7 Oct
1999
7 Oct
'99
5:15 a.m.
Hi,
Probably some of you have already done this. I have an equipment, a
parsytec xplorer, that runs a 220v. I got it from across the pond.
Since I am in the states and the power output is 110v, is there any way
for me to run this without getting a transformer to pump it up to
220v??? Unfortunately, the parsytec doesnt convert automatically like
PC and laptops of today. In my apartment, there is a funny looking plug
next to out AC. I remember somewhat vaugely that it is actually 220v.
Is this true??? How did you guys solve this problem???? I want to get
a good solid response before I blow up the machine :-)
Ram
--
,,,,
/'^'\
( o o )
-oOOO--(_)--OOOo-------------------------------------
| Ram Meenakshisundaram
| Senior Software Engineer
| OpenLink Financial Inc
| .oooO Phone: (516) 227-6600 x267
| ( ) Oooo. Email: rmeenaks(a)olf.com
---\ (----( )--------------------------------------
\_) ) /
(_/
7 Oct
7 Oct
6:15 a.m.
Upon the date 10:15 AM 10/7/99 -0400, Ram Meenakshisundaram said something
like:
Hi,
Probably some of you have already done this. I have an equipment, a
parsytec xplorer, that runs a 220v. I got it from across the pond.
Since I am in the states and the power output is 110v, is there any way
for me to run this without getting a transformer to pump it up to
220v??? Unfortunately, the parsytec doesnt convert automatically like
If there are no input voltage selector switches hidden inside on the PSU
and you are reluctant to use a transformer then there's no way to run it
directly from 115V mains.
PC and laptops of today. In my apartment, there is a
funny looking plug
next to out AC. I remember somewhat vaugely that it is actually 220v.
This could be for an air conditioner as the larger A/C's are usually 220V
units. Just check with your landlord. If for sure a 220 outlet for A/C then
first determine if the input to the PSU is fused (a fuse is A Good Thing).
Next, have an electrician friend get a correct connector and _correctly_
wire it up and you're good to go. If there is no fuse protection in the PSU
perhaps your electrician friend could devise an NEC-correct box to fit
between the outlet and the PSU. Safety is A Good Thing especially to
prevent damage to the unit and minor things like fires, your death, etc.
Another thing to consider is whether the PSU will run well on the North
American 60 Hz line frequency instead of the 50 Hz used in most of the rest
of the planet. If the AC input rating label says something like '220 V,
50/60 Hz' or suchlike, then you're okay. You see, if the PSU is
transformer-based (not a switching PSU like you see on all PeeCees) then
there _may_ be a dependancy upon 50 Hz only as the tranny was possibly
designed just for 50 Hz. If the company's designers were considerate of the
unit running in other parts of the earth, then they could have specified a
50/60 Hz tranny. You should check this.
Is this true??? How did you guys solve this
problem???? I want to get
a good solid response before I blow up the machine :-)
Blowing up is A Bad Thing :) Sounds like you should simply invest in a
transformer sized big enough to handle most 220 gear you have or will
eventually get. 300 to 500 Watts would be a good universal size but I
suspect the Parsytec would only need 50 to 100 W or so of power (I've never
seen one so have no idea how big the thing is.)
Regards, Chris
-- --
Christian Fandt, Electronic/Electrical Historian
Jamestown, NY USA cfandt(a)netsync.net
Member of Antique Wireless Association
URL: http://www.antiquewireless.org/
7:27 a.m.
If there are no input voltage selector switches hidden
inside on the PSU
and you are reluctant to use a transformer then there's no way to run it
directly from 115V mains.
Likely incorrect. There may be a jumper that needs to be moved or if
there is an input transformer several jumpers. It's unknown if this is
even a switchmode PS, may be old type linear with a BIG transformer.
This could be for an air conditioner as the larger
A/C's are usually 220V
units. Just check with your landlord. If for sure a 220 outlet for A/C then
Measure using multimeter would be the obvious means.
between the outlet and the PSU. Safety is A Good Thing
especially to
prevent damage to the unit and minor things like fires, your death, etc.
Always safety.
Another thing to consider is whether the PSU will run
well on the North
American 60 Hz line frequency instead of the 50 Hz used in most of the rest
of the planet. If the AC input rating label says something like '220 V,
Usually, (I know of no exceptions) if it runs on 50hz it runs on 60. The
reverse is not always true, but often it is. Reason for 50/60hz is often
motor speeds (old ac motor disk drives and the like) and equipment with
cheap transformers (not enough iron to work ok at 50hz).
