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benmatt
July 27th 03, 07:10 AM
Hi everyone, this be my first post. I've ordered a Vistalite over the
net fron the states, it's arrived and of course has a different
charger, rated at the US 120 volts as opposed to our 240. Where do I
stand as far as getting the charger to work? I;ve got an adapter so
it'll fit in the power point but I don't wanna use it just yet, as I've
no wish to toast it!

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Ben



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>--------------------------<
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benmatt
July 27th 03, 07:10 AM
Hi everyone, this be my first post. I've ordered a Vistalite over the
net fron the states, it's arrived and of course has a different
charger, rated at the US 120 volts as opposed to our 240. Where do I
stand as far as getting the charger to work? I;ve got an adapter so
it'll fit in the power point but I don't wanna use it just yet, as I've
no wish to toast it!

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Ben



--
>--------------------------<
Posted via cyclingforums.com
http://www.cyclingforums.com

Al User
July 27th 03, 07:32 PM
Try these,
http://www1.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MF1091
http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/3f24040208b35150273fc0a87f9c0628/Product/View/M1155
http://www.korjo.com.au:80//product.asp?dept%5Fid=15&pf%5Fid=SDT+98&mscssid=DJK5VC5FHL649NV4BFUWV6NJ5E5V3TR7
Considering an appropriate Step-down voltage converter will be $49 or more,
It'd probably be cheaper to replace the charger with one designed for 240V.

Alan Erskine wrote:
> "benmatt" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>>Hi everyone, this be my first post. I've ordered a Vistalite over the
>>net fron the states, it's arrived and of course has a different
>>charger, rated at the US 120 volts as opposed to our 240. Where do I
>>stand as far as getting the charger to work? I;ve got an adapter so
>>it'll fit in the power point but I don't wanna use it just yet, as I've
>>no wish to toast it!
>>
>>Any help would be greatly appreciated.
>>
>>Thanks!
>>
>>Ben
>
>
> Go to a travel shop and see if they have a 120/240 adaptor - you may have to
> order it as the 'normal' would be 240/120 in Australia (going from Australia
> to US would be 240/120 change), but ask first.
>
>
> --
> Alan Erskine
> alanerskine(at)optusnet.com.au
> Is Lewis Moran the type of father figure
> John Howard wants for Australian children?
>
>

Al User
July 27th 03, 07:32 PM
Try these,
http://www1.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MF1091
http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/3f24040208b35150273fc0a87f9c0628/Product/View/M1155
http://www.korjo.com.au:80//product.asp?dept%5Fid=15&pf%5Fid=SDT+98&mscssid=DJK5VC5FHL649NV4BFUWV6NJ5E5V3TR7
Considering an appropriate Step-down voltage converter will be $49 or more,
It'd probably be cheaper to replace the charger with one designed for 240V.

Alan Erskine wrote:
> "benmatt" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>>Hi everyone, this be my first post. I've ordered a Vistalite over the
>>net fron the states, it's arrived and of course has a different
>>charger, rated at the US 120 volts as opposed to our 240. Where do I
>>stand as far as getting the charger to work? I;ve got an adapter so
>>it'll fit in the power point but I don't wanna use it just yet, as I've
>>no wish to toast it!
>>
>>Any help would be greatly appreciated.
>>
>>Thanks!
>>
>>Ben
>
>
> Go to a travel shop and see if they have a 120/240 adaptor - you may have to
> order it as the 'normal' would be 240/120 in Australia (going from Australia
> to US would be 240/120 change), but ask first.
>
>
> --
> Alan Erskine
> alanerskine(at)optusnet.com.au
> Is Lewis Moran the type of father figure
> John Howard wants for Australian children?
>
>

troyq
July 28th 03, 03:40 AM
benmatt wrote:
> Hi everyone, this be my first post. I've ordered a Vistalite over the
> net fron the states, it's arrived and of course has a different
> charger, rated at the US 120 volts as opposed to our 240. Where do I
> stand as far as getting the charger to work? I;ve got an adapter so
> it'll fit in the power point but I don't wanna use it just yet, as I've
> no wish to toast it!
> Any help would be greatly appreciated.
> Thanks!
> Ben



If you were thinking of getting another battery anyway (I did the same
thing), then the easiest way is to puchase a battery/charger combo from
somewhere like phantom cycles (around $79 + delivery).

