Darling in Europe... (110 vs. 220)

[opopanax666]

Hi guys & girls,

Having dabbled in electronics in the past, I'm looking to revive this interest by assembling a Darling amp. I found the plans on Bob D's site, but noticed that the Hammond specified used 115V (US), but we, here in Belgium, use 220.
Am I correct in assuming that replacing the 269EX by a 396EX would solve this problem, or am I missing something?

Thanks for any feedback!

 

[Tweeker]

Yes.

FWIW US voltage is nominally 120 now.

 

[opopanax666]

Thanks for the quick reply!

 

[EC8010]

The next problem is the frequency. Even if you have a transformer to go from 240V to 120V, Canadian transformers are designed for 60Hz and may saturate on 50Hz.

 

[Ducati_EL34]

The 300 series is speced at 50/60 hertz.

 

[opopanax666]

Well, the specifications state "50/60 Hz"... Maybe someone has experience with a "European" model of comparable quality (and price ) I could use as a replacement?..

 

[Ducati_EL34]

This is from the Hammond website:

"Hammond has developed a new line of high quality, high voltage power transformers. Primary voltages of 100, 110, 120, 200, 220, 240 Volts at 50/60 HZ allow these to be used virtually anywhere in the world*."

 

[boergars]

I use the 369EX without any problem (in sweden who have got the same 230V / 50 Hz as you got).

Just do It. as Nike says....

 

[hotbottle]

Is the 50/60 Hz issue ever really a big problem? It seems to me that lot's and lot's of old tube based equipment has a voltage selector switch to allow it to be used anywhere in the world practically.

The difference in iron must be minimal anyway, so like Hammond seem to, why wouldn't most manufacturers design for 50/60Hz operation on everything?

 

[opopanax666]

Yep, think I'm gonna go with the 369.

Thank y'all for the feedback!

 

[EC8010]

50/60Hz didn't used to be a problem until CAD enabled transformers to be designed that were right on the limit...

If Hammond say it's OK for 50Hz, then use it.

 

[G]

50/60Hz didn't used to be a problem until CAD enabled transformers to be designed that were right on the limit...

If Hammond say it's OK for 50Hz, then use it.

There you go. Case closed. Problem solved. Please post pics and impressions when you finish the Darling little thing.

 

[soundbrigade]

I am using a custom made Xformer, but would advice you to look at Frag Jan Zuerst or Welter or Reinhöfer. All are withing an armlength distance from you (in Europe I mean) and all are great and effective.