Need Help Converting Amplifiers to 220V/60HZ
Byron Atkins
amplifiers to take with me. I have an old Polytone Mini Brute IV; it
states on the outside the specs are 120/220 Volts 50/60 HZ. England
has 220V 50 Hertz current so I assume the Polytone can be converted
but am not sure. It's about a 1980-81 model I believe. ALso I have a
Roland Jazz Chorus 77 (with two 10 inch speakers) the spec says 117V
50/60 Hertz. Does anyone know if the transformer on this one can be
converted ?
I also have a Evans 80 watt, which I like quite a bit, Evans personnel
told me I would have to have the transformer changed and some other
work. My Trace Elliot Acoustic amp has a switch in back to convert
from 120 V to 220 V, which is a real nice feature.
Also have a Music Man 112 RD, I don't have it at hand (it's stored
somewhere at the moment) does anyone know about it.
I interested in selling some of these amps, if they can't be converted
easily,all the amps are in very good shape and have been serviced
recently. You can reply to my private email if anyone is interested.
The Evans 80 Watt is especially nice for a pure jazz sound, I love
this amp.
Any help on the above questions is appreciated. I've bought a heavy
duty voltage converter but unless the amp can accept 50/60 hertzs, I'm
uncertain of how the amps wpould perform.
Byron Atkins
smoy
We have to deal with multivoltages and quite often have to provide 220v -110
v step down transformers to visitng groups. IMO the step down transformer is
a good temporary solution, however it is a hassel to bring it along to a gig
as they are heavy. If you decide to go this route than make sure that you
have one which provides ample output wattage , I would use a minimum of 5
amps and on up and is grounded - and that is for the small amps.Depending on
your application another alternative way to look at is to get a 30 amp multi
voltage convertor from Furman or Equi-tech with balanced power, I use these
in my studios , which has both 220 v and 110 v AC
The polytone I have here is 220 v If I remember correctly the transformers
are not multi-tapped, but if you can call Polytone, and speak to the
engineers on this maybe they might be able to help you get a 220 volt
transformer, they do have them in stock. The JC 120 jazz chorus we use out
here are built with 220 v transformers. However I think they deliberately
build the different transformers in them to limit people from
importing/exporting them back and forth from other countries. Check with
Evans about the possability of using a multi tap transformer with a dual 110
/220 switch in back, I believe they can do this. I am currently using the
Clarus which also has a 110/220 v built in selector switch and allows me to
use the amp in the States as well as many overseas countries -very handy
feature. I find that the 50/60 hz issue is not a problem, most amps can
operate on both hz cycles.
Skip
"Byron Atkins" <bat...@aristotle.net> wrote in message
news:53df9e7e.02121...@posting.google.com...
icarusi
what
> amplifiers to take with me. I have an old Polytone Mini Brute
IV; it
> states on the outside the specs are 120/220 Volts 50/60 HZ.
England
> has 220V 50 Hertz current so I assume the Polytone can be
converted
> but am not sure. It's about a 1980-81 model I believe. ALso I
have a
> Roland Jazz Chorus 77 (with two 10 inch speakers) the spec says
117V
> 50/60 Hertz. Does anyone know if the transformer on this one
can be
> converted ?
You can hire transformers (used on construction sites in the UK)
wcich transform 220v to 110v. It will be 50 Hz though. Wayne
Krantz was using one with his THD gear in Leeds this year. They
have a circular shrouded 3 round pin connector, to prevent UK
220v equipment being connected, so you'd also need a US 'female'
socket to that 3 pin connector.
Icarusi
--
remove the 00 to reply
Phil
Byron Atkins wrote:
> I'm moving to Great Britain next month and am trying to decide what
> amplifiers to take with me. I have an old Polytone Mini Brute IV; it
> states on the outside the specs are 120/220 Volts 50/60 HZ. England
> has 220V 50 Hertz current so I assume the Polytone can be converted
> but am not sure.
With those specs, it means that power transformer is designed for both
electrical standards. Changing to 220V only requires rewiring of the
primary leads and it may be a simple as moving a jumper. It depends on
the transformer design. You will not have to buy anything to get this amp
to work in the UK. Check with Polytone for the details.
> It's about a 1980-81 model I believe. ALso I have a
> Roland Jazz Chorus 77 (with two 10 inch speakers) the spec says 117V
> 50/60 Hertz. Does anyone know if the transformer on this one can be
> converted ?
The "50/60 Hz" statement means that the power transformer has enough extra
iron in the core that it can be safely used at the lower "mains" frequency
of 50 Hz, compared to our 60 Hz here. The fact that it doesn't say 220V
suggests that the power transformer is not designed for 220V. This means
you would have to either install another power transformer designed with
220 volt primary windings, or use an out-board step-down transformer (220V
- 110 V). But check with Roland first because they may actually have a
dual voltage transformer installed but only list the current domestic
voltage for the country it was intended to be sold in (ie. North America).
Phil
>
> Byron Atkins
icarusi
news:53df9e7e.02121...@posting.google.com...
> My Trace Elliot Acoustic amp has a switch in back to convert
> from 120 V to 220 V, which is a real nice feature.
I just noticed an item in my Behringer manual which mentions if
you change the voltage selector on your amp to change the power
fuse size too. It maked sense but I've never seen it written
before. Presumably chnging from 110 to 220 you should half the
fuse rating.
Glenn Murch
I have a Polyotne information sheet posted on how to do this with a MB
at the following
www.murchmusic.com/polytoneserviceinfo.htm
Thanks
Glenn Murch
Byron Atkins
> > from 120 V to 220 V, which is a real nice feature.
>
> I just noticed an item in my Behringer manual which mentions if
> you change the voltage selector on your amp to change the power
> fuse size too. It maked sense but I've never seen it written
> before. Presumably chnging from 110 to 220 you should half the
> fuse rating.
>
Byron