American power adapters?

Dooom

I'm getting something bought for me over in the US (a Hi-MD Minidisc to be precise), so can someone tell me what type of power converter thing I'll need? As in will just a standard wall adapter do or will I have to get a transformer (one that isn't battling Decepticons)? Also, anyone have any info on where to buy, how much etc etc.
Thanks a mil.

mp3guy

you could just buy the right charger over here for it, or get a 110v to 220v-240v step up adaptor

vibrant

Have you tried Peats on Parnell Street? I have bought converters from them in the past... one of them broke after a month and they happily exchanged it for me. My adaptor was also for a stereo bought in the US... I think it cost around €25 - €30.

Maximilian

Just pull the wires out. They can easily be guided into the socket directly with a wet knife. Please take precautions and turn the gas on in the oven for at least 40 minutes beforehand.

Quatre Mains

Right
I'm not sure whether you're talking about a portable minidisc player or a hifi separate so here's both scenarios;

- if its a portable MD then it is likely powered by a transformer, which reduces the voltage from 110v to something like 12v 500mA. If this is the case you should get a transformer which drops to the same rating from 240v.
Most makes use standard jacks so you should get away with something generic - as vibrant says, try Peats if you're in Dublin, they have a rake of that stuff. If its got a funny jack, the manufacturer will sell them direct.

- if its a hi-fi separate that has the standard lead then you need a step-up transformer/adaptor. Don't be fooled by the feeble efforts you see in the airport that look like double adaptors etc, you will destroy the unit - these things are the size of a small brick. Don't know how much they cost as got mine in the US ($25). Again try Peats or maybe Maplins in Dublin.

- if you are extremely lucky and the thing is dual voltage compatible (it will have the rating on the back, which will say 110-250v, 50-60 hz) then you just need to change the plug - black to live and white to neutral. However this is extremely unlikely, its usually only on stuff like PC's.

boo4842

I just threw one of these out when I left Ireland last month.

When you get it, check the documentation. Some power cords say 110-220v which basically has a bult in transformer, and all you need is a plug adaptor. This was the case for my digital camera battery charger I brought over from Canada.

The unit itself might be able to use both voltage, as was the case with my game boy advance, which i bought in Ireland and am using in Canada, just need a new AC adaptor.

Larger electronics such as TV's, DVD's, Large stereos etc, that were never intended to be used out of the country will require one of the step down converters mentioned before. I bought mine in the US too, and you will know its the right one cause it does weigh about the same as a brick. I think maplin electronics sells these for about 20 euros I think.

But to be honest if you need one of these I would just forget about bringing it over, as the transformers are not intended to be used for extended periods. Your warrenty will be void (if you could return it to the states) and there is no guarentee it won't fry your device. I would shell out a few quid more and buy locally.

boo4842

This is a pic of my old adapter