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NEC PC-Engine/SuperGrafx => PC Engine/SuperGrafx Discussion => Topic started by: juggernaut on June 04, 2007, 06:48:24 AM

Title: Confused about the 9V stepdown thing
Post by: juggernaut on June 04, 2007, 06:48:24 AM: Hi.
Been reading some threads about the stepdown for the white Duo-R/RX. People seem to agree something about 9V. What exactly is that all about? Can i still use this one for the purpose? I cant find anything on it which says something about 9V.

http://s15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/juggernaut7500/?action=view&current=DSC06668.jpg

Thx.
Title: Re: Confused about the 9V stepdown thing
Post by: juggernaut on June 06, 2007, 07:00:49 AM: Anyone?
Title: Re: Confused about the 9V stepdown thing
Post by: Turbo D on June 06, 2007, 12:33:48 PM: if you live in the US or Japan, you don't need any converters. If you live in europe, you will need a step down. Since in europe, the walls output like 240 while japan is like 110. So, there is ur answere. You can pick up a stepdown converter at an electronic store for like $24.00. I hope this helps :)
Title: Re: Confused about the 9V stepdown thing
Post by: juggernaut on June 08, 2007, 04:57:42 AM: Thanks but i have a stepdown as we speak. Check the above url. The back of the converter says something about input 220V - output 110V AC50W. There is not a single digit that reminds me of 9V :)
As i said, im just confused about the 9V. Thanks.
Title: Re: Confused about the 9V stepdown thing
Post by: FM-77 on June 08, 2007, 05:05:59 AM: Connect the original Duo-RX AC adapter to that stepdown thing. It allows you to use Japanese/american power cords/adapters/etc.
Title: Re: Confused about the 9V stepdown thing
Post by: Necromancer on June 08, 2007, 05:45:04 AM: Word up, Seldane. The original Duo adapter will provide the required 9 volts, but it needs to be fed 110 volts first.
Title: Re: Confused about the 9V stepdown thing
Post by: juggernaut on June 08, 2007, 06:13:57 AM: Thanks. That helped me out.
Title: Re: Confused about 120v & 110v
Post by: Air_Zonk on June 17, 2007, 07:55:40 PM: So what about using a PC Engine in the USA. We are at 120v and Japan is at 110v. I don't want to pump anymore volts into my items than I need too. So where do I get an adapter to solve this situation??? :-k

Thanks!
Title: Re: Confused about the 9V stepdown thing
Post by: FM-77 on June 17, 2007, 09:49:48 PM: You don't need anything. You can use japanese ac adapters in USA without any problems. PC Engine adapters very much included. :wink:
Title: Re: Confused about the 9V stepdown thing
Post by: Turbo D on June 17, 2007, 10:26:32 PM: He's right, I have had no problems running my supergrafx on stock psu in the USA.
Title: 120v to 100v
Post by: Air_Zonk on June 18, 2007, 07:48:19 PM: Well the reason I'm concerned is because it actually states "100v" right on the AC adapter and pumping an extra 20v just doesn't seem all that healthy to do. I'd really just like to be on the safe side and get a step down transformer but I can't seem to find a 120v to 100v anywhere online.
Title: Re: 120v to 100v
Post by: elnino on June 18, 2007, 08:53:38 PM: Quote from: Air_Zonk on June 18, 2007, 07:48:19 PM
I can't seem to find a 120v to 100v anywhere online.

Afaik the difference is within the tolerance, therefore I don't think such a converter does even exist.
Title: Re: Confused about the 9V stepdown thing
Post by: FM-77 on June 19, 2007, 02:50:42 AM: Don't worry, a couple of volts here and there won't make a difference. Just as an example, all older European things ran at 220 volts, but then they changed it to 230, and all the old stuff still works fine. No fried electronics. :wink:
Title: Re: Confused about the 9V stepdown thing
Post by: Necromancer on June 19, 2007, 02:58:29 AM: +1 that the extra 20v shouldn't hurt anything - just a little extra heat. Feel free to buy a step down transformer if you want to play it extra safe (or are a little paranoid, like me).
Title: 120v to 100v
Post by: Air_Zonk on June 19, 2007, 06:41:56 AM: The only reason I feel this way is because after telling a friend of mine how awesome the PCE was, my last core grafx suddenly stopped working right after I plugged it into his wall outlet. So yeah, I probably am a little paranoid now. None the less I still can't find a step down converter. 8-[
Title: Re: 120v to 100v
Post by: D-Lite on June 19, 2007, 08:16:24 AM: Quote from: Air_Zonk on June 18, 2007, 07:48:19 PM
Well the reason I'm concerned is because it actually states "100v" right on the AC adapter and pumping an extra 20v just doesn't seem all that healthy to do. I'd really just like to be on the safe side and get a step down transformer but I can't seem to find a 120v to 100v anywhere online.
I have a stock of them and I can't remember where I got them. Cost me about $25 each. Switchable, nice.

But regarding the 120 v. 100 thing, it really doesn't matter much. There is a 10% tolerance (approx at least) which brings them near equal. And it's really all about the amps anyway. The power comes in and goes through a regulator that drops voltage to 5V for most of the board as it is, so it's no problem. As someone said, just a bit more heat.
Title: Re: Confused about the 9V stepdown thing
Post by: Soviet Conscript on June 19, 2007, 01:08:30 PM: the voltage diffrence isn't so great to have a huge effect like everyone has said. the wear caused by the extra heat is most likely negligable and if it did shorten the systems life it would probibly in hours or maybe days.

that being said i still use a converter for my jp systems

http://www.voltageconverters.com/japan_voltage.html

i just got the cheapest one, don't really need anything more heavy duty if your just useing it for systems.
Title: 120v to 100v
Post by: Air_Zonk on June 20, 2007, 05:38:36 PM: I'm picking up one of those converters for sure. Thanks for the link!!