Voltage Converter - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

trev5709 · 18th May 2015, 10:58 pm

Hi, I have picked up an old Pathe Marconi portable record player and want to reuse the deck in another project, but the old transformer is dead. Its 120v, I wondered if it was possible to use something like a European to US voltage converter to run it, rather than try and find a replacement 240 to 120 transformer, thanks.

Ed_Dinning · 19th May 2015, 9:30 pm

Hi Trev, look carefully at the wiring as it was sometimes possible to series (240v) or parallel (120v) connect the coils for the different voltages.

BUT if it is an induction type of motor it will be sensitive to mains frequency as well as voltage and pulleys may need to be changed.

Ed

SteveCG · 20th May 2015, 10:24 am

trev5709,

Was the record player bought in France? If so then its 120V input is probably just the old French mains voltage, at 50 c/s frequency. In which case use an 220 to 120 Volt auto-transformer as many of the "sold-to-travellers" solid-state European to US voltage converters do terrible things to the mains waveform.

trev5709 · 20th May 2015, 11:19 pm

Yes it was bought in France but the internal transformer, from what I read on another post, is 220 with split outputs, one feeding the deck motor.

18th May 2015, 10:58 pm	#1
trev5709 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Lonlay L'abbaye, Lower Normandy, France Posts: 3	Voltage Converter Hi, I have picked up an old Pathe Marconi portable record player and want to reuse the deck in another project, but the old transformer is dead. Its 120v, I wondered if it was possible to use something like a European to US voltage converter to run it, rather than try and find a replacement 240 to 120 transformer, thanks.

19th May 2015, 9:30 pm	#2
Ed_Dinning Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, UK. Posts: 8,196	Re: voltage converter Hi Trev, look carefully at the wiring as it was sometimes possible to series (240v) or parallel (120v) connect the coils for the different voltages. BUT if it is an induction type of motor it will be sensitive to mains frequency as well as voltage and pulleys may need to be changed. Ed

20th May 2015, 10:24 am	#3
SteveCG Nonode Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Herefordshire, UK. Posts: 2,495	Re: Voltage Converter trev5709, Was the record player bought in France? If so then its 120V input is probably just the old French mains voltage, at 50 c/s frequency. In which case use an 220 to 120 Volt auto-transformer as many of the "sold-to-travellers" solid-state European to US voltage converters do terrible things to the mains waveform.

20th May 2015, 11:19 pm	#4
trev5709 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Lonlay L'abbaye, Lower Normandy, France Posts: 3	Re: Voltage Converter Yes it was bought in France but the internal transformer, from what I read on another post, is 220 with split outputs, one feeding the deck motor.