Thread: Step down transformer woes

The charger needs 2 amps to run, your transformer puts out 210 milliamps max.

OK, I did see that and wasn't sure if it related to the input from the US mains power, or if it was the requirement of the charger.

Anyway, I'll go and get a transformer with a 2.0 amp output.

Thanks.

What you need is a 240 x 1 A input or 120V x 2A output = 240 Watt transformer

Expect to pay about $100 for a decent one after all what's the point of having a panasonic driver with a cheap transformer.

Originally Posted by henlan77

where do I get it?

Depending upon where you are,

Radio Parts has a reasonably cheap one:
http://www.radioparts.com.au/ProdVie...oduct=54153216

Or try some where like Jaycar:
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView...Max=&SUBCATID=

or Dick Smith:
http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.st...uct/View/M1152

The radioparts ones are all mains (220v) to low V ie 30 V or less.
Like I said, the others ( Jaycar or DS) are all over $100.

Or you can buy one from ebay...This is the step down transformer I bought 500 watt for $105 delivered, works great on my Milwaukee kit.

Cheers,
Mike
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Voltaic-500W-...QQcmdZViewItem

Originally Posted by BobL

The radioparts ones are all mains (220v) to low V ie 30 V or less.
Like I said, the others ( Jaycar or DS) are all over $100.

Sorry the Radio Parts link didn't work, but here is a cut-and-paste:

Location : Top -> POWER -> TRANSFORMERS -> STEPDOWN

Return to Search Results <center> <table id="AutoNumber1" width="95%"> <tbody> <tr> <td>SD110-250W 110V 250W STEPDOWN TRANSFORMER
</td> <td rowspan="3" valign="top"></td></tr> <tr> <td style="font-size: 9pt;" valign="top"> <table style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153);" width="75%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="font-size: 9pt;"> Code: 54153216

Price: $74.75(inc GST)
Unit: Each
<table class="text" border="0"><tbody><tr><td>Quantity</td><td>Price</td></tr><tr><td>1 + </td><td>$74.75</td></tr><tr></tr></tbody></table>
RRP: $74.75 (inc. GST)

Availability: Immediate dispatch

Quantity: <input name="td1$ctl00" maxlength="4" size="4" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;" type="text">


<input name="td1$AO" value=" Add To Cart " id="td1_AO" class="button" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8pt;" type="submit">
</td></tr></tbody></table> <!-- DESCRIPTION AND ALTERNATES --> - All units are enclosed - Primary voltage is 240V 50Hz - All units are double wound - Metal enclosures have powder white paint finish - Fuse protected outlet - USA female socket single up to 1000VA, two for 2000VA - Input: Australian flex and plug - Test voltage 3.75 KV ACRMS; primary to secondary - Fuse protection on 240 V side - 500VAand above are also overload protected - Manufactured to standard AS 3108-1990 - Primary Voltage: 240V - Secondary Voltage: 115V - Rated VA: 250 - 113 x 91 x 210mm (WHD)
Note - Isolation unit ***NO EARTH CARRIED THROUGH***
</td></tr></tbody></table></center>

Would it be cheaper to buy a Panasonic charger that works on 240V?

Originally Posted by Vernonv

Would it be cheaper to buy a Panasonic charger that works on 240V?

Spot on Vernon, I have just purchased a 240V Panasonic charger on Ebay.

Thanks for the info everyone. Seems I have a bit to learn about all things electric.

Anyone want a 110V charger

Originally Posted by chrisp

Sorry the Radio Parts link didn't work, but here is a cut-and-paste:

Thanks Chris, that is the best price I've seen on something like this for a while.

No worries Bob

Also, it might be worth mentioning, Radio Parts has a reasonably good trade/account discount scheme (depending upon exactly who serves you at the time!)

It is not uncommon to get another 10% to 20% off the RRP.

Chris

Anyone have any experience or comments re these US transformers...
They are on ebay at $27 plus freight.

Yeah I bought a step down transformer on ebay for about $50 for a 110V Dewalt charger it has worked fine for about 2 yrs but suspect it doesnt trickle charge as well as my 12V Dewalt charger plugged into a car.

Originally Posted by rowdyflat

Yeah I bought a step down transformer on ebay for about $50 for a 110V Dewalt charger it has worked fine for about 2 yrs but suspect it doesnt trickle charge as well as my 12V Dewalt charger plugged into a car.

That suggests the DC voltage coming out of your transformer is not that as clean (ripple free) as the 12 v system of your car - which being attached to a 12V car battery would smooth it out - so you could add a 12V battery to your charger but realistically its a waste of a battery.