Military equipment Transformers are often designed for 400hz and these DO
NOT like 50/60hz unless built to accept all three.
Something designed for 220/50hz if plugged into a 110/60hz would be safe
but, also a no operate. Generally getting Euro gear to work here is
easier than getting US gear to work there! The exception is TV/VCR stuff.
Allison
8:30 a.m.
On Thu, 7 Oct 1999 allisonp(a)world.std.com wrote:
Usually, (I know of no exceptions) if it runs on 50hz
it runs on 60.
Weren't there a few S-100 boxes that used ferroresonant transformers in
the PSU? Plugging a device with a ferroresonant transformer (a
transformer+inductor combination that is quite well regulated but very
dependent on input frequency) into an incorrect frequency power source is
likely to yield unpleasant results.
Although ferroresonant transformers are relatively uncommon (except in
UPSes and line conditioning systems), the possiblity of encountering a
ferroresonant transformer in the PSU is a good reason to be careful when
powering up an unknown box on the "wrong" frequency for the first time.
11:10 a.m.
the PSU? Plugging a device with a ferroresonant
transformer (a
transformer+inductor combination that is quite well regulated but very
dependent on input frequency) into an incorrect frequency power source is
likely to yield unpleasant results.
Dang, forgot about them. Not a good thing, Never seen one cook but they
don't work right either. The key was my first comments regarding what IS
IN THERE. If you know that it's easier to go from there. I really hate
speculating on whatever it may be rather than knowing.
Allison
12:07 p.m.
Scott Ware <ware(a)corestack.com> wrote:
On Thu, 7 Oct 1999 allisonp(a)world.std.com wrote:
Hi
Besides the ferroresonant transformers issue, if it is a
switcher power supply, many are configurable for 110V.
Often times there is a jumper on the supply to select
which it will be used on. When in the 110 mode, they have
a voltage doubler type of rectifier. This makes the
DC into the swithcing transistor the same. Some newer
switchers I've seen will run on a continuious range of
voltages from 80 to 250 volts. Still, look at the supplies
to see what your options are.
Dwight
Usually, (I know of no exceptions) if it runs on
50hz it runs on 60.
Weren't there a few S-100 boxes that used ferroresonant transformers in
the PSU? Plugging a device with a ferroresonant transformer (a
transformer+inductor combination that is quite well regulated but very
dependent on input frequency) into an incorrect frequency power source is
likely to yield unpleasant results.
Although ferroresonant transformers are relatively uncommon (except in
UPSes and line conditioning systems), the possiblity of encountering a
ferroresonant transformer in the PSU is a good reason to be careful when
powering up an unknown box on the "wrong" frequency for the first time. 
9:32 a.m.
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9:12 a.m.
Christian Fandt wrote:
If there are no input voltage selector switches hidden
inside on the PSU
and you are reluctant to use a transformer then there's no way to run it
directly from 115V mains.
I havent opened it up or even given a good look at it. It is pretty funny
looking though. It has 16 T805-30Mhz transputers with 4Megs per node in it.
The thing gets pretty hot, so the sides of the chasis has two big heat sinks.
Take a look at this picture:
This could be for an air conditioner as the larger
A/C's are usually 220V
units. Just check with your landlord. If for sure a 220 outlet for A/C then
first determine if the input to the PSU is fused (a fuse is A Good Thing).
Next, have an electrician friend get a correct connector and _correctly_
wire it up and you're good to go. If there is no fuse protection in the PSU
perhaps your electrician friend could devise an NEC-correct box to fit
between the outlet and the PSU. Safety is A Good Thing especially to
prevent damage to the unit and minor things like fires, your death, etc.
Another thing to consider is whether the PSU will run well on the North
American 60 Hz line frequency instead of the 50 Hz used in most of the rest
of the planet. If the AC input rating label says something like '220 V,
50/60 Hz' or suchlike, then you're okay. You see, if the PSU is
transformer-based (not a switching PSU like you see on all PeeCees) then
there _may_ be a dependancy upon 50 Hz only as the tranny was possibly
designed just for 50 Hz. If the company's designers were considerate of the
unit running in other parts of the earth, then they could have specified a
50/60 Hz tranny. You should check this.
Hmmm, that is what I thought. I still feel a bit uncomfortable trying to hook
it up to the A/C socket. I really dont want to damage it. It is very very
difficult to get this type of equipment. I basically didnt want to have a
huge transformer sitting on the floor. Maybe, I might as well go and invest
on a good transformer.