Obviously it will mean you have 1 charger for 2 batt. but how often do
you need to charge 2 at once anyway?!? (24hr races may be the exception)



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troyq
July 28th 03, 03:40 AM
benmatt wrote:
> Hi everyone, this be my first post. I've ordered a Vistalite over the
> net fron the states, it's arrived and of course has a different
> charger, rated at the US 120 volts as opposed to our 240. Where do I
> stand as far as getting the charger to work? I;ve got an adapter so
> it'll fit in the power point but I don't wanna use it just yet, as I've
> no wish to toast it!
> Any help would be greatly appreciated.
> Thanks!
> Ben



If you were thinking of getting another battery anyway (I did the same
thing), then the easiest way is to puchase a battery/charger combo from
somewhere like phantom cycles (around $79 + delivery).

Obviously it will mean you have 1 charger for 2 batt. but how often do
you need to charge 2 at once anyway?!? (24hr races may be the exception)



--
>--------------------------<
Posted via cyclingforums.com
http://www.cyclingforums.com

Phil
July 28th 03, 04:12 AM
Dick Smith will sell you a transformer to convert 240v to 110v.
I think the cost is about $40

troyq wrote:
> benmatt wrote:
> > Hi everyone, this be my first post. I've ordered a Vistalite over the
> > net fron the states, it's arrived and of course has a different
> > charger, rated at the US 120 volts as opposed to our 240. Where do I
> > stand as far as getting the charger to work? I;ve got an adapter so
> > it'll fit in the power point but I don't wanna use it just yet, as I've
> > no wish to toast it!
> > Any help would be greatly appreciated.
> > Thanks!
> > Ben
>
>
>
> If you were thinking of getting another battery anyway (I did the same
> thing), then the easiest way is to puchase a battery/charger combo from
> somewhere like phantom cycles (around $79 + delivery).
>
> Obviously it will mean you have 1 charger for 2 batt. but how often do
> you need to charge 2 at once anyway?!? (24hr races may be the exception)
>
>
>
> --
>
>>--------------------------<
>
> Posted via cyclingforums.com
> http://www.cyclingforums.com

Phil
July 28th 03, 04:12 AM
Dick Smith will sell you a transformer to convert 240v to 110v.
I think the cost is about $40

troyq wrote:
> benmatt wrote:
> > Hi everyone, this be my first post. I've ordered a Vistalite over the
> > net fron the states, it's arrived and of course has a different
> > charger, rated at the US 120 volts as opposed to our 240. Where do I
> > stand as far as getting the charger to work? I;ve got an adapter so
> > it'll fit in the power point but I don't wanna use it just yet, as I've
> > no wish to toast it!
> > Any help would be greatly appreciated.
> > Thanks!
> > Ben
>
>
>
> If you were thinking of getting another battery anyway (I did the same
> thing), then the easiest way is to puchase a battery/charger combo from
> somewhere like phantom cycles (around $79 + delivery).
>
> Obviously it will mean you have 1 charger for 2 batt. but how often do
> you need to charge 2 at once anyway?!? (24hr races may be the exception)
>
>
>
> --
>
>>--------------------------<
>
> Posted via cyclingforums.com
> http://www.cyclingforums.com

Alan Erskine
July 28th 03, 04:30 AM
(top post)

'nother suggestion is to return it to the supplier as it's not compatible
with Australian current.
--
Alan Erskine
alanerskine(at)optusnet.com.au
Is Lewis Moran the type of father figure
John Howard wants for Australian children?

"Phil" > wrote in message
...
> Dick Smith will sell you a transformer to convert 240v to 110v.
> I think the cost is about $40
>
> troyq wrote:
> > benmatt wrote:
> > > Hi everyone, this be my first post. I've ordered a Vistalite over
the
> > > net fron the states, it's arrived and of course has a different
> > > charger, rated at the US 120 volts as opposed to our 240. Where do I
> > > stand as far as getting the charger to work? I;ve got an adapter so
> > > it'll fit in the power point but I don't wanna use it just yet, as
I've
> > > no wish to toast it!
> > > Any help would be greatly appreciated.
> > > Thanks!
> > > Ben
> >
> >
> >
> > If you were thinking of getting another battery anyway (I did the same
> > thing), then the easiest way is to puchase a battery/charger combo from
> > somewhere like phantom cycles (around $79 + delivery).
> >
> > Obviously it will mean you have 1 charger for 2 batt. but how often do
> > you need to charge 2 at once anyway?!? (24hr races may be the exception)
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> >
> >>--------------------------<
> >
> > Posted via cyclingforums.com
> > http://www.cyclingforums.com
>

Alan Erskine
July 28th 03, 04:30 AM
(top post)

'nother suggestion is to return it to the supplier as it's not compatible
with Australian current.
--
Alan Erskine
alanerskine(at)optusnet.com.au
Is Lewis Moran the type of father figure
John Howard wants for Australian children?

