Importing systems

[lord_cack]

I searched the forum for this answer, probably over looked it. I really don't want to sound like a total idiot, but I couldn't find the answer so now I have to.....I am not very knowledgable when it comes to importing systems so here goes

Can I buy a PC Engine DUO RX and use it in the US? Meaning, does the Japanese system need a different AC Adapter or any such items? Or can I just hook it up to the TV, Plug it into the wall outlet, and begin playing?

Also I have another question, I currently live in Europe, I am having my Turbo Duo sent to me from the US. Will there be a problem playing it in Europe. I have a transformer (220 to 110) but I am wondering how sensetive the US Turbo Duo?

[RCduck7]

Hi there i'm from Europe and having a TG16.
Use an adapter with the Watts as close as the console needs.
Let's say if it needs 20W don't use one that delivers 50W but rather a common 30W adapter.
It can damage your console in the long run if the watts are to high.
I also needed a turbobooster as my TV and maybe even all TV's in europe (dunno for sure) don't display the image through cable in ntsc form.

[lord_cack]

I don't know much about wattage and what not, All I know is that I have several US systems hooked up and no problems. I have a transformer and a surge protector hooked up, not sure if that matters....My TV and DVD player are both 110 volt and hooked up that way and they have no problem. I am not 100% sure it WONT burn it up, I am fairly sure it won't. Its just my Duo is old, got it 3 months after release so I am planning on it crapping out on me any time anyway. It is well stored and well taken care of but I have heard alot of stories on this and other forums about the sensitivity of the Duo. So it bothers me alittle...oh well, I guess live and learn will have to be my motto....

[guyjin]

Japan basically uses the same power type as the US [though it varies by a few volts, and sometimes frequency.]  You would need basically the same equipment to run a JP system as a US one.

However, I've read that you shouldn't plug a surge protector into a forign transformer. Dunno why. :

[dj898]

funny thing is running 100VAC on 110VAC seems fine for years to come but running 220VAC appliance on 240VAC main will ruin it after six months or so... then again with main power, when they say 240VAC it means the average is around 240VAC but can be as high as 250+ or as low as 225+ or something like that from memory...

at the end I built custom-made transformer that will output between 100/110/220 VAC from the 240VAC main...
back to the topic you should be ok to run original JPN power adaptor on 110VAC main or get the replacement from Radioshack...

[akamichi]

Hi.  I'm new here, but I thought I could add some useful info to this discussion.

I've had the original PCE and suitcase CD-ROM pretty much since they were released in Japan and I've used it on US voltage for at least 10 years (not consecutive but close to it) without any problems.  I've even left the system turned on for over 24 hours straight one time without any damage.

I'm not sure about the quality of the Duo-RX, but I wouldn't have any problems with plugging it directly into a US wall outlet.  I've also used my Duo-R (old, cheap, and beat up 2nd hand one I found a few years ago) in the US for roughly 2 years.  Still works fine.  

I figure that if the original can stand up to that much "abuse", then NEC/Hudson really did engineer them well in that regard.  I'm no electronics/electrician expert, but just giving my 2 cents based on my own experience.

[PC Gaijin]

One oddity I had is with a PC Engine/CD-ROM suitcase setup on 110VAC. I've heard the CD drives (for whatever reason) can be sensitive to voltage. When I used the PC Engine standalone, no problems. When I used the CD-ROM I had all kinds of problems where games would crash shortly after bootup. After I got a converter and ran it on 100VAC, no problems with the CD-ROM at all  . Never had a problem like that with any of my other Japanese systems (PC-FX, Super Famicom, Saturn, etc.) Then again I live in a very old house (100+ years old) and even though the electrical system was redone about 25 years ago, perhaps it's a little dodgy as far as voltage goes .

[Michael Helgeson]

Ive never had any problems where I am at with any 100 volt systems,neogeo or pc engine,ps2,Dreamcast or otherwise.I guess some of you are unlucky.
Sucks to be you.
Maybe import gamers in your area should boycott and picket the power company in your area,and demand 100 volt for now on,or else.....
Ill leave the else up to you.

[lord_cack]

Thanks for all the great info but the main problem now is that I am living in europe, they run on 220. I have a voltage regulator, but I think that it runs slightly higher than 110, like 115 or something. So I am alittle worried that it may cause a problem. I have no problem with my NES, SMS, Genesis, SNES or PS2....

[RCduck7]

Don't worry about that minor voltage difference.
It's the to high watts that can harm!
Look at the original adapter of your console and see how many watts it delivers to the console.
It is best to be slightly above that number with the stepdown you use.
Cd-based consoles tend to need more watts then cartridge-based ones.