Ram
--
,,,,
/'^'\
( o o )
-oOOO--(_)--OOOo-------------------------------------
| Ram Meenakshisundaram
| Senior Software Engineer
| OpenLink Financial Inc
| .oooO Phone: (516) 227-6600 x267
| ( ) Oooo. Email: rmeenaks(a)olf.com
---\ (----( )--------------------------------------
\_) ) /
(_/
9:29 a.m.
Ram Meenakshisundaram wrote:
I havent opened it up or even given a good look at it.
It is pretty funny
looking though. It has 16 T805-30Mhz transputers with 4Megs per node in it.
The thing gets pretty hot, so the sides of the chasis has two big heat sinks.
Take a look at this picture:
I prematurely send the email. Here is a picture of the xplorer:
http://www.thenet.ch/tntech/xplbig.gif
Ram
--
,,,,
/'^'\
( o o )
-oOOO--(_)--OOOo-------------------------------------
| Ram Meenakshisundaram
| Senior Software Engineer
| OpenLink Financial Inc
| .oooO Phone: (516) 227-6600 x267
| ( ) Oooo. Email: rmeenaks(a)olf.com
---\ (----( )--------------------------------------
\_) ) /
(_/
9:41 a.m.
On Thu, 07 Oct 1999, Ram Meenakshisundaram wrote:
How big is that thing?
-Dave McGuire
I havent
opened it up or even given a good look at it. It is pretty funny
looking though. It has 16 T805-30Mhz transputers with 4Megs per node in it.
The thing gets pretty hot, so the sides of the chasis has two big heat sinks.
Take a look at this picture:
I prematurely send the email. Here is a picture of the xplorer:
http://www.thenet.ch/tntech/xplbig.gif
9:52 a.m.
Dave McGuire wrote:
On Thu, 07 Oct 1999, Ram Meenakshisundaram wrote:
How big is that thing?
It is about 3/4 the size of standard PC tower and it is about 3/4 the thickness of
a PC. So, it isnt terribly big. The picture shows four xplorers. I only have one
of those boxes. You can hook up others to build a larger parallel computer. It
has a fixed 4x4 grid topology. Actually, the picture is really the power xplorer,
but it looks the same as the xplorer. The power explorer has 4 PowerPC chips in it
with 4 transputers as communication harnesses for the PowerPCs. The xplorer was
phased out in favor of the PowerPC a while back.
Ram
--
,,,,
/'^'\
( o o )
-oOOO--(_)--OOOo-------------------------------------
| Ram Meenakshisundaram
| Senior Software Engineer
| OpenLink Financial Inc
| .oooO Phone: (516) 227-6600 x267
| ( ) Oooo. Email: rmeenaks(a)olf.com
---\ (----( )--------------------------------------
\_) ) /
(_/
I havent
opened it up or even given a good look at it. It is pretty funny
looking though. It has 16 T805-30Mhz transputers with 4Megs per node in it.
The thing gets pretty hot, so the sides of the chasis has two big heat sinks.
Take a look at this picture:
I prematurely send the email. Here is a picture of the xplorer:
http://www.thenet.ch/tntech/xplbig.gif
11:45 a.m.
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9:26 a.m.
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6:07 p.m.
Upon the date 07:26 PM 10/7/99 +0100, Tony Duell said something like:
Excuse me, although I don't particularly care to get into a tussle on this,
Ram may not have any experience with working with mains power. We don't
know as he hasn't said anything about that yet. Maybe he moonlights as a
power plant engineer in the 115KV switch vault at his local utility plant.
The statement is intended to assure him he is welcome to get expert help,
if desired, in getting his machine connected (if in fact the PSU is not
settable to 115VAC) rather than take a risk. It doesn't matter whether you
work with 240 every day --even less than 115V can kill. Having done
industrial wiring for several years, I know 480VAC is not a problem when
one respects it.
-- Chris
-- --
Next, have an electrician friend get a correct
connector and _correctly_
wire it up and you're good to go. If there is no fuse protection in the PSU
Oh come on... I work with 240V almost every day of my life. Fitting a
220V plug, or wiring up a fused adapter cable, or anything like that is
hardly rocket science....
8 Oct
8 Oct
3:43 a.m.
Christian Fandt wrote:
Upon the date 07:26 PM 10/7/99 +0100, Tony Duell said
something like:
Excuse me, although I don't particularly care to get into a tussle on this,
Ram may not have any experience with working with mains power. We don't
know as he hasn't said anything about that yet.