"Phil" > wrote in message
...
> Dick Smith will sell you a transformer to convert 240v to 110v.
> I think the cost is about $40
>
> troyq wrote:
> > benmatt wrote:
> > > Hi everyone, this be my first post. I've ordered a Vistalite over
the
> > > net fron the states, it's arrived and of course has a different
> > > charger, rated at the US 120 volts as opposed to our 240. Where do I
> > > stand as far as getting the charger to work? I;ve got an adapter so
> > > it'll fit in the power point but I don't wanna use it just yet, as
I've
> > > no wish to toast it!
> > > Any help would be greatly appreciated.
> > > Thanks!
> > > Ben
> >
> >
> >
> > If you were thinking of getting another battery anyway (I did the same
> > thing), then the easiest way is to puchase a battery/charger combo from
> > somewhere like phantom cycles (around $79 + delivery).
> >
> > Obviously it will mean you have 1 charger for 2 batt. but how often do
> > you need to charge 2 at once anyway?!? (24hr races may be the exception)
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> >
> >>--------------------------<
> >
> > Posted via cyclingforums.com
> > http://www.cyclingforums.com
>

John Doe
July 28th 03, 10:07 AM
: Considering an appropriate Step-down voltage converter will be $49 or
more,
: It'd probably be cheaper to replace the charger with one designed for
240V.

Agree

John Doe
July 28th 03, 10:07 AM
: Considering an appropriate Step-down voltage converter will be $49 or
more,
: It'd probably be cheaper to replace the charger with one designed for
240V.

Agree

John Doe
July 28th 03, 10:08 AM
:
: Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Is it not a switching mode power supply that will auto detect the input
voltage? A lot of modern power supplies are like this (although cheaper
ones will not). I think to do what you want will require a stepdown
transformer. I think that would be quite expensive compared to just buying
another power supply from somewhere like www.jaycar.com.au All you have to
do is find out what the output voltage and current you have and match it.
One can be had for around $25 with a wide selection of plugs to fit.

John Doe
July 28th 03, 10:08 AM
:
: Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Is it not a switching mode power supply that will auto detect the input
voltage? A lot of modern power supplies are like this (although cheaper
ones will not). I think to do what you want will require a stepdown
transformer. I think that would be quite expensive compared to just buying
another power supply from somewhere like www.jaycar.com.au All you have to
do is find out what the output voltage and current you have and match it.
One can be had for around $25 with a wide selection of plugs to fit.

John Doe
July 29th 03, 12:56 PM
: The current is compatible! It's the voltage that is the problem.
:
: Theo

Its a no-brainer. I have much equipment purchased out of the country. See
Jaycar or other electronics supplier.

Peter

John Doe
July 29th 03, 12:56 PM
: The current is compatible! It's the voltage that is the problem.
:
: Theo

Its a no-brainer. I have much equipment purchased out of the country. See
Jaycar or other electronics supplier.

Peter

Theo Bekkers
July 29th 03, 01:17 PM
"John Doe" wrote

> Its a no-brainer. I have much equipment purchased out of the
country. See
> Jaycar or other electronics supplier.

Only with equipment that uses modern efficient power supplies. Twenty
years ago most stuff was series regulated and some of the transformers
that were designed to run on 60Hz did not take kindly to 50Hz. There's
still a lot of gear out there that uses transformers and 50Hz will
generate a lot more heat in the transformer than 60Hz as well as pass
more current. It does require a brain.

Theo

Theo Bekkers
July 29th 03, 01:17 PM
"John Doe" wrote

> Its a no-brainer. I have much equipment purchased out of the
country. See
> Jaycar or other electronics supplier.

Only with equipment that uses modern efficient power supplies. Twenty
years ago most stuff was series regulated and some of the transformers
that were designed to run on 60Hz did not take kindly to 50Hz. There's
still a lot of gear out there that uses transformers and 50Hz will
generate a lot more heat in the transformer than 60Hz as well as pass
more current. It does require a brain.

