Dragon's Lair Fans - Arcade Lifestyle

General Chat => 'Business' Area : Buy/Sell/Trade => Topic started by: level42 on January 27, 2014, 03:33:53 PM

Title: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: level42 on January 27, 2014, 03:33:53 PM
Lots of guys are having troubles with games that were imported from the US. Many of those do not have an option to internally switch the input voltage of the transformer to 230VAC.

Solutions found so far are:
- expensive
- clumsy (external boxes)
- safe ?
- doubtful quality

I have found the answer to those problems.

What I sourced are transformers that have the following options:
Input: 230 VAC or 400 VAC
Outputs: 24,48,110 and 220 VAC !

The transfomers are 12 by 10 by 12 cm. and are 450 VA, 420 Watt, so they can easily power even the most power hungry classic machines (f.i., Atari Star Wars is 220Watts.....)
They weigh a hefty 6 KG and are very well built.

They are also NO auto transformers so in the highly unlikely event of burning through isolation you have NO risk for you cabinet.

In fact, you can use them as separation transformer only by using the 230 VAC in and 220VAC if you'd like. And the extra voltages only make them even more flexible.

But if you just want 230VAC to 110VAC these are excellent transfomers too.

Now, I am trying to get an awesome price for these but I guess it will depend on how many we want.

Again,these babies weigh a whopping 6 Kg. so shipping costs must be considered. I do NOT want to have a stack of those babies for a long time in my already overcrowded house/gameroom/shed so they need to be either picked up fast or shipped fast.

The bottom line is always the price, but let me say that I expect them to be less than 30 Euro !!!!!!

This is an insane price for such a high watt transformer, these babies would normally cost at least triple that amount.

So my dear friends, I want to see some hands, who wants one or more ?? PLEASE be serious about your interest, I don't want to end up with paying up for cancelled transformers !!

The list:
- Nilfisk: 2
- Level42: 2
- Capt. Kirk: 2
- Anunaki: 1

Total: 7
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: level42 on January 27, 2014, 03:43:05 PM
Note: these are BARE transformers. You can/must put them inside your cabinet and rewire the mains to it and the former 110Vac input wiring to the new transformer. It is also a VERY GOOD idea to have a mains fuse on the input side of the transfomer.

We can help you with info how to install, it is NOT rocket science but you will have to be capable to cut some wires, crimp connectors to some wire ends and install a fuse holder (you can use an in-line holde if you are lazy).

Alternatively you can also use them as excellent workbench transformers OR you could build your own "powerhouse" by putting it in a dedicated box and dedicated outlets.
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: level42 on January 27, 2014, 03:47:36 PM
Picture of the beast:

Note the spade terminals, big fat connections,no soldering required, simply crimp a connector terminal to the wires and hook up !
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: nilfisk on January 27, 2014, 03:54:01 PM
Hi,

EXACTLY what I need, having used the last isolation transformer to power the chassis is my work in progress QUADRO :). I'd take two of these, if possible.

Martin
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: Capt. Kirk on January 27, 2014, 07:20:37 PM
Great Project, Andrè,
count me in with 2 Trafos
Thanks,
Dirk
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: Muerto on January 27, 2014, 07:39:30 PM
Great initiative Andre!
Do the guys that make these make them bigger?? 2000+ Watts??
Atm I have a 2K Watt powering my import games..., and it can barely handle another one...
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: level42 on January 27, 2014, 07:49:39 PM
Sorry buddy, it's "just" this model only  ;D

I just had a quick look at the shipping costs with the post and it did not make me happy....heavy stuff is heavy prices for shipping.....

I guess we are going to get the EADS (™) system working again as much as possible....
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: anunaki on January 27, 2014, 07:52:46 PM
Can I put this in my New Astro City so it gets a regular dutch power connection chord out of my cab?
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: level42 on January 27, 2014, 07:55:54 PM
Can I put this in my New Astro City so it gets a regular dutch power connection chord out of my cab?
Yes sir ! What is it with those modern candies, are you guys telling me they can't be switched to 230VAC ?? That is SOOOOOO weird IMHO.
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: DarthNuno on January 27, 2014, 09:09:51 PM
Do the guys that make these make them bigger?? 2000+ Watts??
Atm I have a 2K Watt powering my import games..., and it can barely handle another one...
+1

Would need a spare for the Galaxian Theater one  ;D  :arrow:

(https://www.dragonslairfans.com/G3/stepd2.jpg)
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: level42 on January 27, 2014, 09:26:47 PM
Can I put this in my New Astro City so it gets a regular dutch power connection chord out of my cab?
O by the way, Japan voltage is 100VAC. I am not sure what will happen with a candy if you put in 110VAC but I know from Nintendo cabs that it is not a good idea....
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: anunaki on January 27, 2014, 11:08:18 PM
I currently have 1 stepdown converter 230V -- 110V that I use on either my DK or my NAC. The NAC works great with it
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: ckong on January 28, 2014, 05:51:24 AM
What is the end date of this group buy?
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: level42 on January 28, 2014, 10:37:40 AM
Next friday.
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: level42 on January 28, 2014, 07:21:15 PM
Only 6 ?? ?? ??