Yes I know it is not rocket science, but I want to extra extra careful. One
wrong move can be the end of the machine. This is actually the first time I am
going to do this by myself. My brother usually handles stuff like this, but he
is a bit careless, so I didnt ask him. Besides, he doesnt hook up computers,
usually toasters and other appliances that happen to be 220v.
Next, have an electrician friend get a correct
connector and _correctly_
wire it up and you're good to go. If there is no fuse protection in the PSU
Oh come on... I work with 240V almost every day of my life. Fitting a
220V plug, or wiring up a fused adapter cable, or anything like that is
hardly rocket science.... Maybe he moonlights as a
power plant engineer in the 115KV switch vault at his local utility plant.
No I dont moonlight as a power plant engineer, but I am a power software engineer
:-)
I design trading systems that trade power instead of the normal stocks, bonds,
etc.
The statement is intended to assure him he is welcome to get expert help,
if desired, in getting his machine connected (if in fact the PSU is not
settable to 115VAC) rather than take a risk. It doesn't matter whether you
work with 240 every day --even less than 115V can kill. Having done
industrial wiring for several years, I know 480VAC is not a problem when
one respects it.
I really appreciate all the advice everyone gave me. I am planning on actually
opening it on Sat. I will post my findings and let everyone know what type of
PSU, the labels and writings, etc on it. Thanks again
Ram
--
,,,,
/'^'\
( o o )
-oOOO--(_)--OOOo-------------------------------------
| Ram Meenakshisundaram
| Senior Software Engineer
| OpenLink Financial Inc
| .oooO Phone: (516) 227-6600 x267
| ( ) Oooo. Email: rmeenaks(a)olf.com
---\ (----( )--------------------------------------
\_) ) /
(_/
8:43 a.m.
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7 Oct
7 Oct
9:17 a.m.
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9:22 a.m.
Ram,
Here in Europe, single phase power is 50Hz, 220V, so you'll need a
step up transformer. The difference in frequency is not really a
problem. These powersupplies are usually not of the 'switching' type,
but are of the 'fixed' type.
That funny looking plug might be a 3 phase power outlet BTW.
I don't know the power requirements you need, but a 1KW transformer
weights about 10Kg (23 Lbs?)
Ed
Ram Meenakshisundaram wrote:
Hi,
Probably some of you have already done this. I have an equipment, a
parsytec xplorer, that runs a 220v. I got it from across the pond.
Since I am in the states and the power output is 110v, is there any way
for me to run this without getting a transformer to pump it up to
220v??? Unfortunately, the parsytec doesnt convert automatically like
PC and laptops of today. In my apartment, there is a funny looking plug
next to out AC. I remember somewhat vaugely that it is actually 220v.
Is this true??? How did you guys solve this problem???? I want to get
a good solid response before I blow up the machine :-)
Ram
--
,,,,
/'^'\
( o o )
-oOOO--(_)--OOOo-------------------------------------
| Ram Meenakshisundaram
| Senior Software Engineer
| OpenLink Financial Inc
| .oooO Phone: (516) 227-6600 x267
| ( ) Oooo. Email: rmeenaks(a)olf.com
---\ (----( )--------------------------------------
\_) ) /
(_/
--
The Wanderer | Geloof nooit een politicus!
wanderer(a)bos.nl | Europarlementariers:
http://www.bos.nl/homes/wanderer | zakkenvullers en dumpplaats voor
Unix Lives! windows95 is rommel! | mislukte politici.
'96 GSXR 1100R |
See http://www.bos.nl/homes/wanderer/gates.html for a funny pic. of
Gates!
9:46 a.m.
I don't think you'll want to do this, as US line power is also at 60hz, where
I think British power is at 50. You can get 220 volts from your dryer or
stove sockets. They'll have a ton more amperage than you need, but that
shouldn't make any difference. Again, though, the difference in frequency
may really cause problems, and the current behind american 220 is enough to
feed an arc welder, so be careful.
Hi,
Probably some of you have already done this. I have an equipment, a
parsytec xplorer, that runs a 220v. I got it from across the pond.
Since I am in the states and the power output is 110v, is there any way
for me to run this without getting a transformer to pump it up to
220v??? Unfortunately, the parsytec doesnt convert automatically like
PC and laptops of today. In my apartment, there is a funny looking plug
next to out AC. I remember somewhat vaugely that it is actually 220v.
