240v 50HZ computing gear from the UK

[Gaijin 06]

I'm looking for some guidance on running my PC which I've brought over from the UK... I searched your forums and found a lot of posts about laptops that should auto-sense with their clever transformers.. but not too sure about a full PC setup so here goes

I have a number of things to plug in like

PC unit ( this has 110v<>240v switch)
TFT monitor
printer
router
speakers
ipod
etc etc

All of these use the standard British 3 pin plug and take 240v at 50 Hz. What is the best way to run them in Japan?

I looked at some big green transformers in Tokyu Hands, that claim to be able to do 500W and convert 100Hz<>240Hz (the EX series of transformers)

Would one of these do, if I plugged my 6 way extension lead into it? I want to be sure before splashing out the 10,000 yen or so that I think it cost. I claims to do both step up and step down and has a switch for 110/240 but I have no idea if thats the output voltage or input voltage? I don't want to blow anything up!

Any help gratefully received.. I have been to Akiba in Akihabara but gave up searching after about 3 hours wandering round the floors.. sometimes too much choice can be too much choice !!!

[Silverpoint]

If it's a reasonably modern desktop PC it should auto switch, as should the monitor. I have a 5 year old Dell PC bought in the UK which works fine in Japan. But call the manufacturer first to check.

[GaijinPunch]

Check the back of the PC for a switch that says 220. If it says 220, flip it to 110 and you should be fine. Otherwise, it should detect it on it's own. As with a laptop, the power supply only sends necessary power to the parts. The power supply is what will fry -- not the computer.

[mr.sumo.snr]

As Punch said, there'll be a red power rocker switch on the rear of the CPU next to the power socket. Adjust it. That's the desktop.

If the TFT monitor runs off an AC adaptor check the power rating on the adaptor - it should (in a perfect world) say input 100-240v. If the adaptor is inside the monitor unit then check the label on the rear. My Dell 19" TFT allows for 100-240v input. That's the monitor.

Router, Ipod, Speakers - again, check the rating on the respective AC adaptors. The router will probably be 240v only. If which case you'd need a new AC adaptor - probably more expensive than a new Japanese model (assuming that this is just a bog standard Buffalo or Linksys model.) Speakers - buy some new cheap and cheerful ones for around 2000 yen. Ipod - that should work anywhere in the world!!!

Printer - you're probably going to be s****** there. Again if it runs off an AC adaptor check that first. Otherwise buy a new one here. They're so cheap.

If you need more specific help PM me - I buy and sell computers as a side-business.

[Gaijin 06]

Thanks for all your help guys. I didn't know the power adaptors worked with different input voltages... when my stuff arrives I'll double check it all.

However I am pretty sure my TFT runs off the mains directly, it has a big "kettle plug" going into the back :(

cheers again
G06

[GaijinPunch]

Worst case scenario is you buy some conveters for your items. Shouldn't be too pricey. Good luck!

[mr.sumo.snr]

Thanks for all your help guys. I didn't know the power adaptors worked with different input voltages... when my stuff arrives I'll double check it all.

However I am pretty sure my TFT runs off the mains directly, it has a big "kettle plug" going into the back :(

As does my Dell TFT monitor, nevertheless it's rated 100-240v.

What's it costing to ship your desktop and monitor here from UKland?

[Gaijin 06]

As does my Dell TFT monitor, nevertheless it's rated 100-240v.

What's it costing to ship your desktop and monitor here from UKland?

I don't know, my company paid (and it was shipped from Hong Kong)

[mr.sumo.snr]

Nice............

[budd]

and this one too

http://www.jref.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=40

[Ewok85]

Take the computer and monitor cables (just one, with the big "kettle" plug) and get a Japanese one - thats 2 less UK-Japan plug converters you need and the monitor/PSU will be able to handle 110V.