Japanese 100V units on USA 110-120V

From: John Lawson <jpl15_at_panix.com>
Date: Fri May 9 23:37:00 2003

On Fri, 9 May 2003, Cameron Kaiser wrote:

> Anyone out there have experience with how Japanese computers of that era
> (early 1980s) tolerate United States mains voltage, since Japanese voltage
> is lower (100V)? Any recommendations, cautions, or concerns?

   Also most likely 50 htz.

  Two syllables: Variac. Little one, 2 amps is more than enough. It is
quite possible that you'll slowly fry the power transformer - it will
always run hot on USA mains. If you can score a cheap small variac, you
can run it on 90 or 95 volts and it undoubtedly will be happy.

  If it has an external 'brick', then you can substitute that for
something that puts out the voltages the Tomy needs.

  But I'd be *real* leery of running lagacy Japanese linear power supplies
on 117/60 lines.

  Domo arrigato.

John
Received on Fri May 09 2003 - 23:37:00 BST