Power Question - How to use UK SCART box in USA

[retromangia]

Hey Atari dudes,

 

I have a quick question about using a UK component in the USA. I recently bought a QED SCART to Component transcoder box off ebay, so i can play my retro games through SCART for true video bliss

 

I could of bought one of those cheap chinese knock off's they sell in America... but why settle ya know?

 

Here is a picture of the Scart box & AC Adapter I purchased:

 

Anyhow, this box uses a UK style plug. At first, all I thought that I needed was a simple cheap plug adapter like this: http://www.amazon.com/Ceptics-Grounded-Universal-Plug-Adapter/dp/B0080SE6H2/ref=cm_cd_ql_qh_dp_t

 

 

However, after doing more research, I realized that I may need to buy a Step Up/Down Voltage converter, since the adapter only states 230VAC.

 

So I found 2 on amazon... please tell me what you think is best, and do i even need one of these?

 

1st choice:

http://www.amazon.com/VCT-VT-100UK-Converter-Transformer-Products/dp/B000N54DGO/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t

 

2nd choice:

http://www.amazon.com/Power-Bright-VC100W-Voltage-Transformer/dp/B000MWAKVU/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t

 

 

Any info would be greatly appriciated!

 

Thanks guys,

 

-Retromangia

Edited August 5, 2014 by retromangia

[+SpiceWare]

Just get a new AC adaptor like this one:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-Cable-ACD477-Universal-Supply/dp/B000Z31G3M

 

Based on your current AC adaptor:

 

Select 7.5 VDC (as denoted by the RED BOX) and connect the correct size plug. Make sure the plug is connected so that the tip is positive (as denoted by the YELLOW OVAL).

[retromangia]

Thank you Spiceware... did not know that was an option... are you sure using a different AC adapter won't damage the device?

 

and are using the Step/down convertors a good option as well? anyone?

 

thanks!

[alex_79]

Since the device has an external power supply and it requires DC current, it's easier (and cheaper) to just replace it with a 110AC 60Hz one that outputs the correct voltage and has the right polarity, as suggested by Spiceware. A step up/down converter will work too, but that's only required when you want to use a device with an internal power supply without modifying it.

[+SpiceWare]

Thank you Spiceware... did not know that was an option... are you sure using a different AC adapter won't damage the device?

They'll work just fine. Forgot to mention you need to make sure the amperage is at least the same, the 500mA in the RED box. A higher amperage is OK, the unit will only draw as much as it requires.

 

As an example, the 2600 needs 9V 500mA with the tip (sometimes called center) set for positive.

 

I used to use this adaptor from Radio Shack:

 

with the appropriate tip for the Atari:

 

When you plug it in there's an indictor in the adaptor and the plug so you can tell if positive (click images to see them better):

 

or negative:

 

is going to the tip. Once I confirm the plug worked, I used a couple Sharpies and marked the adaptor and tip as such:

 

To make sure I didn't accidentally change the polarity, make the tip negative), in the future:

 

One thing I didn't like about the adaptor is the elbow connector tended to block the second joystick port.

 

So I ended up getting a different adaptor from Fry's that had the proper tip already in place. I don't see that as being a problem for your UK SCART box.

 

and are using the Step/down convertors a good option as well?

It's an option, just more expensive. Edited August 10, 2014 by SpiceWare