Light Conversion

[peedee]

I have a strong possibility of moving to Japan this summer. Where i'll be going is running around 100v but 110 should work fine. I currently have 4ft Juwel and i'm trying to conver the fixture so i don't have to leave it behind. Does any one know of a suitable fixture to swap it with or what components inside the fixture i have to swap out to do this. Could this be a simple ballast change?
Thanks

 

[rabbut]

A ballast change with one from the local area would work, however....

Have you considered a converting plug for that country? They usualy woulk out about £1. Don't knw if they change the volftage though.....

If that option is not available, I'd change the balast.

All the best
Rabbut

 

[peedee]

I have thought about a converter but i assumed it would be more than just a plug that did the converting. I was thinking it would take a transformer to do the job and i'd rather not run a transformer all the time if i can do a part swap on the light fixture. So now do you know where i can pick up the right ballast for the job...better yet do you know where i can find a schematic for the light fixture?
Thanks
P

 

[Davver]

Hi peedee,

Besides the crazy idea of lugging a rio300 halfway round the world, this is possible! You need one of these. I think you will be needing the the 300Va unit, or something similar. You need to work out how much power you are going to require, ie 72W lighting(?) and the power for your pump and heater and anyhting else you may be running. Watts are nearly the same as Va but not quite... See here.... read this and feel your brain melt!

Anyway, enjoy Japan and don't forget to visit Takashi Amano's place, apparently it is amazing (see planted subforum)

Good luck,

Dave.

 

[peedee]

So pretty much simple circuits like a light fixture will be fine. This article explains why some people have said some 110v stuff works fine while other stuff craps out. And i'm not the one doing the heavy lifting or paying for the move and i paid 50£ for the tank so i think its worth it to take. Just wish i could keep the fish as well.
Thanks again
P

 

[Davver]

Yes... like you say, basically once you introduce 'electronics' the Va and Watts diverge.... I think. Are your ballasts electronic or magnetic?

 

[peedee]

deer i don't know. My knowlege on these light fixtures is very limited. I just started reading about them tonight. I have experience with electrical circuitry and components and i think i could do it safely. I just need the schematics and have to figure out exactly what is the ballast.
P

 

[Davver]

I think........ If your ballast requires a starter (ie the little bayonet fitting thing that glows on startup), then they are magnetic... If not, they are electronic.... Anyway... probably best for you to buy a larger unit as I'm sure you will discover that there are other bits of 240V kit that you just can't live without!


Enjoy,

Dave.