PC Voltage Problems for O/S

liam · 12-06-04, 08:30

i was thinking about getting a PC for christmas this year. have a few questions about the PC 7424. if i order it from say a e-tailer such as Autopia, will the machine work out here as our mains are 240volts instead of your 110V.
i know i can get a plug converter to change the plug, but my limited physics tells me that this owuld not change the voltage. would i have to buy some sort of of step-down transformer to run it?

Footy · 12-06-04, 10:25

Hi Liam,

I am using a PC 7424 purchased from the US, in a 230v country. I run it through a 500W step down transformer, which brings the 230v down to 110v. It works well, though it does not get heavy, prolonged use.

You should be able to pick up a suitable transformer from your nearest D*ck Smiths, Jaycar, etc. The PC requires 3.7 amps @ 110v (approx 410 watts), so make sure you get a transformer with enough capacity. The 500W transformer I use is probably the minimum capacity you could get away with

liam · 12-07-04, 11:09

okay thanks for that footy, i'll do some hunting around at the shops you have mentioned.
thanks for that!

pugoman · 12-07-04, 11:19

Us UK Autopians are in the same position as you guys. You'll need an Oz to USA step-down transformer... many of us UK Autopians got ours from here...

http://www.newmarket-transformers.co.uk/autos.html

Obviously you won't want to order from here, but this site will give you some idea of what to look for.

Lowejackson · 12-07-04, 12:09

Or something like this

EclipseDetail · 12-07-04, 12:23

You'll need one of these. Maybe we car organise a group buy for both the PC and the transformer as Jaycar gives a discount with multiple purchases by default.

500W Transformer 4.4amps

If you get anything less you'll just be shortening the life of the PC and setting of any safety switches you have hooked up to the power supply.

This added cost is why most end up getting a good quality orbital buffer/sander from a hardware store down here.

Greg

liam · 12-07-04, 04:28

omg! 200 dollars! okay... hmm.. thats way outta my budget... might be worth purchasing a similar tool here... well gotto do some serious thinking now... you reckon that there would be a cheaper one around?
thanks eclipse,lowe and pugoman!

CV350 · 12-08-04, 01:11

I have just taken delivery of the PC 7424 from Autopia. Delivery time was 5 days and no duty (how good is that). The downside is that I need to buy a step down transformer but I was aware of that before I placed my order. the reviews on the PC 7424 and all the commentary on this site convinced me that this was the way to go - especially as I have no experience with amy mechanical polisher (orbital or rotary).

I have read on MB Club Forums (in the UK) that I need a transformer with approx 750 watts to cover possible spikes at start up of the machine (the 7424 is 3.7 amps which equates to 400 odd watts). I am not an expert on this subject but in Australia the step down transformers get dearer as the watts increase and the choice at plus 400 watts is either 500watts or 1000 watts.

Does anyone in Australia have any recommendations on models for step down transformers and will I get away with 500 watts which must be 4+ amps. Also do you know where I can purchase 110v cable and US plugs? Thanks:

CostaK · 12-08-04, 01:50

I looked at this about 6 months ago and didnt commit because of the cost of a good step down.

Having spoken to a few guys in the electronics industry at that time you will need a serious transformer. Its not just start up but you will be using the pc for a while at a time. My brother has a consumer step down that he uses with some imported powered speakers. Sometimes the transformer overheats and cuts out - very frustrating! (although it eventually resets itself)

Have a look at the stuff the UK guys are reccomending then check out the stuff you can buy in AUS electronic stores. The more heavy duty looking the better. I would also check the web to see if you can find any specialist transformer makers.

BMcN · 12-09-04, 12:31

I managed to import a 7336 (almost the same as the 7424). To step the voltage up I bought this transformer: http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/...73851&ts=88687

Quite cheap and is more than enough to do the job.

AudiDriver · 12-12-04, 08:46

I also got the 7424 from Autopia and I got a transformer similar to BMcn's. (These are working brilliantly and has saved me loads of arm work! - one of the best purchases I've made).
The transformer recommended by LoweJackson has the advantage of 2 outlets and higher rating but is slightly more expensive. A 110v extension lead and a 110v plug is probably also required (as any extension must be from the 110v side and not from the 230v) and the links provided by Lowejackson and BMcn show the sort of thing required in the UK.
If you do get the 7424 I'm sure you'll not regret it.

submariner · 12-14-04, 12:21

I've also just received my 7424 complete with the Sonus Pad Kit from Autopia - ordered 11th Dec, shipped 12th Dec and arrived today 14th Dec - Excellent service! I took advantage of the current Autopia 15% discount too.

This is the Screwfit kit I've ordered:

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/sea/...1&cd=1&x=9&y=9

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/...l%26homeRef%3D

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/...19802&id=19947

£46 for the lot (free P&P)

Submariner