Can't believe it.....
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: level42 on January 31, 2014, 06:33:52 PM
OK I will admit that I am quite shocked that so few people want these....guess most of you guys are just too lazy huh.....or just don't realize how much these go for normally....

O well...I'll go ahead and see what price I can get for 6 only....
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: Superully on January 31, 2014, 07:01:25 PM
i can only answer for myself, andré. but i don't see a reason for a beat like that and the advantages it offers over a good 300W step-down transformer. i've gathered A LOT OF transformers over the last couple of years on ebay (must be around 20) and i never paid more than 25 euros for one, most of the time much less. they are of great quality, well built and can be easily put inside the cabs, so no need of placing them outside. but that's just my 2 cents and the reason why i'm not jumping on your offer. nevertheless, it's always a great effort when someone organizes a group buy for the community, so i wish you good luck for this!!!
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: Etienne MacGyver on January 31, 2014, 08:13:20 PM
cant help you with more, my zaccs like 230V  ;)
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: level42 on January 31, 2014, 08:33:06 PM
Thanks for the moral support guys !
....it really doesn't matter of course, it just makes it easier/lighter for me ;)

I'm expecting the price to land around €25 each but I was trying to stay on the safe side.....I mailed my source....let's wait for the final price.

If anyone still interested, not too late to jump in the tub yet ;)
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: Laszo on February 01, 2014, 02:35:21 PM
Well my cabs are all 220v enabled but these transformers do look nice.... Too bad I still have a 'couple' of spares laying around  ;D
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: bat968 on February 03, 2014, 01:24:53 PM
Is it too late to order 2?

Before I confirm, could you explain how this is mounted into the cabinet please?
Is it really easy?

Is the goal to transform a 110V cabinet into a 220V cabinet?

Thx
Baptiste
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: level42 on February 03, 2014, 04:57:34 PM
Not too late.

Yes that is the idea Baptiste. I will draw a little schematic and explain how it works a bit later this evening.
If you can cut and strip a wire you are good to go.
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: bat968 on February 03, 2014, 05:42:50 PM
lol
Ok great, thank you very much!
Even if it's not complicated, it's always good to see how it works one time.
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: Belike on February 03, 2014, 09:46:42 PM
If noob questions are allowed, I just shoot a working Hantarex MTC 900E monitor with tube, which works with 110V afaik.
Can I use these transformers somehow to hook this monitor up to a 220V cab?
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: level42 on February 03, 2014, 10:18:43 PM
Yes. It's both isolating and converting the 230VAC to 110VAC.  ;D
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: zamoth on February 04, 2014, 02:13:58 AM
MTC 900E belike is monitor for your outrun ? i have same in my cabinet he need 110 V to start and repick ar powersuply to transform it  let s me know  if you can do it interesseting question !

If noob questions are allowed, I just shoot a working Hantarex MTC 900E monitor with tube, which works with 110V afaik.
Can I use these transformers somehow to hook this monitor up to a 220V cab?
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: Belike on February 04, 2014, 07:34:55 AM
It was pulled out from a working but badly water damaged Super Hang-On, if I can use it as a replacement in my Zaccs, I would keep it, otherwise I will sell it. :D
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: anunaki on February 04, 2014, 08:09:20 AM
Yes. It's both isolating and converting the 230VAC to 110VAC.  ;D

is it doing this all at the same time? I have a spare 25" K7000a monitor that runs @ 110V AND needs to be isolated with an isolation transformer. This one item does the job?

Put me on for 1 then
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: level42 on February 04, 2014, 09:01:24 AM
Yes sir it does :)

In fact you can also use it as an isolation transformer for safety (like when testing mains stuff) because it can also do 230v to 220v..(maybe simply 1:1 or 230VAC to 230 VAC bit the specs I got say 220 VAC out.

You're on the list :) The seller is awfully quite though since I posted him the expected number of units....I think I'll call him today.
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: level42 on February 05, 2014, 01:15:13 AM
I have a bad feeling about this.....not getting any info from the source.......I hope I didn't get up your hopes for this deal for nothing.........
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: level42 on February 05, 2014, 02:49:35 PM
OK got a reply, the guy was sick....

Good news: I'm picking them up tomorrow.
Bad news: he only has "about" 5..... So it maybe 4 or it maybe 6......

I said I'll buy all he has got. He said they went pretty fast, and I am not surprised at all !!

Now looking at the wanted list:

In the end I had an added request for 6 by Thwocker...

However to keep it honest I think it would be in the spirit of this forum if we could "share the wealth" and each of us take 1 unit.

I have no direct use for mine, so I will take 1 only too (want that one for my workbench).

If anyone has an objection against this feel free to say so, and as always: first come, first served....so the guys who responded first get first choice.

I'm really sorry about this situation, after my first communications I thought he would have more of these available.....

I would appreciate it if you guys can pay for them ASAP, I will PM my info, you can do free European bank transfer or payPal, but add a little something for the PP costs please.

