Running a 220v computer in a 110v environment

From: Christian Fandt <cfandt_at_netsync.net>
Date: Thu Oct 7 10:15:54 1999

Upon the date 10:15 AM 10/7/99 -0400, Ram Meenakshisundaram said something
like:
>Hi,
>
>Probably some of you have already done this. I have an equipment, a
>parsytec xplorer, that runs a 220v. I got it from across the pond.
>Since I am in the states and the power output is 110v, is there any way
>for me to run this without getting a transformer to pump it up to
>220v??? Unfortunately, the parsytec doesnt convert automatically like

If there are no input voltage selector switches hidden inside on the PSU
and you are reluctant to use a transformer then there's no way to run it
directly from 115V mains.

>PC and laptops of today. In my apartment, there is a funny looking plug
>next to out AC. I remember somewhat vaugely that it is actually 220v.

This could be for an air conditioner as the larger A/C's are usually 220V
units. Just check with your landlord. If for sure a 220 outlet for A/C then
first determine if the input to the PSU is fused (a fuse is A Good Thing).
Next, have an electrician friend get a correct connector and _correctly_
wire it up and you're good to go. If there is no fuse protection in the PSU
perhaps your electrician friend could devise an NEC-correct box to fit
between the outlet and the PSU. Safety is A Good Thing especially to
prevent damage to the unit and minor things like fires, your death, etc.

Another thing to consider is whether the PSU will run well on the North
American 60 Hz line frequency instead of the 50 Hz used in most of the rest
of the planet. If the AC input rating label says something like '220 V,
50/60 Hz' or suchlike, then you're okay. You see, if the PSU is
transformer-based (not a switching PSU like you see on all PeeCees) then
there _may_ be a dependancy upon 50 Hz only as the tranny was possibly
designed just for 50 Hz. If the company's designers were considerate of the
unit running in other parts of the earth, then they could have specified a
50/60 Hz tranny. You should check this.

>Is this true??? How did you guys solve this problem???? I want to get
>a good solid response before I blow up the machine :-)

Blowing up is A Bad Thing :) Sounds like you should simply invest in a
transformer sized big enough to handle most 220 gear you have or will
eventually get. 300 to 500 Watts would be a good universal size but I
suspect the Parsytec would only need 50 to 100 W or so of power (I've never
seen one so have no idea how big the thing is.)

Regards, Chris
-- --
Christian Fandt, Electronic/Electrical Historian
Jamestown, NY USA cfandt_at_netsync.net
        Member of Antique Wireless Association
        URL: http://www.antiquewireless.org/
Received on Thu Oct 07 1999 - 10:15:54 BST

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