Re: [tlug] Power Supplies (in Japan and Traveling) (was Re: Importing WiFi equipment)

[Shmuel Fomberg <owner@example.com>]

On 2011/02/08 18:28, jep200404@example.com wrote:

> Shmuel Fomberg wrote:
>
> > Of course, the power supplier is a problem.
> >
> > Is it possible to go to Akiba with a power supplier at hand, and find
> > compatible supplier for the Japanese current?
> wife's netbook from last year.) Ten year old wireless routers
> almost always came with (non-universal) line frequency power
> supplies. There was a change to where most of them come with
> SMPS now. My feeling for the 50% change over was about five years
> ago. Not all SMPS are universal. Read the fine print.
Well, the router have a non-universal frequency power supply, so I need 
a new one.
(it clearly says 230V, 50 Hz)

> In my travels, I have to deal with 100 VAC, 120 VAC, and 240 VAC.
> I also have to deal with both 50 Hz and 60 Hz. In the old days,
> I used the travel adapters. Now, I have universal power supplies
> for everything. All the plugs are the same style. I plug everything
> into an outlet cube or outlet strip (that does _NOT_ have surge
> protectors). Then if needed, I have a single plug adapter
> for wherever I am. The plug adapters are the only special equipment
> I need for each place. Plug adapters are small and cheap.
This is actually a very good idea. that way you need only one plug adapter.

> SMPS are also more efficient than power supplies that use line
> frequency transformers. So for things that are on all the time,
> I started replacing power supplies that use line frequency
> transformers. I troll thrift stores for used electronics,
> especially universal SMPS wall warts. Small ones are usually less
> than €1, and big ones (like for laptops) are usually €2 to €4.
> I take a magnifying glass to read the fine print, which can be very
> fine indeed.
What?! a power supplier for 1 EUR?!
unfortunately, such stores does not exists where I live now.
I guess that I will just have to arrive to Tokyo and find one in Akihabara.
(can anyone tell me where there is one? every time I'm there I go lost)

Shmuel.