Electrical question about moving to Europe

[popester]

Howdy,

I'm in the middle of building my cab and happened to get a job offer in Norway for two years (woo!).  I'm going to finish really quickly and send the cab over with me. Here's the rub: the monitor only supports 110v   The computer has a toggle to switch the PSU to accept either.  I'm thinking the marquee lights I'll use USB to avoid this problem.

How should I wire this?  I would like to use a 'smart power strip' to easy turn on and off the TV (it supports power-on).  Do these power strips all support 220v?  Are there ones that are recommended for switching between the two voltages? 

In any case, I'll need a transformer between the TV and power strip.  Are there issues with sticking one of these transformers into a smart power strip?

Any other thoughts or issues that I should anticipate?  Thanks!

[H2obuffalo]

Hi If you are talking about a MAME cabinet or any PC based emulator. Look at your power supply there is usually a small switch on the power supply that will let you choose sinlge phase 208, 220vac or 120vac. The computer runs on DC through it's own transformer so you will be fine.If your monitor does not clearly show this feature, then you will need a separate 220vac 50hz to 120 60hz single phase transformer to safely turn your monitor on. I would use a separate switch for the monitor on the load side of the transformer.

Congratulations on your new job.
Norway is beautiful. Dress Warm!

[MonMotha]

I kinda doubt the TV will care too much about being run at 50Hz.  You may get a little ripple on B+, but it's doubtful.  You can just get a 220/120 step down transformer for it.  Things that convert line frequency will be much more expensive and probably unnecessary.

There shouldn't be a problem putting a transformer on a switched output of e.g. a "smart strip".  Putting one on the "control" outlet could be problematic due to magnetizing current, but even that will probably work fine.

[popester]

I'm talking about a mame cabinet.  My biggest worry is about the smart power strip: will that handle 220v?

[MonMotha]

But you're using a TV in it, right?  Or do you have an arcade monitor?  Either way, it's doubtful it will care about the line frequency difference, so a simple step-down transformer is fine.

You will need to get a 220V smart strip or similar.  I'm sure they sell them for the European market.  You should not attempt to use a 120V power strip of any form on 220V (e.g. using a plug adapter) as the circuit breaker may not be rated for the higher voltage, among other things.

Your other option, perhaps easier, would be to just run the whole cabinet off a step-down transformer.  You may need a somewhat sizable transformer, but they're readily available.

[popester]

Yes, it's a TV.

Running the entire thing off of a step-down transformer is a pretty reasonable idea.  In general are the transformers pretty good about not consuming power or getting hot when nothing is pulling power from them?

[MonMotha]

There's a small magnetizing current even when there's no load on the output.  How much heat this generates, and how much real power it consumes, depends on how well the transformer is built.  In general, the heavier (physically) the transformer, the better it is.  In general, this is going to be a couple watts at most.

[popester]

Great, thanks!  I think I'll go with that plan.

[DaOld Man]

Here is one that looks pretty good. 1000 watts should be good for around 8-9 amps (which should be good for most arcade setups). but I havent read the full info on it, make sure it is good for continuous 1000 watts, and not just peak.
Good luck with your new job!

http://www.amazon.com/Power-Bright-VC1000W-Voltage-Transformer/dp/B000MX564U/ref=pd_rhf_se_s_cp_3

[Le Chuck]

But you're using a TV in it, right?  Or do you have an arcade monitor?  Either way, it's doubtful it will care about the line frequency difference, so a simple step-down transformer is fine.

You will need to get a 220V smart strip or similar.  I'm sure they sell them for the European market.  You should not attempt to use a 120V power strip of any form on 220V (e.g. using a plug adapter) as the circuit breaker may not be rated for the higher voltage, among other things.

Your other option, perhaps easier, would be to just run the whole cabinet off a step-down transformer.  You may need a somewhat sizable transformer, but they're readily available.

+ Eleventy.  Don't mess around with mixing strips.  Once you get over there hit up a nearby thrift or consignment shop.  You'll often find big step downs at deep savings whenever x-pats move away or finally give up on their American vacuum cleaner they just had to hold onto.  No experience there at all

[dextercf]

Welcome to My 220v planet!
I'm taking a wild guess in you got work in Kongsberg, Norway.
Am i right?

Anyway. Why are you bringing your mame cab? Unless you got your Own plane that must be crazy expensive?
One pallet (a Arcade cab, ca) cost about half My Monthly income last time i checked.

And perhaps Get a new tv over here? They are free (CRT ones), and LCD/led/etc also is stupid cheap now a days..

Hit me up a PM if you need help getting sources for stuff around here!

[popester]

We're going to Oslo. The company I work for is moving us by providing one of those big 40 foot shipping containers.  So we'll have plenty of shipping room to bring an arcade; we're not taking too much other big stuff.  So the biggest issue isn't cost of living, but how the heck we'll fit this arcade in our future small two bedroom...but that will be figured out! I've also been working on this thing for the past month, so I don't want to leave it behind for two years

(If you know of any mechanical engineer jobs, let me know.  The wifey will be looking for a job...)

[dextercf]

We're going to Oslo. The company I work for is moving us by providing one of those big 40 foot shipping containers.  So we'll have plenty of shipping room to bring an arcade; we're not taking too much other big stuff.  So the biggest issue isn't cost of living, but how the heck we'll fit this arcade in our future small two bedroom...but that will be figured out! I've also been working on this thing for the past month, so I don't want to leave it behind for two years

(If you know of any mechanical engineer jobs, let me know.  The wifey will be looking for a job...)

Ah! That sorts out the shipping part, also I'm tempted to ask you to bring an extra cab for sale
Also, other larger arcade related stuff would be cool as like previously mentioned shipping is killing my budget in this hobby..

Oslo is about 30 minutes away from my city, Drammen.
About work for your wife I would advice to consult a temp. team (Manpower, temp team, etc.).
Or just lurk the largest website for trades in norway, which also covers job listings, www.finn.no (use google translate).