AC Volts Mods for Preamp?

[Predatory]

Hi, i need help on this. I've an ENGL E530 Preamp. It comes with default 110V, meant for US use. Instead of using a transformer to convert the Volts for Singapore use, you guys know where i can bring to to have a modification? I'm intending to have a selectable switch. Any shops in Sim Lim i can bring to? Or anywhere else?

Thanks!

 

[dodgethis]

First things first. Can it be modified to do what you want? If the power transformer does not have taps for 220V or 240V operation, you're stuck with the original power transformer and have to use the step down transformer.

 

[Predatory]

First things first. Can it be modified to do what you want? If the power transformer does not have taps for 220V or 240V operation, you're stuck with the original power transformer and have to use the step down transformer.

I read from a forum not in Singapore they've modified their preamp, same as mine. And they use 2 transformers 230>12-12<230 . I'm not too familiar with these and what needs to be done but i would like to know if there's a way i can mod my preamp to that it used 220v?

 

[dodgethis]

http://forum.lordriffenstein.com/vi...&start=0&sid=36ebbc36e4c185f1be7f34e4def5e7e4

If you're talking about this thread, he didn't modify his pre-amp. The pre-amp he is using is one that he built himself and using his own transformers, not an actual E530. You will have to buy that power transformer that is recommended in the thread and have someone install it.

 

[Hercules]

Dodgethis sounds so "knowledgeable" here but his 1st post is wrong then contradicts himself with his 2nd post and he isn't helping at all.

What you need to do is change the power transformer to 230v, 50hz. Nothing to do with the preamp.

Firstly, you need a new suitable power transformer http://www.mercurymagnetics.com/pages/mainframe.htm

Then, make a trip down to Sim Lim tower, I believe they can help you with the installation. Or find a good guitar amp tech.

More info at http://www.soft.com.sg/forum/gear-g...transformer-pt-guitar-amplifier-220-240v.html

 

[Predatory]

Hey thanks! That helps. I'll read that thread first. Do you think by any chance Sim Lim may sell suitable power transformer considering they deal with a lot of audio products? I might make a trip there to ask and see what they can do. Thanks again.

 

[Hercules]

No harm going down to Sim Lim tower to ask. Alot of the shops there close early for Sat and rest day for Sun though, take note.

 

[dodgethis]

Dodgethis sounds so "knowledgeable" here but his 1st post is wrong then contradicts himself with his 2nd post and he isn't helping at all.

What you need to do is change the power transformer to 230v, 50hz. Nothing to do with the preamp.

My first post tells he needs to see if the power transformer has taps for 220V and/or 240V operation, in addition to the 110V that it already has. Do you understand what this means? Allow me to educate you.

A power transformer brings down AC mains voltage from a higher value to lower value(s) that is needed by the circuit via the number of windings in the primary (input voltage) and the secondary (voltage) coils. Normally, manufacturers make power transformers that specific to the product's point of destination's AC mains. However, some make one common transformer that has taps to access the different amounts of windings in the primary coil for different AC voltages and it's just a matter of connecting the live wire to the proper primary tap.

My second post tells him to not bother with checking if the power transformer in his pre-amp has the taps and to just buy a new power transformer. In fact, you just told him to do just that. Heck, I even tell him that there is a specific 240V power transformer to buy in that thread.

Oh, and Mercury doesn't carry any power transformers for ENGL products, just so you know.

So, thanks for repeating what I said (thus reinforcing it) and giving him a site that does not have any products that can help him

 

[Hercules]

My first post tells he needs to see if the power transformer has taps for 220V and/or 240V operation, in addition to the 110V that it already has. Do you understand what this means? Allow me to educate you.

A power transformer brings down AC mains voltage from a higher value to lower value(s) that is needed by the circuit via the number of windings in the primary (input voltage) and the secondary (voltage) coils. Normally, manufacturers make power transformers that specific to the product's point of destination's AC mains. However, some make one common transformer that has taps to access the different amounts of windings in the primary coil for different AC voltages and it's just a matter of connecting the live wire to the proper primary tap.

My second post tells him to not bother with checking if the power transformer in his pre-amp has the taps and to just buy a new power transformer. In fact, you just told him to do just that. Heck, I even tell him that there is a specific 240V power transformer to buy in that thread.

Oh, and Mercury doesn't carry any power transformers for ENGL products, just so you know.

So, thanks for repeating what I said (thus reinforcing it) and giving him a site that does not have any products that can help him

Again you sound so "knowledgeable" here with your long wall of words but in your 1st post, you basically told him to forget the idea because power transformer cannot be changed and he must use external step down transformer, which is BS, and you contradicted it yourself in your 2nd post, where you changed track from parroting that lordriffenstein thread you quoted.

TS asked for people who can mod for him, you acted like some professor on this subject, gave him wrong info and didn't point him to anyone or anywhere who can change the transformer for him, it isn't helpful at all. If don't know then don't act smart.

First things first. Can it be modified to do what you want? If the power transformer does not have taps for 220V or 240V operation, you're stuck with the original power transformer and have to use the step down transformer.

 

[Godspeed64]

What's with the animosity Hercules?

