I want to use my video camera in Pakistan, I can probably buy a voltage converter (220 to 110V) from some place like Radio Shack etc. but I was wondering what other alternatives do I have? Renting one for the trip? Buying just the 220 power adapter that matches mine (which is a Sony) from Pakistan?
In other words, what do you guys do?
For the regular digicam I am sure AA batteries are universal. And 1 Gig of mem stick will go a long way.
Re: 220 V to 110 V
a-jee, have you checked the ratings on the video cam's charger? it might be rated for both supplies. most cellphone and laptop chargers these days are.
Re: 220 V to 110 V
for the most part, most devices work with both voltages these days… but I keep a conair kit just in case. The kit includes plug adapters and a converter.
Here: Amazon.com: Conair Pro CP952 Voltage Converter Kit : Electronics
Re: 220 V to 110 V
:k:
Re: 220 V to 110 V
queer, thanks for pointing it out. I checked and it seems like it can take up to ~240 V. Woohooo!
Umar, thanks for the link. I might just get it!
Re: 220 V to 110 V
Well! Most of the electronics item you buy in US will only be operable on 110v.
Re: 220 V to 110 V
Well! Most of the electronics item you buy in US will only be operable on 110v.
not really WitchDr - most consumer electronics such as camcorders, laptops, dvd players etc. are rated for both voltages.
It's mainly the small household appliances like iron, hair dryer etc. that the converter is needed for.
Re: 220 V to 110 V
i bought a 1600 watt converter, since most of the things that i am taking do have ~220 V input, including my AA battery charger. the converter would be for the other things like hair dryer. now i just need to get an adapter for the plugs.
Re: 220 V to 110 V
Please do not take any converter from USA/Canada ... no point. Much much better step down domestic transformers available in Pakistan (Hall Road in Lahore) for cheap prices. Upto 1000 watts for Rs. 250. Buy one of them & its good for several years (leave it there in the house for future use).
I bought a 2000 watts converter from Canada to use in Lahore, 5th day boom & it burnt out. Bought a Rs.400 Step Down domestic Transformer & two years .. its working non-stop.
Re: 220 V to 110 V
^^ bought one for 100 rupees. burnt out the first time it was plugged in.
Re: 220 V to 110 V
transformer or "converter" is the same thing pal. gives you the right voltage, but both can't change the supply frequency to the right one.
here's a rule of thumb - anything with a motor has a good chance of burning out despite using a converter or transformer. US motors are made for 60 Hz supplies, desi supply is 50 Hz. your hair-dryer's fan is fair game, kumar bhai.
Re: 220 V to 110 V
^^ bought one for 100 rupees. burnt out the first time it was plugged in.
For Rs.100 but for what wattage? & what did u plug in??? if u buy a transformer for 100 watts & put 200 watts load on it .... imagine what can happen.
Re: 220 V to 110 V
not really WitchDr - most consumer electronics such as camcorders, laptops, dvd players etc. are rated for both voltages.
It's mainly the small household appliances like iron, hair dryer etc. that the converter is needed for.
Hmm.. I have different experience. Even the charger of cell phone had 110V only adapter. My stereo system I bought there, though, was Panasonic was only 110V as well. In Houston, on Hilcroft, there is a special shop which sells both 110/220V electronics. Otherwise, I didn't find many 110/220 V appliances.
Re: 220 V to 110 V
Don't you live someone in East Asia? Why would you be buying appliances with 110 volts in the USA, and why didn't u check it before u bought it! :)
As AJ said applicances have this issue (stereo's, hair-dryers, TVs, VCR's etc), but more expensive, portable ones work on both voltages. In a lot of cases buying the appliance itself might even be more cost/effort effective than bringing it from the US.
Re: 220 V to 110 V
Well! I also bought the 220-110V adapter along with it. I check such things without thinking, by default. :p
I find the price of electronics to be much cheaper in US than any place else.