I'm hoping to get a GoPro camera when they offer it with the LCD screen option.
They offer a wall charger which I assume fits US.
What's the voltage stateside?
110
Quote from: stopintime on February 14, 2010, 12:01:59 PM
I'm hoping to get a GoPro camera when they offer it with the LCD screen option.
They offer a wall charger which I assume fits US.
What's the voltage stateside?
110v
you can find out what voltage/amperage required for the charger and get a generic one here in Europe. I do it with a lot of my equipment.
Standard household for USA, Mexico and Western Japan: 110V (110-127V) at 60hz
caution though --> some places in Japan still have 110V @50Hz -- it's a big mess to be honest between the two ratings in their county.
Dryer, stove, heater and commercial: USA, Mexico, Phillipines: 220V (220-240V) at 60Hz
Most all of Europe / Africa and OZ is 220V (220-240V) at 50Hz (thus major appliances aren't swappable or worth transporting with USA)
and a lot of power adapters will work with either 110 or 220 with just an plug adapter
Quote from: MotoCreations on February 14, 2010, 12:18:22 PM
Standard household for USA, Mexico and Western Japan: 110V (110-127V) at 60hz
caution though --> some places in Japan still have 110V @50Hz -- it's a big mess to be honest between the two ratings in their county.
Dryer, stove, heater and commercial: USA, Mexico, Phillipines: 220V (220-240V) at 60Hz
Most all of Europe / Africa and OZ is 220V (220-240V) at 50Hz (thus major appliances aren't swappable or worth transporting with USA)
Was unaware Europe, Africa, Mexico, Japan and OZ were stateside. :D
So, the easiest solution is a 220V 50hz ----- 110V 60hz adapter?
Or look for a USB specific wall charger which deliver x amp/voltage?
You have 100v 50hz i would guess, and the US is 110v 60hz. Often with these small chargers they are 50/60hz if you can get the specs of the charger it could work for you without adapter. Do your receptacles look like this?
neutral | | hot
. ground
It should be 120V 60Hz. I am not sure why people say 110.
mitt
Quote from: 1KDS on February 14, 2010, 12:44:23 PM
You have 100v 50hz i would guess, and the US is 110v 60hz. Often with these small chargers they are 50/60hz if you can get the specs of the charger it could work for you without adapter. Do your receptacles look like this?
neutral | | hot
. ground
220 - 240 is the usual description - I guess it fluctuates.
From what I read the last hour, the 50/60hz isn't critical for my purpose.
"recepticals" that sounds dirty [cheeky]
We have two basic choices: without ground is just two pins from a very thin plug OR grounded, which is bigger and round, including two ground connecting pieces on either side. Not possible to put a grounded appliance in a non-grounded socket.
Quote from: mitt on February 14, 2010, 01:09:17 PM
It should be 120V 60Hz. I am not sure why people say 110.
mitt
because 110 is half of 220.
Quote from: mitt on February 14, 2010, 01:09:17 PM
It should be 120V 60Hz. I am not sure why people say 110.
Generally 110v to 120v is acceptable and 208v to 240v is acceptable. Nameplates say anything in that range. If you were to put a meter in one of your receptacles it would probably read something like 117.4v for example.
Quote from: stopintime on February 14, 2010, 01:34:59 PM
220 - 240 is the usual description - I guess it fluctuates.
From what I read the last hour, the 50/60hz isn't critical for my purpose.
"recepticals" that sounds dirty [cheeky]
We have two basic choices: without ground is just two pins from a very thin plug OR grounded, which is bigger and round, including two ground connecting pieces on either side. Not possible to put a grounded appliance in a non-grounded socket.
I guess I'm not sure what those look like. If you put 220-240v into a 110-120v appliance regardless of frequency it will end with smoke. So you're saying your small appliances in your house and your country like an alarm clock for example are 220v?
Quote from: derby on February 14, 2010, 01:45:05 PM
because 110 is half of 220.
Yes, but 220 is wrong also.
