Looking for an Electronics Technician in Auckland

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hernanip

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#277186 30-Sep-2020 20:16

Hi Everyone,

I'm hoping someone can help me here please.

I owned a McIntosh stereo amplifier 120VAC 50/60 Hz 17 watts.

Can someone please let me know an electronics technician that is based here in Auckland?

My purpose is to consult the person if its possible to convert the voltage of my unit to a 230Vac standard NZ voltage.

Thanks in advance.

Handle9

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#2576791 30-Sep-2020 20:46

If it is definitely 50/60Hz then you could just use a step down transformer such as this:

https://www.jaycar.co.nz/50va-240vac-to-115vac-stepdown-transformer/p/MF1091

It's only 17W (ie ~17VA) so you don't need anything huge. Just make sure that it is 50/60Hz. NZ is 50 Hz, 110-120V systems are usually 60Hz.

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richms

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#2576796 30-Sep-2020 20:57

Depends on the transformer windings. Many people will just re-wire them and use the existing power cable because "vintage" and some not even put a correct plug on (again, because "authentic original unmodified vintage audio gear" ). The thing is that the US has many many class 0 appliances, ones that are not earthed, and not double insulated so are not legit here. Someone needs to make it compliant and from memory that is beyond what an electrical servicing technician can do.

Get an isolated stepdown transformer and just use that. Unless they sold a 230v model of it and have a compliant cable and everything its just a hazard anyway.

Richard rich.ms

hernanip

19 posts

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#2577181 1-Oct-2020 11:53

Thanks for the replies. Appreciate it a lot.

I've recently picked this up from a garage sale and the person who sold this does not have any idea on the power supply (inherited this from his grandfather).

I wanted to have a electronic technician have a check on this as the unit power input is covered by a sticker (please see photo).

When i removed the sticker it says 120Vac 50/60Hz 15 Watts, im confused if this is already converted to NZ 230Vac standard voltage or I need to buy an isolated step down transformer as you all have suggested.

McIntosh Voltage Confusion

Thanks in advance.

richms

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#2577381 1-Oct-2020 17:24

The AC outlets also have the voltage crossed out so I would say it has been converted by someone, which as that looks like a single insulated 2 core power cable is not gonna win any awards for being done correct or legally.

Richard rich.ms

hernanip

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#2577421 1-Oct-2020 19:32

richms:

The AC outlets also have the voltage crossed out so I would say it has been converted by someone, which as that looks like a single insulated 2 core power cable is not gonna win any awards for being done correct or legally.

Thanks for taking the time to look at the photo.

Is that a standard thing here in NZ, that if an Electronic Technician made some voltage conversion to a NZ 230Vac, a red circle sticker is used to cover the original unit voltage?

richms

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#2577433 1-Oct-2020 19:50

No its not a standard, any competent technician would have at least replaced the cable with a 3 core one and connected the chassis to earth since gear like that is a festering pit of american anti-safetyness with wires soldered onto a transformer and similar where if it breaks free it will hit the chassis, and the other weird one I have seen is a 1950s style lamp switch for the power switch, again wires just soldered to it mere mms from the front panel with no primary insulation, let alone secondry around it.

Richard rich.ms

ilovemusic

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#2579017 4-Oct-2020 13:27

Ask for Bruce, sometimes a bit cranky but he gets the job done.

http://aucklandvintageaudio.co.nz/

robjg63

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#2579023 4-Oct-2020 13:46

These guys in Penrose are actual electronics technicians.

https://phillipselectronics.co.nz/

NB they aren't the Philips appliance place. A guy with the surname Phillips owns it.

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hernanip

19 posts

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#2579428 5-Oct-2020 09:48

ilovemusic:

Ask for Bruce, sometimes a bit cranky but he gets the job done.

http://aucklandvintageaudio.co.nz/

Thanks mate. Already talked to Bruce yesterday.

His a busy with other pending work and would need 6 weeks lead time.

Cheers for answering my inquiry.

hernanip

19 posts

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#2579432 5-Oct-2020 09:49

robjg63: These guys in Penrose are actual electronics technicians.

https://phillipselectronics.co.nz/

NB they aren't the Philips appliance place. A guy with the surname Phillips owns it.

Thanks for your answer.

Already talked to Phillips.

I can bring my unit to him later this week.

All good. Cheers mate