Hi everyone. First of all this is my first post here, so if it's in the wrong section I apologize.
With that being said, I recently purchased my first 2 Famicom systems. The AV Famicom and Super Famicom. I am wandering about what I need to run these in Australia. I bought 2 of these so they would physically fit the AC:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/251000018750?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2648 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/251000018750?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2648)
However I'm wondering about voltage. I've tried searching both this forum and Google but no luck finding my specific question. So can anybody give me a straight, safe answer that won't leave my Famicom burnt out?
Thank you for reading. :)
EDIT:
I would also like to mention that both come with their official power cords. I also have a PAL NES and SNES ones.
Australia uses to high voltage by over 100 extra volts and 10hz lower then Japan
Australia = 220-240v/50hz
Japan = 100v/60hz
You need a Step down converter, or you will explode the systems.
Thank you. :)
However I'm a complete idiot with this whole country standards stuff and converting. Would it be too much if you could link me to an ebay page with the convertor I need? I tried to search "step down convertor" but got a bunch of items that don't make a whole lot of sense to me.
I assume you bought the adapters from eBay so you'd be able to use the original (Super) Famicom DC-adapters, right? I'm afraid that would fry them, as the (Super) Famicom DC-adapter is made for 100V and power outlets in Australia (and in Europe) give 230V. You have two options:
- Buy a step down transformer to "change" the voltage of your power outlet.
- Use a DC-adapter that accept 230V and mod them if necessary with a suitable plug.
I went with the second option for my Famicom (and all my other "non-native" consoles for that matter). Please bear in mind though that the (Super) Famicom expects the center pole to be negative whilst most DC-adapters supply the opposite.
Yes, I believe they are both the originals. Both ads had no mention of them being unofficial adapters.
Now what has got me is confused is that The Uninvited Gremlin has said to get a convertor, while you've advised a transformer. What exactly is the difference and what is recommended for the Fami/Super Fami?
Converter or transformer are just 2 words with the same meaning.
You'll need something like this:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/240v-110v-Step-Down-Stepdown-Transformer-Converter-200w-/261051928726?pt=AU_Gadgets&hash=item3cc7e85096 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/240v-110v-Step-Down-Stepdown-Transformer-Converter-200w-/261051928726?pt=AU_Gadgets&hash=item3cc7e85096)
Although this transforms down to 110V. This should be okay, but I guess it would be better if you found one for 100V.
Manuels suggestion would be quite adequate, just make sure you set the options on it accurately or you still kill the systems; because it does both conversions 110-240 and 240-110.
Oh, The Uninvited Gremlin was apparently faster than me to answer your question. But yes, as manuel says, a converter = transformer in this context. It's probably the option with the least amount of work needed to power your (Super) Famicom, but if you know how to solder (or knows someone who knows how to solder) modding an existing power supply with the appropriate specs would probably be cheaper. I've done it, and it works nicely! :D
Post Merge: June 25, 2012, 04:45:53 am
Apparently, I am a slow typer.... :-[
Firstly, welcome to a fellow Aussie!
Re your question...
If you want to use the original Japanese power supplies that come with the consoles, you will need to use a stepdown transformer. Grab this one here: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/200W-STEP-DOWN-TRANSFORMER-STEPDOWN-240V-110V-BLACK-/300522477048?pt=AU_Gadgets&hash=item45f88915f8
It's cheap and adheres to all Australian safety standards, and is the only one on eBay that is any good. I have one myself and took it apart and can verify that it is well constructed and properly grounded/assembled. Those other ones from ozplaza are junk.
Another option is to use a power supply from an Aussie Mega Drive 1 console, this will work fine for both consoles.
Re your travel adapters, keep them for something else as they're of no use to you here.
Great suggestion, Frank_fjs! A Mega Drive 1 power supply is the best option, in my opinion. :)
Quote from: untinip on June 25, 2012, 04:48:25 am
Great suggestion, Frank_fjs! A Mega Drive 1 power supply is the best option, in my opinion. :)
+ 1 to that. I always use a local equivalent PSU rather than a stepdown. The only time I use my stepdown is for consoles such as the Dreamcast which have an internal PSU.
Oh geez overwhelmed with comments. Better get replying...
@manuel
Thank you for the link and help buddy. Much appreciated. :)
@untinjp
I'm not too worried about the cheaper option. I bought both the Fami's in both excellent condition with complete boxes + all inserts. I'd hate to ruin them with my cruddy soldering work. :P So I'm prepared to toss in the extra buck to guarantee it's workability.
@Frank_fjs
You're the man. Thank you for the warm welcoming. I really do intend on staying around this forum, I just didn't pop by to get help. Unfortunately I'm as novice as they come with Famicoms at this time - so until I really get going, receive them both and have them operating I really can't contribute a whole lot. :P Just one quick question, since from what I see that step-down has 2 inputs in it, so that means I can run both the Super and AV Fami on it at once correct (in the front of the unit)? And the other end of the step-down goes to the wall?
And as far as those travel adapters go, they cost me $1 each, so big whoop. :P
Ye
Quote from: theamity9 on June 25, 2012, 05:26:31 am
Just one quick question, since from what I see that step-down has 2 inputs in it, so that means I can run both the Super and AV Fami on it at once correct (in the front of the unit)? And the other end of the step-down goes to the wall?
That is correct. The stepdown is 200W which is MORE than enough to run either a Fami or Super Fami, or even both together.
