8mm Forum: GS1200 Question

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Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on March 25, 2015, 06:51 PM:

I have a question about the US version and the European version of the GS1200. Specifically this:
With the exception of the transformer, would all the electronics, such as the main board, the amplifier module, contro board, etc be exactly interchangeable from one version to the other? In other words, could I take all the electronics (except the transformer) from a European 220 volt 50hz machine and use them in a US GS1200 at 115 Volts 60 hz?

Posted by John Capazzo (Member # 157) on March 25, 2015, 07:33 PM:

Paul,

I've done a transformation on an ST1200 and it worked. No reason why it shouldn't on a GS 1200. I now hand you over to GS expert Leon and/or electrician Steve Klare...

Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on March 25, 2015, 07:47 PM:

Not an electrician, (-sometimes I wish!), but basically the job of the transformer is to adapt the line voltage to the various voltages required by all the stuff operating inside.

So all you need to change between countries should be that transformer: you can keep the same "stuff".

The Elmos I know have a multi-tap transformer that should be adaptable for voltages all over the world. Doesn't the GS?

Posted by Winbert Hutahaean (Member # 58) on March 25, 2015, 09:14 PM:

I found the same model of Elmos are actually IDENTICAL no matter where you live.

I have posted this here once: US market GS1200 is actually also capable for 220v (international)

The 1010v - 220v is actually not an issue because the voltage changer is available even in the US version. Only to follow the local regulation, the manufacturer had covered or hid it.

I brought many projectors from North America (110v) and they do not have any problems here in Indonesia which follows Europe standard (220v).

So even the transformer you found in Europe, you can still use in the US. Only need to be aware which tap are you using.

I am talking based on my experience, I am not an expert, so I might be wrong.

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on March 25, 2015, 10:47 PM:

So, all the GS1200'S were built with identical multivoltage transformers, so they could all be adjusted for either European or US mains voltages?

Posted by Winbert Hutahaean (Member # 58) on March 26, 2015, 02:16 AM:

That is my experience. Again I might be wrong. I have 2 GS1200 and 2 GS800 from North America which now are used in Indonesia.

In fact, 3 ST-1200 that I brought in, although from the outside are seen like a single voltage machine (110v), when I opened the back cover, the voltage selector was found there. So I did not need to re-solder any wires but switch it to my desire voltage.

The only thing that makes different is the back cover does not have the window glass to see what is the voltage currently set, something that the Europe version has it.

Posted by Alan Rik (Member # 73) on March 26, 2015, 02:40 AM:

Leon told me that there are some models out there that do not have the multi tap. In fact he said he had one last US transformer and that he had seen a 220 volt transformer as well that was ONLY 200-220. Maybe he can chime in if he sees this post?

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on March 27, 2015, 09:27 AM:

I talked to Bill Parsons in the UK. Bill told me that just about all the GS1200'S he has seen have transformers that are only 200 volts or above. The use of such a machine in the USA would require a massive external 220 to 115 dropping transformer, which is not very appealing at all.

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on March 27, 2015, 11:49 AM:

So though never having owned one of these beauties to date, I think it's safe to say from the expert people who have commented, that there are of course 240v only models out there that will only work in most other parts of the world other than the UK by virtue of a step down transformer that can handle plenty of current.

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