Shipping will be sorted later....
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: Thwocker on February 05, 2014, 02:56:52 PM
André,

Your ' polder solution'  is very elegant, but I was last in line, so I would be okay if you´d distribute them by order of interest.

Cheers, Marco
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: anunaki on February 05, 2014, 03:02:36 PM
It's normal that the 1st in line will get them

Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: level42 on February 05, 2014, 03:13:41 PM
Ok let's see what the others think and how many I will actually get tomorrow afternoon.
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: level42 on February 06, 2014, 04:53:01 PM
Score:
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: anunaki on February 06, 2014, 05:47:43 PM
8 pieces. Does that make me lucky?.
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: level42 on February 06, 2014, 07:58:34 PM
Well, 1 more than on the list so yes you are in :)

It was funny, they had 6 set aside for me, but there was one more on the counter and I had already spotted one in the shop.....so that was eight :)

I'll measure and test them tonight and report.
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: level42 on February 06, 2014, 08:48:50 PM
Mmmmm....forgot the Fluke at work (same location for a week) gotta see if I have some test leads for the Siemens DVM.

Here some pics. Haven't tested them yet of course but they look like quality stuff.

The brand is VU welding & engineering and that is a Dutch company so no cheap Chinese stuff here folks :)

http://www.vuwelding.nl

As expected they are big and very heavy....


Oh....the final price: 25 Euro a piece......this is a steal guys ! :)
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: level42 on February 06, 2014, 08:50:08 PM
..
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: level42 on February 06, 2014, 08:52:55 PM
...
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: nilfisk on February 07, 2014, 06:16:24 AM
Cool, exactly as hoped for :). Please don't forget to send your details via PM, as announced.

Thanks,
Martin
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: Etienne MacGyver on February 07, 2014, 11:02:07 AM
They look very good !

Only what i would do as a manufacturer, is use those 4 empty slots as a spacer between each terminal

but i guess you cant have it all  :D
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: level42 on February 07, 2014, 11:18:21 AM
I bet they had already made the stickers ;)

The seller also had transformers with other configurations from the same manufacturer (none with 110VAC out though) and they used the same "lay-out".
If it already is a disadvantage it is probably the very smallest I could think of ;) (they were intended to be installed by professionals... ;);)

I already find it a big advantage that they have terminals that you can directly connect an AMP connector to. This is a very neat and well isolated way of connecting, like it better than the usual screw-only terminals.
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: Etienne MacGyver on February 07, 2014, 11:23:33 AM
I understand that that is the reason ofcourse, why make for every configuration a different terminal setup, i get it

its just that i count 5 terminals and 4 empty per side that gave me the idea of a perfect spacer :D

Those spade connectors are indeed a BIG + !

i like the fact it has both screw-on AND spades !  :spaceace: :spaceace:
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: anunaki on February 08, 2014, 05:37:37 PM
I can come and pick it uptomorrow if it's allright
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: level42 on February 09, 2014, 12:46:32 AM
Yeah I think so, but give me a call first to be sure I'm home.

I tested all of them and they all work great :)
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: anunaki on February 09, 2014, 11:00:20 PM
Didn't make it today

I'll call you tomorrow
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: level42 on February 09, 2014, 11:24:23 PM
No problem...

Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: anunaki on February 10, 2014, 07:30:27 PM
Can't make it tonight
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: level42 on February 18, 2014, 03:20:05 PM
Would love to see these babies move out the door..... and some money back in ;) ;)

PM sent to all involved...
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: anunaki on February 18, 2014, 03:22:54 PM
Aiii, I still need to go to you  :oops:

have to go to Robin too, I could combine it maybe.

Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: level42 on February 18, 2014, 03:27:13 PM
Not entirely sure if it's a good time for Robin....this happened at his flat tonight:

http://vimeo.com/86964429

http://nos.nl/op3/artikel/612663-in-beeld-explosie-in-flatgebouw-ridderkerk.html

It is not HIS flat, but the same building (to be clear). Happened around 3 AM and he could only return to his house around 6.15AM.
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: anunaki on February 18, 2014, 03:29:29 PM
wow, I saw it was in his street, but it's actually in his building :shock: :shock: :shock:

that's bad

I'm only dropping off some 2532s at his mailbox though
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: Luigi on February 19, 2014, 11:19:31 AM
Holy shit  :shock:

Look at those huge flames and the explosion. I wonder what was stored in that flat?
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: Etienne MacGyver on February 19, 2014, 12:23:56 PM
Probably a gasleak or something like that i think

Robin, Are you OK ?
Title: Re: Groupbuy ? BRAND NEW HEAVY isolation transformers 230V to 110V + extra's.
Post by: level42 on February 19, 2014, 01:49:02 PM
Yes he's OK (according to his Facebook).

It looks like it was a gas explosion and police is considering that it was a suicide attempt. Regretfully it failed because I have little sympathy for people who endanger (and wound !) others while they want to sneek out. There were three people with burn wounds including the man who lived in that burned out apartment.

More here:

http://www.rijnmond.nl/nieuws/18-02-2014/explosie-ridderkerk-mogelijk-poging-zelfmoord