There's no real point to use a stepdown, adapters, or soldering. Local equivalent power will save space. If not even electric bill as there won't be a converter that itself needs power.
I can confirm original Fami accepts the Genesis 1 voltage and even RF box.
Quote from: Lum on June 25, 2012, 10:53:25 am
There's no real point to use a stepdown, adapters, or soldering. Local equivalent power will save space. If not even electric bill as there won't be a converter that itself needs power.
I can confirm original Fami accepts the Genesis 1 voltage and even RF box.
Yep. That's probably the most efficient solution.
The only problem I have with that solution is that I don't have one. And buying one off eBay once considering price + shipping is roughly $20 for one .(meaning $40 for both of mine). I would like 2, 1 for each of my Fami's. And the step-down can take 2 at once so it's perfect. Also I'm lazy with my setup, I hate changing cables so I got one massive AV Switch by my retro game setup, and a whole ton of power strip boards. Just the thought of having to change the power adapter from system-to-system discourages me. :P
And once considering shipping, a step down will be $30 so it's "cheaper" to me.
I even use a Step Down Converter, to take 110v to 100v as I am massively worried about harming my SuFami and AV Famicom.
Quote from: The Uninvited Gremlin on June 25, 2012, 04:11:50 pm
I even use a Step Down Converter, to take 110v to 100v as I am massively worried about harming my SuFami and AV Famicom.
Totally not necessary you know.
The power from your wall would jump up/down by 20V anyhow.
I don't like any possible risk.
I think your 110 => 100 would be redundant since electronics can take a bit of range of voltage than what they state.
Quote from: The Uninvited Gremlin on June 25, 2012, 05:30:27 pm
I don't like any possible risk.
I've run Japanese power supplies for years and I've never had one fail due to the different voltage. If you're that worried just use American equivalents instead of buying a stepdown converter. A model 1 Genesis power supply will work nicely with both the Famicom and Super Fami.
I might as well keep my question so I don't need to make a new topic for it. Is it safe (and will it work) to have a multi strip power board running off the step down? For now my setup is:
1. Power Outlet (wall)
2. Step-down
3.1. Famicom
3.2. Super Famicom
I want to eventually get a Japanese 64 so I can run the N64DD, and the step down only has 2 outputs. So to avoid buying another step down could I have this sort of setup:
1. Power Outlet (wall)
2. Step-down
3. Multi strip power board
4.1. Famicom
4.2. Super Famicom
4.3. JPN N64
Hope that made sense.
It is perfectly doable and safe as long as you don't exceed the capacity of your step-down transformer. Nintendo consoles are pretty low power devices so with a 100W rated or higher transformer you should be good to go with plenty of room to spare if you decide to get more consoles. ;)
In fact that's the setup I use on my entertainment center: (Chile 220V~ 50Hz / NTSC-M)
(http://133fsb.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/alargadores.jpg?h=600)
The surge protector on the left goes straight to the wall and runs all the 220V devices (TV, sound system, cable box, etc).
The surge protector on the right goes through a big 220-110 transformer (conveniently hidden behind the cabinet) and it powers my JP/US gaming systems among other 110V-only devices (like my DVD recorder).
I suggest you to get a US power strip to keep it all clearly separated and avoid any possible mistakes, but most likely you won't find one in your local market, so if you buy your step-down transformer online, you should order a US power strip as well.
So can you use Pal Megadrive power adaptor on Super Famicom?
Yes that's ok. If you have the Mega CD or Master System adaptors it's fine too.
@133MHz Thanks buddy, you're a world of help. :)
step downs belong on consoles with unique or internal power supplies. Whose input ratings can't be met through conventional methods.
Saturn, PC-FX, or FM Towns Marty, I can understand going through this effort.
It's a total waste for something with adaptors as commonly found as n64 and famicom.
Quote from: Lum on June 30, 2012, 05:32:31 am
step downs belong on consoles with unique or internal power supplies. Whose input ratings can't be met through conventional methods.
Most should actually be OK, especially the Saturn which uses the exact same power supply board between the US and Japanese models. I have a friend who has an X68000 XVI and it runs just fine on 110-120V despite it having one of the most unreliable internal power supplies of any console or vintage computer.
I got one of those multi adapter jobs from Jaycar though i'm not sure it's doing the job properly for my famicom. The superfamicom is quite happy to function fully with the power cable from my PAL SNES. Weather or not this is healthy for it is a different matter. The original famicom though tend to die a horrible death using an NES power adapter.
Quote from: security16 on July 02, 2012, 12:25:25 am
The superfamicom is quite happy to function fully with the power cable from my PAL SNES. Weather or not this is healthy for it is a different matter. The original famicom though tend to die a horrible death using an NES power adapter.
PAL SNES PSU puts out AC whereas the Famicom is expecting a DC input. I'm surprised that the Super Famicom can accept it.
Hey guys, real late to this!
But i was wondering, if i purchase a Genesis 1 adapter from say ebay.com.au i should be ok?
Or am i better off just going with the step down?
Many thanks!!
If your in pal land then get a mega drive model 1 ac adapter,it will work for both the fami and super fami.
Thanks Pikkon! you are a gentleman!
These are nice and cheap:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/171101869597
Would this work? https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/baulkham-hills/console-accessories/genuine-oem-sega-power-adapter-power-supply-model-1602-03-19w/1244830710 I am only 8 years late but in case if anyone here is still online on the site, would this work with the original Famicom?
Will work just fine on a fami/super fami.