[comp.sys.mac] Using a US mac in Europe

kc@rna.UUCP (Kaare Christian) (06/22/89)

Does anyone have the scoop on using a US-market mac in Europe? This is a
Mac+, with an external scsi disk in a Tulin chassis. If I get a step
down transformer, will the mac work on 120V, 50hz?  Is there any jumper
on the mac power supply that will adapt it to work on 220V? Is it
possible to buy a 220V power supply/video board that I could use while
in Europe?

Thanks
Kaare Christian
kc@rna.rockefeller.edu

bwolf@hpbbm.HP.COM (Bryan Wolf) (06/26/89)

Hello.  I have been using a Mac Plus and an external SCSI drive
(also Tulin housing) here in Europe since Oct. 1988.  There is
no problem with using the Mac/HD on 50 Hz.  Get yourself an
industrial grade, high-quality step-down transformer and you'll
be all set.  Before coming over (my mac is also a U.S. Mac) I
thought about the power supply conversion/swap-out option but:
- expensive
- hassle	( Germans in particular have no conception of
		  doing such a strange thing as swapping a power
		  supply)
- requires refitting before going back to the U.S.

The only disadvantage is that it somewhat limits the portability
of the machine, since you also have to drag the transformer
around.  Incidentally, ImageWriter also work just dandy here;
LaserWriters are supposed to be a problem on the 50 Hz freq.

Good luck;  if I can provide any additional info let me know.

Bryan Wolf (bwolf@hpbbm)

werner@molokai.sw.mcc.com (Werner Uhrig) (06/27/89)

In article <420007@hpbbm.HP.COM>, bwolf@hpbbm.HP.COM (Bryan Wolf) writes:
 
> There is no problem with using the Mac/HD on 50 Hz.  Get yourself an
> industrial grade, high-quality step-down transformer and you're all set.
> I thought about the power supply conversion/swap-out option but:

	what option?  were is that available?
	
> - expensive

	no doubt - unless you have "connections" or can beg/buy/steal
		   a broken European one and fix it.
	
> - hassle	( Germans in particular have no conception of
> 		  doing such a strange thing as swapping a power supply)

	hey.  I resent that.  All you have to do is ask here and I'll tell
	you in less than 10 lines what you have to do.

> - requires refitting before going back to the U.S.

	the beautiful part of a 220v PS is that it is 110 capable.
	all you have to do is to change a fuse and a jumper.  The
	nicest thing is that you can easily install a switch on the
	board as well as fuses and jumpers and toggle the setting from
	the outside.  presto - no hassle ever again (of course the SE
	beats that in convenience :-)

> The only disadvantage is that it somewhat limits the portability
> of the machine, since you also have to drag the transformer around.

	why?  you only need the transformer "there" and not "here".
	so why lug it anywhere?

> Incidentally, ImageWriter also work just dandy here;

	make that IW-I, not IW-II !!

> LaserWriters are supposed to be a problem on the 50 Hz freq.

	not at the University of Goettingen and several other places
	I know of ...

> Good luck;  if I can provide any additional info let me know.

	yep, did you find a good/cheap source for the transformer
	in Krautland (hey, I may say so:  I carry the passport)
	or the US?
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