Power Supply in Central America

femmefatale · February 12, 2008, 09:05:08 PM

Hello,

I am about to order this unit.

If I understood the other post on Power Supplies correctly,
all I need to be concerned about is the Mains Voltage in my country
(Guatemala). It happens to be 120 V at 60 Hz. But the shape of the outlets here are different. So, just to be sure, I am checking in with the forum...

Can I use the same Boss PSA that is used in the states, and then get a small ´radio shack style´ converter to change the shape of the plugs?

Later in the year, I will be in Indonesia, where the Mains Voltage is 220 V / 50 Hz, so for that trip I will need to buy a different PSA.... correct?

And this is a separate matter from the size/shape of the plug, right?

Thanks, I´m new here if you can't tell,

Flora

Pedro · February 15, 2008, 08:12:43 AM

Hello there Flora and welcome to the community!

QuoteCan I use the same Boss PSA that is used in the states, and then get a small ´radio shack style´ converter to change the shape of the plugs?

If the USA's voltage is 120 V at 60 Hz (which I think it is) then absolutely, you just need to get the shape adaptor.

Micro BR works with 9 volts, + outside and - inside. It doesn't matter wich adaptor you use and which voltage you input as long as it outputs 9 volts in the right polarity.

QuoteLater in the year, I will be in Indonesia, where the Mains Voltage is 220 V / 50 Hz, so for that trip I will need to buy a different PSA.... correct?

And this is a separate matter from the size/shape of the plug, right?

Well, yes you would need a different PSA. I've seen some PSA's that have two input voltages, 120 and 220. And then the regular 9 volt output. They are called Universal AC/DC Dual Voltage Adapter. One PSA like this would solve the need for buying the two. What you need to do is find one of these: Input 120/220, output:9V with - outside and + inside the plug. Like this one.

You would always need the plug shape adapters for different countries though. There are kits like this here.

Another solution is to simply buy the two BOSS PSA or other two adaptors that use 120 or 230 or even use only batteries.

But be careful, BOSS advises people to use their adapters only. This maybe marketing or not.

icespeckledhen · April 02, 2008, 02:57:01 PM

Just to add Admin's reply
I work as a network repair engineer and I see a lot of power supplies and have the pleasure of repairing faulty ones.
The US Voltage is 120V 60Hz, UK is 240V 50HZ. Check what the voltage is when travelling between countries.
Make sure the Voltage going into the BR is 9V DC (not AC) and the +ve goes to the ouside and the inside pin is ground (0V)
I haven't seen the full specification in the Boss Manual. The BR needs a clean 9V input (no hum and no voltage spikes) and the power supply must be regulated to ensure this. Cheaper power supplies may have hum which will be a problem and annoyance when recording. Probably best to use a Boss PSA especially if your BR is under guarantee.
Good luck