Theo

Michael Rand
July 30th 03, 08:47 AM
do not use just an adapter it will fry your b attery pack. The only way to
do it is to get a 240 v converter with the same out put out as the one you
received from the states . Eg the input for yours will be 110 volts ac and
the out put will be around 6 volts dc at about 1 amp per hour. just buy a
charger with the same out put as the one on the American charger and Bobs
your uncle .
Randy
"John Doe" > wrote in message
...
> : Considering an appropriate Step-down voltage converter will be $49 or
> more,
> : It'd probably be cheaper to replace the charger with one designed for
> 240V.
>
> Agree
>
>

Michael Rand
July 30th 03, 08:47 AM
do not use just an adapter it will fry your b attery pack. The only way to
do it is to get a 240 v converter with the same out put out as the one you
received from the states . Eg the input for yours will be 110 volts ac and
the out put will be around 6 volts dc at about 1 amp per hour. just buy a
charger with the same out put as the one on the American charger and Bobs
your uncle .
Randy
"John Doe" > wrote in message
...
> : Considering an appropriate Step-down voltage converter will be $49 or
> more,
> : It'd probably be cheaper to replace the charger with one designed for
> 240V.
>
> Agree
>
>

Random Data
August 21st 03, 11:07 PM
I'm being slack and replying to two posts in one here. Please note
attributions if you wish to disagree with anything written!

> rex1047 wrote:
> > The charger you need is Input 240VAC 50HZ OUTPUT 7.2VDC @ 300mA
> > Hope this helps

That's accurate for NiCd, but NiMH needs a higher current - around
600mA. The 300mA will work on the 2200mAH NiMH pack, but it'll take
around 12 hours to charge.

Al User > wrote in message >...

> Gemma,
> This jaycar plugpack may suit...
>
> http://www1.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MP3010
> STOCK-CODE: MP3010 RRP: $21.95

Probably not, since that'll deliver very close to a constant voltage
at 7.2v. You really need constant current for NiMH and NiCd, at least
for "dumb" chargers like most plugpack styles. It'd work pretty well
as a charger for SLAs up to around 3Ah though.

If you really want to charge a NiMH or NiCd safely and properly, you
need a fairly expensive charger or the skills to make one yourself.
Texas Instruments have some interesting chips, and Remote Control
shops have interesting chargers. Expect a good charger to cost from
$60 upwards. Dick Smith used to have a charger kit for around $20 that
needed a plugpack to drive it - I can't see it on a quick look, but
the components were pretty basic so it wouldn't be hard to replicate
on veroboard.

Dave - who has a few nice chargers for various batteries.

--
Dave Hughes

"Did you know God had a plan for you?"
"Does it involve a high-powered rifle and a belltower?"

Random Data
August 21st 03, 11:07 PM
I'm being slack and replying to two posts in one here. Please note
attributions if you wish to disagree with anything written!

> rex1047 wrote:
> > The charger you need is Input 240VAC 50HZ OUTPUT 7.2VDC @ 300mA
> > Hope this helps

That's accurate for NiCd, but NiMH needs a higher current - around
600mA. The 300mA will work on the 2200mAH NiMH pack, but it'll take
around 12 hours to charge.

Al User > wrote in message >...

> Gemma,
> This jaycar plugpack may suit...
>
> http://www1.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MP3010
> STOCK-CODE: MP3010 RRP: $21.95

Probably not, since that'll deliver very close to a constant voltage
at 7.2v. You really need constant current for NiMH and NiCd, at least
for "dumb" chargers like most plugpack styles. It'd work pretty well
as a charger for SLAs up to around 3Ah though.

If you really want to charge a NiMH or NiCd safely and properly, you
need a fairly expensive charger or the skills to make one yourself.
Texas Instruments have some interesting chips, and Remote Control
shops have interesting chargers. Expect a good charger to cost from
$60 upwards. Dick Smith used to have a charger kit for around $20 that
needed a plugpack to drive it - I can't see it on a quick look, but
the components were pretty basic so it wouldn't be hard to replicate
on veroboard.

Dave - who has a few nice chargers for various batteries.

--
Dave Hughes

"Did you know God had a plan for you?"
"Does it involve a high-powered rifle and a belltower?"

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