Ferrograph Series 7 Voltage & Frequency Change - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Phildela · 26th Sep 2020, 8:16 am

Hi Guys,
I am new to this forum. I am living in England at present with a Ferrograph Series 7 (722H), which I want to take with me to Brazil in a couple of months when I emigrate there. Problem is, that it's 120v and 60Hz in Brazil. I can buy a step up transformer for the voltage, but converting the frequency looks like it would be expensive!
I have a couple of questions to someone who knows -
1. Can the existing transformer be rewired for 120v?
2. I can see that there is a capstan spindle change for 60Hz (I have some of these), is there anything else to do?
If there is no easy way round this I'm going to have to sell my S7. That would be a real shame because I am a huge fan of Ferrograph; having owned 3x Logic7s an SP7, a Super 7 and 8x Series 7s in the past.
Thank you for your help,
Phil

DMcMahon · 26th Sep 2020, 10:32 am

Looking at the various documentation standard models are 200 - 250 volts 50Hz, with 117V 60Hz being the Suffix A model.

Mk. 1 documentation state that are are mains voltage selectors on the top either side of the mains plug connector, cannot see what voltage they select, but must be the 200 - 250 range. My three Series 7's do not have the voltage selectors.

Mk. 2 documentation references changing a link at the transformer but just for 220 volts operation.

The parts list for the 117V 60Hz model calls up 3 different motors with different voltage ratings, as well as a 110 volt power transformer (so could be a stopper for easy conversion) and a few other piece parts. Cannot easily see any reference to capstan spindle change.

David

26th Sep 2020, 8:16 am	#1
Phildela Diode Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Watford, Hertfordshire, UK. Posts: 1	Ferrograph Series 7 Voltage & Frequency Change Hi Guys, I am new to this forum. I am living in England at present with a Ferrograph Series 7 (722H), which I want to take with me to Brazil in a couple of months when I emigrate there. Problem is, that it's 120v and 60Hz in Brazil. I can buy a step up transformer for the voltage, but converting the frequency looks like it would be expensive! I have a couple of questions to someone who knows - 1. Can the existing transformer be rewired for 120v? 2. I can see that there is a capstan spindle change for 60Hz (I have some of these), is there anything else to do? If there is no easy way round this I'm going to have to sell my S7. That would be a real shame because I am a huge fan of Ferrograph; having owned 3x Logic7s an SP7, a Super 7 and 8x Series 7s in the past. Thank you for your help, Phil

26th Sep 2020, 10:32 am	#2
DMcMahon Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Worthing, West Sussex, UK. Posts: 6,603	Re: Ferrograph Series 7 Voltage & Frequency Change Looking at the various documentation standard models are 200 - 250 volts 50Hz, with 117V 60Hz being the Suffix A model. Mk. 1 documentation state that are are mains voltage selectors on the top either side of the mains plug connector, cannot see what voltage they select, but must be the 200 - 250 range. My three Series 7's do not have the voltage selectors. Mk. 2 documentation references changing a link at the transformer but just for 220 volts operation. The parts list for the 117V 60Hz model calls up 3 different motors with different voltage ratings, as well as a 110 volt power transformer (so could be a stopper for easy conversion) and a few other piece parts. Cannot easily see any reference to capstan spindle change. David