Is this true??? How did you guys solve this problem???? I want to get
a good solid response before I blow up the machine :-)
Ram
--
,,,,
/'^'\
( o o )
-oOOO--(_)--OOOo-------------------------------------
| Ram Meenakshisundaram
| Senior Software Engineer
| OpenLink Financial Inc
| .oooO Phone: (516) 227-6600 x267
| ( ) Oooo. Email: rmeenaks(a)olf.com
---\ (----( )--------------------------------------
\_) ) /
(_/
--
Jim Strickland
jim(a)DIESPAMMERSCUMcalico.litterbox.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
BeOS Powered!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
11 Oct
11 Oct
10:31 a.m.
Probably some of you have already done this. I have
an equipment, a
parsytec xplorer,
k3wl (sp?) :)
that runs a 220v. I got it from across the pond.
Since I am in the states and the power output is 110v, is there any way
for me to run this without getting a transformer to pump it up to
220v??? Unfortunately, the parsytec doesnt convert automatically like
PC and laptops of today.
The xplorers PSU should be _way_ to new to use any obsolete
effekt (like ferrit resonant effect transformers). I would
assume that it is switchable - maybe you have to check the
PSUs PCB for marks. Otherwise it is hard to avoide a transformer.
In my apartment, there is a funny looking plug
next to out AC. I remember somewhat vaugely that it is actually 220v.
Is this true??? How did you guys solve this problem???? I want to get
a good solid response before I blow up the machine :-)
Could be - I'm not the expert in US electrics (althrough I just did
some studies to buy the right stuff for my 110V paneel) - but 220/240V
sounds good when it comes to a 3~ plug. If you buy an aprobiate plug,
and whire two 'hots', your system should work well. If the outlet has
a distinct Protective Ground, you should also wire PG to allow your
GFCI to check for deffective loops. This is save with all newer European
stuff, since an in device PE/N connection is no longer valid - also all
devices ave to be constructed in a way that there is no need to
distinguish between Neutral and 'Hot' (Some exceptions apply to British
EQ, but even their manufacturers switched soon, since they don't want to
have two different PSUs for the same unit :).
If the PSU uses a transformer, you may also check if you can replace it
by an aprobiate type for 110V (BTW: A true switched PSU might also run
from DC - just, you need some 220 * cos(phi) Volts or
roughly 280+ V)
And for the frequency: don't care - as long as it is not used as signal
(_very_ unlikely in post 1970 designs) you won't have any problem.
Power _and_ frequency adjustment is only necersarry for _real_ old
stuff - in this case a motor/generator unit is needed - or a petrol
engine powered generator :).
Anyway, if you want to keep you unit in an unmodified state, and if
you think about aquireing more 220V gear, buy either a pre made step
up transformer, or build it into your workbench - possibly with a
selection of 220V outlets (German/French and British as most notable).
Gruss
H.
P.S.: At VCF, Sallaams 110/220V transformer did bring my Computers
to life - even including the Russian TV set :)
(BTW: VCF was great, and big hug to all of you)
13 Oct
13 Oct
4:24 a.m.
New subject: Where is this list mentioned on the web?
I want to unsubscribe, basically, and resubscribe using another address.
I can't find any reference to it on the web. Shouldn't it be much easier to
find? I found some of the sites I had found way back when I was looking for
computer museums and mailing lists, but even then I remember it was a long
time until I finally found this mailing list.
Can you please give me some pages where it is mentioned and the address I
have to send 'unsubscribe' to?
Thanks a lot,
Nasos.
5:33 a.m.
New subject: Where is this list mentioned on the web?
Check the headers of any message from this list; they contain addresses
for list commands including subscription control.
On Wed, 13 Oct 1999, Athanasios Kotsenos wrote:
I want to unsubscribe, basically, and resubscribe
using another address.
I can't find any reference to it on the web. Shouldn't it be much easier to
find? I found some of the sites I had found way back when I was looking for
computer museums and mailing lists, but even then I remember it was a long
time until I finally found this mailing list.
Can you please give me some pages where it is mentioned and the address I
have to send 'unsubscribe' to?
Thanks a lot,
Nasos.
9044
days inactive
9050
days old
22 comments
13 participants
participants (13)
-
a.kotsenos＠rca.ac.uk -
allisonp＠world.std.com -
ard＠p850ug1.demon.co.uk -
cfandt＠netsync.net -
elvey＠hal.com -
Hans.Franke＠mch20.sbs.de -
jim＠calico.litterbox.com -
marvin＠rain.org -
mcguire＠neurotica.com -
msg＠computerpro.com -
rmeenaks＠olf.com -
wanderer＠bos.nl -
ware＠corestack.com