🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1992Apr17.155329.11589@mav.com>, toddi@mav.com (Todd Inch) writes:

   > >> This is a simple question for any of you. If I want to use an over the
   > >> counter step down transformer so that I can use my printer in Germany,
   > >> do I need to be concerned about the difference in hz?
   > >> 
   > >> I have been told that what goes in comes out, so I will be feeding
   > >> the printer 110 at 50 hz, and the printer specs say the source should
   > >> be 110, 60hz plus/minus 3hz. 
   > 
 
   > I did read somewhere, probably in a Toshiba printer owner's manual,
   > that while there product usually did work on 50 Hz, it was not
   > guaranteed or recommended, that it would likely shorten the printer
   > life (something ran a little hotter than intended, I believe) and would
   > void the warrantee.

I think the eddy current losses in a transformer will increase if you run it
outside the design frequency, and so it will warm up a bit more. If
the printer power supply normally runs cool, I think you'll be OK. If
it usually runs warm or hot to the touch, it might not be a good idea.
I doubt if anything except the transformer will be bothered.

   > 
   > If you will be frequently going back and forth between north america
   > and europe, I'd recommend finding a printer which is 110/220 V
   > switchable and also rated 50/60 Hz, which shouldn't be all that
   > difficult.  Recently, I've even seen some computing equipment that
   > AUTOMATICALLY switches between 110 and 220, or possibly it doesn't
   > really "switch" at all but just has a very tolerant power supply input
   > range.

Many modern workstations have switchmode power supplies in them, and can cope
with anything between 100 and 240 volts, the power supply is just designed
to be very flexible. 

Steve
-- 
Steve McKinty
SUN Microsystems ICNC
38240 Meylan, France
email: smckinty@france.sun.com	   BIX: smckinty