[Renaud]

Hello folks,

I live in Canada and I’m looking for a turntable to go with my 1988 BeoMaster 3500 (120V / 60Hz). I’m finding more EU models (220-240V / 50-60Hz, ~10W) than US ones.

Anyone have recommendations/suggestions for a step down voltage converter that would be suited for my system + e.g. a EU BeoGram 3500 ?

Thanks!

[Glitch]

Did you mean to say “step up” converter (i.e. from 110v to 220v)?

I can’t help you with a converter recommendation.

However, have you considered doing a voltage conversion of a EU spec machine?

Based on a quick look at the service manual, it may be as simple as changing the lead connections to the main transformer, replacing the plug, and updating the “power label” on the back of the turntable (to indicate that the machine was modified). I haven’t done this on a BG3500 myself, but I assume that others have.

Glitch

[Renaud]

I’m looking at buying a EU model (220V) and using it in Canada (120V), so step-down it is — although Escher might disagree 😉

I don’t know much about electronics, but your comment is interesting… Are you suggesting that the same transformer can be used for both EU and US models ?

[Glitch]

Renaud wrote:

Are you suggesting that the same transformer can be used for both EU and US models ?

It is fairly common for a manufacturer to use the same transformer inside equipment targeted for different power markets. Even though the physical transformer is the same, it is wired differently depending on the market.

If you are not familiar with electronics, you might want to have a qualified electronics repair shop do the conversion. It should be a simple enough job to keeps the costs low. It might even cost less (and be safer) than buying a quality voltage converter ;-).

Glitch

 

[Renaud]

Ha! I’ve done a lot of foolish things… but that won’t be one of them 😉

Found this video on the disassembly of a BeoGram 3000.

I’m curious, from what one can see, is what you suggest i.e. «changing the lead connections to the main transformer» obvious ?

[Glitch]

It is not obvious from the video since the connections are under the black transformer cover.

I happen to be working on a Beogram 5500, which has very similar, if not exactly the same, inner workings as the BG3500.

Here is a picture of the transformer connections

 

Here is the relevant part of the schematic

Notice the 110v and 220v connection diagrams at the bottom of the schematic. For reference, the transformer in my picture is wired for 110v.

Glitch

 

[Renaud]

Ah… nice, thanks for sharing!

After your first reply, I got myself a copy of the service manual and had a good look at the schematic and I did spot how the 220V and 120V were wired differently. But the picture of your BG5500’s transformer wiring clearly renders the schematic into something real. Hah… now I truly understand, or do I ? 🙂

Assuming the transformer is correctly re-wired from 220V to 120V, is there anything else that would need to be rewired before the turntable can be plugged in using a simple plug adapter ?

[Glitch]

Renaud wrote:

Assuming the transformer is correctly re-wired from 220V to 120V, is there anything else that would need to be rewired before the turntable can be plugged in using a simple plug adapter ?

I didn’t notice anything obvious. I’ve not done this myself so I can’t say 100% for sure.

I would NOT use a plug adapter. Cut off the EU plug and install a proper North American plug. You don’t want to get into the situation where the internal conversion to 110v is done and then the turntable is accidentally plugged into a 220v outlet. Bad things could happen from both a physical and liable standpoint.

Of course, following common sense and all local laws is heavily advised…

Glitch

 

[Renaud]

Makes perfect sense, using a proper US plug is a safeguard.

Alright, I’ll keep all this in mind as I continue shopping around for a turntable.

Thanks again for taking the time, cheers!

[Author]

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