power issues

[eggenspi]

Hey guitar friends,

Quick questions concerning power. I have read a lot of posts in here on conversion from US to EUR standards (how the transformer gets hotter with lower frequency...) but I am confused now.

I bought a SuperchampXD by Fender in the US. Can I buy a regular step down 220V/110V and be fine in Europe? Will the 110V/50Hz damage my amp? Finally, do you have easy way to estimate the max/peak power requirement if it's not written on the Fender website? (like output power*x or something?)

Thanks a lot
a newbie

[Jazz P Bass]

SuperChamp XD

The amp is rated ar 15 Watts output.
At 110Vac line it draws about an amp, max.
You could also consider purchasing the correct transformer from Fender.
233-1104-900 (220V 50Hz UK) is the Amp part #.

[eggenspi]

Ok thanks. So a 150W step-down would be enough.

Yeah, I have seen that they have the EURO version, but I guess there is no way to upgrade the one I have already. And selling one to buying a new one over there seems like a bad idea to me.

But thanks

[Jazz P Bass]

SuperChamp XD power requirements

I see from the schematic that the 120Vac amp uses a fast acting 3 amp fuse.
The 240Vac calls for a 1.6A FA fuse.
Why don't you ask Fender what the part# is of the correct transformer.
Can't be that difficult to install.

[pbiagi]

Hello Eggenspi,

I'm American, living in France, and have dealt with the 220V 50Hz/110V issue.

It is true that the power transformer and parts can heat up more.
From what I gather - I'm no expert - heat-wise, it's like the amp is running at 20% more voltage. So if the input voltage is 117V power supply, the "heat" would be similar to that if it were running at 140V. However this doesn't mean you want to reduce voltage - the voltage is correct.
For guitar amps I have not found the cycle heat to be a problem. I run a Fender Super Reverb and Deluxe with no real heat issues at all.
However I have had issues with hifi equipment. For that I put a computer 12VDC fan on the power transformer.
And I have had issues with the step-down tranny output voltage - more below.

You'll want to find the amp input wattage, (not output), and double that to find the correct step-down transformer.
I think you know you'll want a true "transformer" and not a converter....
The lower wattage transformers (150W?) often do NOT include the ground!
You'll want to make sure the ground is available.

Lastly, and my best advice, check the actual voltage of the step-down transformer before purchasing. Bring a DMM to the store and have them plug the tranny in.
I have several step-down transformers sitting unused simply because they put out too much voltage.
Our house voltage is usually around 236V (although it's supposed to be between 220-230V).
Some step-down transformers are not even dividing that in half, so I'm getting 136-139 V output!! Which means the amp grid wire voltage could be ~20% too high. I ruined a NOS Mullard tube that way.

In my case, I measured and found a 700W transformer which takes in 236V, and outputs exactly 117 V - ideal!
If you're in France I can let you know where to get it..

The other option is to replace the power transformer in the amp. Something I've doing as well. It eliminates hassles too..

Paul