Question about step-down Japanese-system transformers

[k8track]

I'd posted this question in the import forum a few days ago, but it was embedded in another thread, and probably went unnoticed for the most part, so I thought I'd post it here. I'd like to purchase a step-down transformer in order to play Japanese systems, which I will order from this site:

http://www.voltageconverters.com/japan_voltage.html

A question for those with experience: will the 100W version handle import systems sufficiently? I checked the wattage specifications of my Japanese systems, and they just seem really low. So it would seem that a 100W one would be more than sufficient, but I didn't know if there's some kind of power surge when you turn them on that you'd need a higher watt transformer for or not. Anyone have one of these? I just want to make sure I get the right one. (I would only have one system at a time plugged into one of these, and no other kind of equipment.)

[jajaja]

I recently ordered one of these adapters for use on my Twin Famicom :)
I can use a universal AC adapter too, but I dont get the disk drive to work then so I ordered a converter. This way I can use the original AC adapter.

The version i bought had support for 50W i think. But the Twin Famicom doesnt use more than 6W or something so its more than enough.

Depends on what your gonna use it for. For consoles and stuff 100W should be more than enough i think, considering the Twin Famicom only use around 6W. I dont think other consoles use alot, atleast not the old ones. Maybe GC/PS2/XBOX uses more than 100W.

[Querjek]

Japan uses 110v; US uses 120v... I may have the numbers backwards, but you shouldn't even need a step-down convertor to play Japanese systems in America. We use the same plugs... and, actually, my Famicom AV has never given me any problems from being plugged into my outlet.

Oh, and this isn't something that I suggest doing, but a Super Famicom will work with an NES power supply.

[k8track]

Yeah, I've got a Twin Famicom as well. It does indeed say 6W, but I thought that just seemed so low that maybe it really meant 60 or 600W, I don't know. Okay, so 6W really does mean 6W! I also thought there might be a power surge when you turn it on, but apparently the 100W is more than enough to handle it.

I've played the Twin Famicom directly without a converter, and it powers up fine, since the voltages are so close, but my girlfriend's friend, who has experience with this stuff, said that you shouldn't play it for too long at a time without a converter. The thing that prompted me to want to get a converter was when I received the original Famicom system, and it didn't appear to work. Apparently they're much more delicate and finicky; I may have fried the circuits or whatever when I attempted to power it up without a converter. I hope not!

I will buy the 100W one posthaste! Thanks.

[Great Hierophant]

Like Querjek I have a Famicom AV and use Radio Shack's SNES AC adapter and I have never had a problem I can trace back to the power supply. The Famicom AV may get a bit hot after extended use but I would say the NES Top Loader does as well. I would imagine the output is more important than the input. The SNES AC adapter handles 120v AC at 60Hz and outputs 10v DC 850mA.


Oh, and this isn't something that I suggest doing, but a Super Famicom will work with an NES power supply.


I doubt that immensely. A NES's power supply accepts 120v AC at 60Hz AC and outputs 9v AC 1.2A. The console itself has the hardware to convert the AC to DC. Using that on a Super Famicom or a SNES would be disastrous as they expect DC power coming from the adapter. You would be fine using a Famicom's adapter as they use the same rating as the Super Famicom and SNESs' power adapters.

[GarrettCRW]

I've been using an NES AC adaptor on my Famicom AV since I got the system in August (that's what the seller supplied) and it's worked fine since then (and at the time, members of this board said it was fine). Additionally, I use an original FDS AC adaptor with my Disk System without a stepdown converter, and it functions beautifully.

[GarrettCRW]

Oh, and this isn't something that I suggest doing, but a Super Famicom will work with an NES power supply.


I doubt that immensely. A NES's power supply accepts 120v AC at 60Hz AC and outputs 9v AC 1.2A. The console itself has the hardware to convert the AC to DC. Using that on a Super Famicom or a SNES would be disastrous as they expect DC power coming from the adapter. You would be fine using a Famicom's adapter as they use the same rating as the Super Famicom and SNESs' power adapters.

Well, in Japan, the Famicom AV and Super Famicom use the same AC adaptor, so I'm inclined to believe it.