.com> wrote:
Are you sure the PS in the amiga is expecting 60 Hertz power? It might be expecting 50 Hz depending on where it is from. This is a bigger problem that a transformer won't solve
-----Original Message----- From: vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic-bounces@lists.vcfed.org> On Behalf Of John Heritage via vcf-midatlantic Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2021 4:57 PM To: Ethan O'Toole <telmnstr@757.org> Cc: John Heritage <john.heritage@gmail.com>; John Heritage via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] OT - 120v to 240v step up recommendations
Yep - that's exactly what i'm looking for advice on -- I think transformers are pretty standard/minimalist, but just looking for some links or models of 'ready to use' step up transformers that will plug into my US 120V outlet and give me a 240V UK or EU style plug output..
thanks!
On Wed, Apr 28, 2021 at 4:49 PM Ethan O'Toole <telmnstr@757.org> wrote:
Hey folks I have a new Amiga PSU coming on from icomp that is 240V only. I'm looking for recommendations for a 120 to 240V step up transformer rated for at least 100W (so it doesnt have to work hard). Preferably silent. Etc. Also what should I avoid in this space ?
I mean you can get a transformer that will take 110 and put out 220 before the Amiga PSU.
The Amiga runs on voltages that you could find on any ATX power supply. You could make a cable that would go from the funky square DIN to a PC motherboard ATX connector and use any old ATX Flex PSU.
- Ethan