 

[dodgethis]

Did I flatly tell him to forget it? I said IF. Do you the meaning of IF? Yes, I did change my tune because someone pointed out the existence of the specific power transformer for the E530 in that thread, that the TS gave reference to in the third post. I did not know one existed before reading, I will admit. I will underscore the importance that the specific power transformer for the product is used. You do not just drop in any power transformer into something and expect it to work, which is what you told him to do. The input voltage may be the same but if the secondary voltage is not what the product needs, then well, be prepared for the product to not* work properly.

As for me being unhelpful, you did not tell him about the importance of the usage of a specific power transformer. That, IMHO, is more dangerous, than not telling him who to find and where to go, because you could potentially destroy his preamp through improper voltage from the secondary coil. And to add on, the Mercury Magnetics, whom you pointed him to, does not carry transformers for ENGL products. Me giving wrong info? You are guilty of it as well.

 

[fifafu]

dodgethis is correct - A suitable transformer is not easy or cheap to find. You will NOT be able to get the transformer locally easily or cheap. I know of some custom transformer makers here but for a custom wound transformer to the spec of ENGL PT, the cost is $300SGP. A check online show that cheaper compatible transformer with the same power rating and secondary voltage are not the same size as the original and may require additional cutting and drilling (which lower the value of the amp).

It is not really a bad idea to use a step down transformer, a good isolated step down transformer will reduce and eliminate noise.

As a audio amp tech, I always advise my customers to stick to the original transformer as long as it is not broken.

And NO, you will NOT find the required transformer in SLT SLS or Burlington Sq...

 

[fifafu]

Beside voltage, you have to consider the power rating.

Not much of a problem with the HV output but Heater output require as much as 3A or more sometime...most cheap transformer cannot supply this much current.

You do not just drop in any power transformer into something and expect it to work, which is what you told him to do. The input voltage may be the same but if the secondary voltage is not what the product needs, then well, be prepared for the product to work properly.

 

[dodgethis]

Dang, missed out the 'not' in the last sentence in the original post.

 

[Hercules]

Did I flatly tell him to forget it? I said IF. Do you the meaning of IF? Yes, I did change my tune because someone pointed out the existence of the specific power transformer for the E530 in that thread, that the TS gave reference to in the third post. I did not know one existed before reading, I will admit. I will underscore the importance that the specific power transformer for the product is used. You do not just drop in any power transformer into something and expect it to work, which is what you told him to do. The input voltage may be the same but if the secondary voltage is not what the product needs, then well, be prepared for the product to not* work properly.

As for me being unhelpful, you did not tell him about the importance of the usage of a specific power transformer. That, IMHO, is more dangerous, than not telling him who to find and where to go, because you could potentially destroy his preamp through improper voltage from the secondary coil. And to add on, the Mercury Magnetics, whom you pointed him to, does not carry transformers for ENGL products. Me giving wrong info? You are guilty of it as well.

Another wall of words to make yourself appear "knowledgeable". You said and I quote

If the power transformer does not have taps for 220V or 240V operation, you're stuck with the original power transformer and have to use the step down transformer.

Don't need to sound so "smart" here. Of course I know the meaning of IF. You are telling him IF the existing transformer cannot be tapped for 220v or 240v operation (BTW the correct voltage is 230v), he is stuck with it, which is BS as I pointed out because transformer CAN be changed. What you are saying here is, transformer cannot be changed, but can only be tapped for other voltage IF it was designed that way. Stop going around in circles with your walls of words.

You wanted him to go for that specific power transformer. I'm sure that isn't the only power transformer in the world with the correct values. As the other folks in the thread i posted mentioned, it's not the brand that is important but the values, so why must you insist he stick to that particular one?

And obviously I didn't look at the Mercury Magnetics website in depth, I assumed they would have a suitable transformer available for TS out of so many transformers they carry, but turned out they probably don't. I posted him that website for him to check it out himself and email them.

I didn't say anything about ANY transformer will work regardless of values etc so DON'T put words into my mouth. And as for the advising of correct values, I'm not an ENGL expert so I won't claim to know what values it need, so I just directed him to talk to a an amp tech. I don't claim to know everything or appear "knowledgeable" like you. Oh shucks, I didn't teach you how to cross the road. Improper crossing of the road, IMHO, is more dangerous than you appearing "knowledgeable".

 

[PatheinRaindropMoe]

There are indeed wrong info which was given as well, simple as that.

No wall of text, but just casual reader and amused with pot calling kettle black. Well, both are pot as well as kettle and black. Same same, no different.

 

[Hercules]

Just very allergic to situations when some folks genuinely need help and advise here in getting things done, but to have someone come in telling them "can't be done" when it can be.

 

[Ratboy]

i read the pdf manual on engl website.
I see the back of chassis in the manual layout diagram that there is prob optional 240v version
just open up the amp and see if the tranny got taps for 240v
if no have taps..... too bad

either order tranny from engl (best fit)
as all other substitute tranny may change the amp's specs.

or just use a step down
of course if it really bothers you
you might be able to mod the step down hidden permanently in the chassis .....
tats another choice : )