Step Down converter needed?

[GeorgeCooke]

Try thus one.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/portable-transformer-with-2-output-sockets-1-5kva/61847

What you linked to was just a 2 way adapter.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

Try thus one.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/portable-transformer-with-2-output-sockets-1-5kva/61847

What you linked to was just a 2 way adapter.

Slightly cheaper here

110V Tool Transformer 3kVA 2 x 16A Outlets - https://www.toolstation.com/shop/p80013

 

[Benzo]

Try thus one.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/portable-transformer-with-2-output-sockets-1-5kva/61847

What you linked to was just a 2 way adapter.

Slightly cheaper here

110V Tool Transformer 3kVA 2 x 16A Outlets - https://www.toolstation.com/shop/p80013

Thanks for all your help, the speaker should be arriving by next Friday, I'll let you know how I got on

 

[Lucien Nunes]

You do not need a transformer this big. The specs show the power consumption as 140W, in which case anything say 300W upwards would be OK (it's good to leave a margin for various reasons e.g. waveform distortion).

The output power might be rated at '1000W' but these are not the same watts. There has long been a history of twisting the meaning of 'watts' to make domestic audio gear seem more powerful than it is. A professional amplifier rated at 1000W output, actually driven to 1000W continuously, would set those speakers on fire within a few seconds. I would guess the RMS output of the unit to be around 40 watts per channel.

Re 'voltage converter' vs. 'transformer'; yes, you do need a wirewound transformer but most units of reasonable size and weight will be. There used to be switched-mode voltage droppers but they were conspicuously small and light, and only any good for old fashioned non-electronic appliances. The unit linked in post 12 is clearly a transformer from its weight. Note the 700W continuous rating on a unit badged 1000W.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

You do not need a transformer this big. The specs show the power consumption as 140W, in which case anything say 300W upwards would be OK (it's good to leave a margin for various reasons e.g. waveform distortion).

You are right. Now why did I see power consumption at 450W?

One of these would do:
UK 240v to USA 110volt Step Down Transformer 300Va - https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/SC5300.html

Interesting it is not much difference in cost to a site transformer and is an auto transformer rather than fully isolated. Down to bulk manufacturing I suppose.

Less bulky in the lounge though.

 

[Benzo]

I spoke to a friend who is also an electrician today, and he basically cleared up everything for me and literally said what's just been said here today, I've bought a transformer he suggested on Ebay and after looking at the thread I made a good purchase, I'll still keep you up to date though.

 

[M-Ty]

I spoke to a friend who is also an electrician today, and he basically cleared up everything for me and literally said what's just been said here today, I've bought a transformer he suggested on Ebay and after looking at the thread I made a good purchase, I'll still keep you up to date though.

Oh heck, I'm too late to add anything constructive now you've bought the transformer, but the manual on scribd you linked to shows the circuit diagram of the power supply and that it is a simple matter of removing one link and fitting another to convert it from voltage doubler (nominal 120V input) to bridge rectifier (nominal 230V input), though the PCB layout diagram is of too poor resolution to see where they are. A competent technician would have no problem doing it, though.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

Oh heck, I'm too late to add anything constructive now you've bought the transformer, but the manual on scribd you linked to shows the circuit diagram of the power supply and that it is a simple matter of removing one link and fitting another to convert it from voltage doubler (nominal 120V input) to bridge rectifier (nominal 230V input), though the PCB layout diagram is of too poor resolution to see where they are. A competent technician would have no problem doing it, though.

Good spot.

Edit. To the OP. Can we have a link to the transformer you bought please?

 

[Lucien Nunes]

One problem with repatching the PSU input to 230V though, is that various other bits - RFI suppressors, flex, switch etc - might be UL approved 120V versions not suitable or approved for 230V. Sorry have not read manual so not sure which apply to this unit.

 

[Benzo]

The transoformer and speaker both arrived today, and it all works. The sound comes out of the speaker and the converter doesn't make a lot of noise, perfect. Thanks to everyone who helped me.

 

[Spoon]

The transoformer and speaker both arrived today, and it all works. The sound comes out of the speaker and the converter doesn't make a lot of noise, perfect. Thanks to everyone who helped me.

As above mate... Any change of a link to the transformer you bought.

 

[Benzo]

As above mate... Any change of a link to the transformer you bought.

200-2000W Step Down /Up Voltage Transformer 230V-110V AC UK-US Power Converter | eBay - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/200-2000W-Step-Down-Up-Voltage-Transformer-230V-110V-AC-UK-US-Power-Converter/113165457234?var=413468638150&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D52543%26meid%3D5178dbe0ff444ea5b65471ee9388182d%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D113165457234%26itm%3D413468638150&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851