Head voltage problems

DamienH

Hey,
I am going to be getting a new head soon ( Metropoulous Plexi 100w ) from america and I'm wondering if there will be any problems with the mains voltage. Can I just plug and play or must I get a transformer?

Beecher

Some amps have the option to switch voltages but these are far and few between. Chances are you will need a US/UK Transformer, available from Maplins.

DamienH

something like this? What info would i need to make sure it's right?

Eoin Madsen

DamienH wrote:

Hey,
I am going to be getting a new head soon ( Metropoulous Plexi 100w ) from america and I'm wondering if there will be any problems with the mains voltage. Can I just plug and play or must I get a transformer?

The PT definitely comes with a 230v tap, so there's nothing to worry about.


Good choice, btw!

DamienH

yah thanks can't wait for it tbh... so i don't need one then

Doctor J

Ask them on their site just to be sure.

DamienH

yah i've posted up on there forum as well

Eoin Madsen

I am sure. It does 120 v, 220 v, and 240 v. We're technically 230v as per European standard, but I think it falls closer to 220v so I'd use that option. Either way, the small increase in B+ voltage won't do any harm at all.

The heads are handwired, so basically George will wire it up to the correct voltage for you - just mention you're from Europe when you order.

DamienH

but i'm buying it secondhand and it's wired for american use

Eoin Madsen

Well if it doesn't have the voltage selector then you just need to rewire it. It should be a one wire job. Find out if the PT is Mercury Magnetics or Heyboer and ask if the seller knows anything about how the voltage is wired in it, and if there is a voltage selector. If there's any pics, internal or external, then post them up.

DamienH

This is the best pic of the back I could get. It's a heyboer pt

Eoin Madsen

The Heyboer definitely has the three primary taps, I have one. You will need to rewire it yourself though. Just be careful to discharge the filter caps before you start poking around in there.

The picture reminds me that you're going to need to change the 4A mains fuse to a 2A as well. Contact http://www.ampmaker.com in the UK and ask if he has a 2A mains fuse for a Plexi. They're pretty cheap (a couple of quid), and he should be able to post it to you for next to nothing.

DamienH

ok will do anything which potentially be fatal ( to the amp : )

Eoin Madsen

There can be enough charge in the caps to stop your heart, do a bit of reading before you perform the operation.

DamienH

yah i know how to do that