Electrohome G07 how many Watts ?

[Level42]

Does anybody how much Watts the G07 eats ?
I checked the service manual but there is no indication.  I was thinking about getting a 2:1 isolation transformer for testing this monitor outside the cab.  Then it suddenly snapped that I picked up a power converter to run my US Dreamcast on our 230VAC overhere. This thing is (AFAIK) nothing more or less than a 2:1 transformer so it should work nicely. It's rated at 85 Watts. Would this be enough ?

[SirPeale]

It won't work correctly.  You need an actual isolation transformer.

[Level42]

? ? ? ?

What else could be inside of this then ?

[SirPeale]

 A regular transformer.

Do a search; the difference between regular transformers and iso xformers have been discussed before.

[Level42]

OK I've searched but didn't find a definite answer.

As far as I've always learned EVERY transformer basicaly isolates the secondary from the primary windings.
The only difference between a regular and a real isolation transformer would be:
1) there is special precautions to prevent the primary and secondary windings to contact
2)the ratio is 1:1 (or sometimes 2:1).

So I figured my step-down converter is basicaly the same thing, without 1)

But since this will be only for a couple of tests, I'm not to worried about that.

Or am I completely overlooking something ?

[SirPeale]

Ken can answer this better than I.  Ken?

[2600]

The problem is what you learn is not always what happens in real life.  There are a lots of variety of transformers and some transformers have been made that share windings.  Isolation transformers are specifically made to guarantee a certain amount of isolation between the primary and secondary windings.  Sorry, I can't point you to any links that explains things or shows how things are done.  But the simple fact is your monitor requires an isolation transformer.  It requires this so that you don't injure or kill yourself.  It's up to you if you are willing to take the risk.

And unfortunately, I don't know if your adapter is isolated.  I've never really used those adapters, I don't know if it is common for them to be isolated.  Also, It may not be possible to use a meter on it to check continuity because it may have some filtering in it as well. 

Andy at Ultimarc may know if it is common for those adapters to be isolated.

[Pac-Fan]

Agree wtih 2600, but most step-down transformers do isolate. But never assume, simply measure, or add a 1:1 iso on either side of the step down to be sure.

When powered up, just measure all 4 points of power (and all against eath ground on your outlet) and you can easily tell if it's isolated. (this is what I do to test any machine out to ensure nothing has been shorted in a normal iso before I power it up the first time)

It isolates, IF all of these measurements match:

Incomming verification:
Incomming Neutral to earth: 0 v
Incomming Hot to earth: 220 v
Incomming Hot to neutral: 220 V

Crossing verification:
Incomming Neutral to EITHER outgoing: 0 V
Incommng Hot to EITHER outgoing: 0V

Outgoing verification:
Ground to EITHER outgoing: 0V
Outgoing 1 to outgoing 2: 110V


Or just simply add a 1:1 on either side, provided it handles the voltage/amperage. It'll use a bit more power (most 1:1's meter at about 10 watts of power lost) but ensures isolation.