morvern Posted January 12, 2016 Share Posted January 12, 2016 Hi all, I've got a Vectrex that was working great in the USA, but when plugged into a New Zealand outlet (I've moved to NZ) it doesn't power on. I bought one of these adapters but with no luck, - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007Z3QYEG? Do I need a converter of some sort, if so which? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+save2600 Posted January 12, 2016 Share Posted January 12, 2016 Aren't you guys on 220v over there? That U.S. Vectrex is designed to work with 110v. You might have blown it up! Or more likely, died on the way out to you. Can hardly ship a Vectrex domestically without a hitch or total destruction occurring. If you think it still works, get yourself a 220 to 110 converter or step down transformer: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_5?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=220+to+110+converter&sprefix=220+t%2Celectronics%2C210 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chas10e Posted January 12, 2016 Share Posted January 12, 2016 from Amazon link you provided: Question: Does a electrical adaptor do the same thing as a electrical converter? To run USA products on Australian electrical system.Answer: HI Delores, No, the adapter only allows you to access the electricity, it won't change it from AU to USA volatage. That said, many electrical devices this day are dual voltage. Look on the device or the transformer box on the cord. For instance, the box on the cord to my computer says "INPUT AC100-240V" - so I am OK u… see more By OKOK on July 12, 2013 I don't know the voltage values in NZ this was the Amazon recommended product http://www.amazon.com/Simran-200-Converter-International-Countries/dp/B000W9DJ1Q/ref=pd_sim_23_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=41jpbT-oESL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0EFD13AYP9DXCBS51TPJ my Vectrex says draws 40 watts on back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mayhem Posted January 13, 2016 Share Posted January 13, 2016 Yep, you need a stepdown transformer, not a plug converter! Hopefully you've not blown up the Vectrex in the process... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seob Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 New zealand uses 230v 50hz. So i guess you blew out the vectrex power supply. Don't know if it has a fuse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chas10e Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 New zealand uses 230v 50hz. So i guess you blew out the vectrex power supply. Don't know if it has a fuse. the manual shows a fuse,... "0.5A 125v slow blow PC mount type" .... looks likes it's soldered to the board http://www.ags.tu-bs.de/lib/exe/fetch.php?media=web:e.lab:projekte:vectrex_manual.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rolo Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 The fuse sits on the fuse pcb next to the transformer beneath a cover. Look: Replacing is not hard to do. -Rolo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
morvern Posted January 23, 2016 Author Share Posted January 23, 2016 Sure enough the fuse was blown, I'm just glad there was a fuse at all Thanks for the fuse recommendations too, when I opened it up you were correct. Ordered the fuse, bought a soldering iron, and will update later to see if that fixes it. I have this now, for after I replace the fuse. What setting should I have it on? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mayhem Posted January 23, 2016 Share Posted January 23, 2016 (edited) Now when it says INPUT does that mean from the mains? And OUTPUT to the device? If so, that's fine. LOW should be fine, but you could put it on HIGH anyhow. I use a 30W stepdown for my Kouso (Japanese Vectrex) and that's good. Edited January 23, 2016 by Mayhem Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chas10e Posted January 24, 2016 Share Posted January 24, 2016 Sure enough the fuse was blown, I'm just glad there was a fuse at all Thanks for the fuse recommendations too, when I opened it up you were correct. Ordered the fuse, bought a soldering iron, and will update later to see if that fixes it. IMG_1677.JPG IMG_1678.JPG I have this now, for after I replace the fuse. What setting should I have it on? IMG_1679.JPGIMG_1680.JPGIMG_1681.JPG again my Vectrex says 40 Watts on the back so it looks like the high setting for that device I just don't know what the benefits of the lower wattage setting would be Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rolo Posted January 24, 2016 Share Posted January 24, 2016 It's just for safety reasons, I suppose. In case you drop your razor into your bathtub, you probably want the fuse to react quickly (or you'll start to dance spastically ). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chas10e Posted January 24, 2016 Share Posted January 24, 2016 It's just for safety reasons, I suppose. In case you drop your razor into your bathtub, you probably want the fuse to react quickly (or you'll start to dance spastically ). yeah that makes sense actually so.... whatever you do Don't drop your Vectrex in the bathtub !!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mayhem Posted January 24, 2016 Share Posted January 24, 2016 This may depend on whether you're in the US or Europe, and whether it's grounded. I don't think it's possible here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
morvern Posted February 2, 2016 Author Share Posted February 2, 2016 Welp, my first time soldering, my first time doing anything of note with electronics, and it's working - all thanks to you guys on this forum! I managed to solder/tear off the busted fuse and solder on the new one. This took a bit of internet searching and luck on my part, ripping a standard plug apart to get at the brown wire - to reuse for connecting the fuse. With an overabundant amount of solder, I made a thing. I then wrapped my mess of a job in electronic tape, screwed the back on and powered it up. Success! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+madman Posted February 2, 2016 Share Posted February 2, 2016 Nice work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+save2600 Posted February 2, 2016 Share Posted February 2, 2016 Lucky all you blew was the fuse! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rolo Posted February 3, 2016 Share Posted February 3, 2016 Congratulations You know, this could be your new hobby! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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