Thread: Question about amp power supply...

the american voltages are around 110v iirc and here in aus it is around 230v

so...typically ...NO ...


...unless tht Fender amp has an 'export' power transformer where the input voltages for the power transformer are adjustable

if this is so ...it should be on a switch at the back where it would be clearly marked as 230v

if it is not on a switch but has the capacity for 230v then you might need to have an amp tech convert it for aussie voltages

otherwise you might get away with using a step down transformer tht converts 230v to 110v and then u plug yer amp into tht ... but i have only tried this with smaller appliances from USA ...not a big ole tube amp

i have one mate who bought a mesa from the US as it was one of those deals you just cannot pass....
he has to use a step down transformer,,

i have another mate who bought a synth and has to use a step down transformer for the too....

Thanks guys, that's what I suspected. Have found a reasonably priced step-down transformer and the deal is definitely too good to refuse.

Gotta love the weak USD!!

Cheers,

Yoz

Originally Posted by Yoz

Thanks guys, that's what I suspected. Have found a reasonably priced step-down transformer and the deal is definitely too good to refuse.

Gotta love the weak USD!!

Cheers,

Yoz

might be an idea to grab the yellow pages ad have a quick word to an amp tech....
just to be sure that what your buying is suitable



oh here we go...

i asked him what he is using with the mesa :
http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.st...uct/View/M1153

he also said there is a sydney amp tech who will rewind the transformer to 240V for $250
but cant remember the name....

Originally Posted by Andrew_B

might be an idea to grab the yellow pages ad have a quick word to an amp tech....
just to be sure that what your buying is suitable



oh here we go...

i asked him what he is using with the mesa :
240V to 115V Step-Down Transformer 500VA (M1153) | Dick Smith

he also said there is a sydney amp tech who will rewind the transformer to 240V for $250
but cant remember the name....

re-winding power transformers appears to be a most drastic and expensive solution tht is almost as much as buying a new power transformer suitable for aussie use

i would be very surprised if the new-ish amps all don't have power transformers that have the necessary wires for either 110v OR 230v usage

i would have assumed tht the transformers made today conform to a universal standard rather than a localised one so that when it comes to being used...the specific wires (for a target market) are then soldered in while the redundant wires are tied up out of the way

i would doubt it would cost an amp tech 250 bux to re-wire the amp circuitry to use the appropriate wires from the power transformer IF the wires are already there for 230v

this would be the preferred method as the step down transformer will need to have enough current carrying capacity to supply the tube amp...and this would prob cost wht the amp tech would charge to reconfigure yer amp (not rewind the transofrmer though ...tht is non trivial)

Originally Posted by R3R

re-winding power transformers appears to be a most drastic and expensive solution tht is almost as much as buying a new power transformer suitable for aussie use

i would be very surprised if the new-ish amps all don't have power transformers that have the necessary wires for either 110v OR 230v usage

i would have assumed tht the transformers made today conform to a universal standard rather than a localised one so that when it comes to being used...the specific wires (for a target market) are then soldered in while the redundant wires are tied up out of the way

i would doubt it would cost an amp tech 250 bux to re-wire the amp circuitry to use the appropriate wires from the power transformer IF the wires are already there for 230v

this would be the preferred method as the step down transformer will need to have enough current carrying capacity to supply the tube amp...and this would prob cost wht the amp tech would charge to reconfigure yer amp (not rewind the transofrmer though ...tht is non trivial)

But i doubt many amps would multi-tap transformers to make it possible to just re-wire it. For the manufacturers to put them in every amp would probably cost them a fair bit.

Originally Posted by littlephil

But i doubt many amps would multi-tap transformers to make it possible to just re-wire it. For the manufacturers to put them in every amp would probably cost them a fair bit.

the 'costs' can also come from having to make separate transformers for different markets

conforming to a standard and making only one type of transformer will minimise waste (excess supply for a specific market) and maximise its utility across different markets

but all this is mere theory ...the practice in reality ..i am sure ...is not so neat ...

I say live on the edge Set ya video camera up, plug in the amp, turn EVERYTHING up and see what happens
If it all goes #### shaped, you will have an awesome vid you can possibly make some $$$ on Funniest Home Videos or Youtube it as a "demonstration" and you'll also have video proof that you dont style your hair with fire crackers, you use PURE VOLTAGE.
Now how hard core is that?

The short answer is it depends.

Most of the high quality amp manufacturers use international transformers in their higher end equipment. My plexi marshall and carvin x100b both have switches on the back for different voltages. This is because professional musicians tour and need their equipment to work everywhere.

If your buying cheap stuff then it's probably country specific. If you look at the small fender parts lists they list different transformers for different countries. If you contact someone like Angela instruments they can probably advise on anything else you need to swap and sell you a 220/240V tranny.

Valve amps are more tolerant than SS to voltage but they generally won't tolerate a doubling.