Advice regarding American to European plug conversion...

[steve2606]

Hi there, I hope this is the right area to post in.

I have an American top loader NES game console. (Top loaders were not released in Europe) so it is incompatible with UK plug sockets. So I assume I need some sort of converter?

I was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction, and give some advice as to how to get around this. My knowledge is very limited, and I do not want to buy the wrong item.

The information on the American plug is:

AC-DC ADAPTOR

Input: AC 120v 60Hz

Output: DC9V-850mA

and this symbol.

http://i.Upload the image directly to the thread.com/lf4f3.jpg

Thanks in advance. =)

 

[Marvo]

You can buy a generic 1000mA power supply locally with 9vDC output and it should be fine. Just use a tester to check polarity before you use it, the outer of the plug should be +ve and the inner -ve according to your schematic.

 

[Piratepete]

Throw the adaptor away (it's 120VAC and the UK is 230VAC) and get a UK one off the internet (just do a search on mains adaptors). You have the spec: 9 Volts DC 850 mA. you need to make sure that it has the correct socket for the lead that plugs into the adaptor and that the centre pin is -ve polarity. You may find that someone sells a UK adaptor specifically for the NES games console.

 

[Marvo]

If you look for a generic one it might be worth spending a little extra to get one that's regulated.

 

[steve2606]

Thanks for both of your replies. However I'm a bit confused now... generic, regulated, -ve polarity? :s (doesn't take much)

I actually also have a UK NES, and have tried the plug with the American console, but that produces a very noticeable buzzing when it is turned on. Is there a link to an adapter you would recommend?

 

[Marvo]

......I'm a bit confused now...

I looked online but I don't recognise any of the UK distributors so I'm not sure where to send you. Don't you have a local Tandy you can wander down to? I'm sure the pimply 17 yr old sales assistant will sort you out if you take the US power supply with you.

 

[grantr37]

would try maplins, Tandy closed all their UK shops back in 2000 or there abouts as far as I know, theres still Radio shack in America,I think they used to have them here as well years ago...

 

[steve2606]

Hey guys,

So after looking on Amazon UK I found this:

Stepdown 240/120V Transformer USA to UK 45VA: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

Would this do the job?

Thanks again.

 

[Marvo]

would try maplins, Tandy closed all their UK shops back in 2000 or there abouts ....

Explians why they didn't show up on a google search. Thanks.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

You may find that your problem is that the English version N E S uses a.c., whereas the American d.c.
This would explain the buzzing when you tried your English adapter.
I also believe that the center pin on the English version is positive, whereas on the American the center is negative.
You should be able to purchase an adapter that is suitable, some even come with selectable voltage outputs and a selection of cable ends for different applications.
The transformer, from Amazon may well work. Obviously it will only be any good for the one item, whereas a multi output power supply can be used for many items.