Anybody using a stepdown converter 120/100v and a surge protector?

[dq333]

Hello Folks,

I am using a PC Engine here in the States and have a step-down converter from 120v to 100v.  I've check this forum/net and there is hardly anything on the matter of adding surge protection.  Anybody actually using a step-down together with a surge protector in the States?  I'm worried about getting a power surge.... 

[Necromancer]

Welcome aboard!

No troubles here and mine's plugged into a run o' the mill strip surge protector (no step-down).  The difference between US and Japan power isn't enough to necessitate a step-down converter.

[Arkhan]

Hello Folks,

I am using a PC Engine here in the States and have a step-down converter from 120v to 100v.  I've check this forum/net and there is hardly anything on the matter of adding surge protection.  Anybody actually using a step-down together with a surge protector in the States?  I'm worried about getting a power surge.... 

you don't need to step down at all.  I've got like 9 things plugged into 2 power strips daisy chained together, and it's been this way for like 3 years.  You're fine dude.

[dq333]

You guys are fast, thanks for the responses.  Yeah I know the difference is small..... but I'm worried   I'm also running a Japanese Neo Geo AES and Japanese Sega Saturn, but I did notice the SS getting a little hot without the step-down...  I'm surprised that I haven't found much info on using step-downs and surge protectors together besides one website that states not to....  ONE.  The stepdown IS fuse protected but I doubt it will protect as much as a surge protector. 

[SignOfZeta]

Well made systems don't care. Many, such as the DC, and I *think* the Saturn actually have the same power supply anyway so a step down is irrelevant. The power in most homes varies more than the theoretical %10 difference between US and JP houses. I've been using my white Saturn for 12 years or so with zero issue.

As for surge protectors...typically this isn't worth it with any system that has an external power supply since the lighting storm or whatever will only fry the power supply, if that. So...use an American PS for PCEs in America and you'll be fine.

[Arkhan]

It's seriously not worth the effort. 

You're better off using a surge protector and no step down at all.  The step down just complicates things, and if you use a janky step down, I could see that causing issues.   I watched a friend torch a european computer with a shitty step up convertor.

Though, I shove my Japanese stuff straight into wall outlets sometimes. 

[dq333]

I've been using both the step-down and surge protector without any problems so far.  Here's the converter:

http://www.voltagetransformers.com/products/Power-Bright-100W-Step-up-%26-down-Japan-Transformer.html

It seems pretty well built.  I would be hesistant if I were using European appliances but I don't feel worried with Japanese stuff.  My SS definitely felt cooler though after playing for three hours.  Man I don't know what to play sometimes I have too many games (mainly shoot 'em ups).

[Arkhan]

I have one of those to Step Up for European crap

It worked great when I had it, but it was European crap, so it got boring fast.

you really shouldn't have any problems with that thing.

Some people buy those janky wall-wart step up/down convertors.  Those are a bad idea.  They over heat and pop.  They smell horrible upon doing so.  It's like burnt plastic/metal/bacon.

[vestcoat]

I've been using both the step-down and surge protector without any problems so far.  Here's the converter:
http://www.voltagetransformers.com/products/Power-Bright-100W-Step-up-%26-down-Japan-Transformer.html

I use one of these for my Supergrafx & SCD.  I don't know if I actually need it, but it's always worked well.

[RegalSin]

Nope just the same extension cord to my television. Including those early 1970's game systems. They all work, with no problems. Just a hint, Japan is only as real as the comic books we read.

Also lighting has struck the place I lived in, many times, and their is a fuse box obviously. What you should worry about if somebody comes and live with you who likes to play with the power box, and uses a blow-drying
every often. I have stuff from 1950-70 plugged in my walls, no problems.

[thesteve]

WTF was that.....LOL

equipment running (switching) power supply's wont care at all if you use a slightly higher voltage (case in point my PCFX)
if the power-supply is old-school (transformer) things will run warmer but for most things 10% wont be an issue

[soop]

As Zeta says, it doesn't really matter with an external PSU.  My friend was telling me a story about an imported DC (in England) being plugged in without a stepdown and white smoke pouring out.  I didn't get it until he pointed out the DC has an internal PSU.

Over here, I just use a MD PSU or a multi voltage multi connector PSU, and it's fine.

I did blow a Core Grafx PSU though when I plugged it into a socket converter... *pop*

[thesteve]

its not about internal vs external.
in Europe your pushing twice the voltage.
running JP equipment in the us is only 10%-15% high and well within design tolerance for most supply's.

[soop]

its not about internal vs external.
in Europe your pushing twice the voltage.
running JP equipment in the us is only 10%-15% high and well within design tolerance for most supply's.

It is, because if you blow an internal PSU, it's going to be a lot more difficult and expensive to replace.  There's no point in getting a surge protector to protect a $5 power supply

[thesteve]

in that your right, but in the PCE the +10% passes right through to the system, making the risked parts the 7805's and the motor drive chips in the cd section.
newer supplys (switching supplys) that are typically internal dont pass the over voltage on to the board, the system is better protected.