Thread: What converter or tranformer etc will I need

Any one of the 52 US states

I have a big old power transformer called a Variac, I am sure there is a modern equivalent.

Mine is a variable but you really only need a fixed output.
http://www.variac.com/staco_Variable...FYUdHAodjBCHNQ

Hi Arry
I would think you need a 240 v down to 110 volt Step down transformer.
I purchased some branding irons from the states and that is what I needed for them to work.
By the way I got the transformer off Ebay sorry cant remember the cost.
Hope this helps.
Brian

Hi again
Just checked Ebay I think this one would do the job.
Link,

Power Supply Step Down Transformer 240V - 110V 300W CE | eBay

Brian

The important bits that you need to know or 110-120VAC output and 50 Watts consumption.

From that, and allowing for some "safety factor" look for a 100VA 240 - 120 V step down transformer, preferably one with seperate (isolated) windings rather than a tapped single winding (autotransformer). The autotransformers work while everything is connected properly, but do strange things if a connection breaks internally.

The ebay unit linked previously appears to be too small and light to be a 300 W capacity unit and is most likely an autotransformer. My guess is that either it runs extremely hot or is not rated for 300W continuous operation.

This is a link to a Jaycar 120W unit which you should be able to buy over the counter. Could probably do beter via radio parts in Melbourne but shipping would negate any savings. Size is similar to the ebay unit, but weight is double, and the ebay unit is supposed to be rated for 2.4 times the power.

At 50W input to the charger and 2A charge output, your kit has come with a slow charger, 1hr plus to fully charge a 1.5AH battery. No hassles with slow charging provided that you don't flatten the other battery before the one being charged is topped off. When you first enquired, I advised that my Mak gear fast charger wanted about 250W capacity transformer, it charges a 3AH battery in 22 minutes from flat.

Hope this helps

Cheers guys, I ended up going to Jaycar and getting one for $50. My charger seems to fully charge in about 30 mins.