120 is half of 240, which is target the utility is trying to hit at each house.
mitt
Just plug shit in until it works. :D
Quote from: 1KDS on February 14, 2010, 01:59:28 PM
Generally 110v to 120v is acceptable and 208v to 240v is acceptable. Nameplates say anything in that range. If you were to put a meter in one of your receptacles it would probably read something like 117.4v for example.
I don't think 208 to 240 is acceptable. 208V is a specific application, not to be confused with 240V.
mitt
Quote from: mitt on February 14, 2010, 02:09:07 PM
Yes, but 220 is wrong also.
120 is half of 240, which is target the utility is trying to hit at each house.
My local power utility has a range of 208-240V +/-5%
I have less than 200V 3phase at one of my main customer's location which uses a lot of power and the power company couldn't care less because it's within spec.
It amuses me to see considerably off voltages right within a substation.
Quote from: mitt on February 14, 2010, 02:12:34 PM
I don't think 208 to 240 is acceptable. 208V is a specific application, not to be confused with 240V.
You can have motors/loads that are designed for a lower voltage/higher amp draw within that range, but it still that range. Unless you're thinking of 277V which is a leg of 460/480V and neutral, and is for specific applications.
Quote from: 1KDS on February 14, 2010, 02:14:52 PM
My local power utility has a range of 208-240V +/-5%
I have less than 200V 3phase at one of my main customer's location which uses a lot of power and the power company couldn't care less because it's within spec.
For 208 it is +/- 5% and for 240 it is +/- 5%, but you can't have a 240V circuit running at 200V - that would not work for the attached loads and would be more like +/- 20%. 208 is a wye transformer rating and 240 is a delta transformer rating - both can give you 120V outlet circuits if use 1 phase on the 208 wye (very common in commercial), or if you center tap 1 phase of the delta, like houses around here are.
I dont know how it is in other countries, but as far as Residential is concerned,
most modern homes have a singel phase 60hz 220-240v comming in. Thats the target range. Its actually 2 lines of 120v comming in to your house, in the panels, there are 2 halfs. Each one takes a 120v.
So thats the set up in america. as far as 50-60hz is concerned, i dont think a DC charger is sensitive enough to care.
As long as you have 110-120v.
So you need a step down transformer with US receptacles.
Quote from: mitt on February 14, 2010, 02:25:38 PM
For 208 it is +/- 5% and for 240 it is +/- 5% <snip>
Got me there, although I do have a room of 15-30hp 240V motors running around 198-199V.
Quote from: stopintime on February 14, 2010, 12:01:59 PM
I'm hoping to get a GoPro camera when they offer it with the LCD screen option.
Where have you read they are offering a LCD Screen?
They just released a HD Version.
I wouldn't expect another version for at least a year unless I am missing something.
Quote from: He Man on February 14, 2010, 02:33:47 PM
most modern homes have a singel phase 60hz 220-240v comming in. Thats the target range. Its actually 2 lines of 120v comming in to your house, in the panels, there are 2 halfs. Each one takes a 120v.
It is just semantics, but it is 1 phase of 240V delta coming into a house with a center tap so you can get a +120V and -120V on each half of the panel.
mitt
Quote from: 1KDS on February 14, 2010, 02:02:02 PM
..............
So you're saying your small appliances in your house and your country like an alarm clock for example are 220v?
Yes.
Quote from: kopfjäger on February 14, 2010, 02:11:02 PM
Just plug shit in until it works. :D
That was standard MO in younger years.
Quote from: He Man on February 14, 2010, 02:33:47 PM
.................
So thats the set up in america. as far as 50-60hz is concerned, i dont think a DC charger is sensitive enough to care.
............
That's what I read....
Quote from: He Man on February 14, 2010, 02:33:47 PM
.................
So you need a step down transformer with US receptacles.
As far as I can see on the internet, that's correct. Not something any shop carries, but available. The fun begins when I go to another European country with different sockets. That's easy enough to buy, but will take up room in my bags.
Quote from: cyrus buelton on February 14, 2010, 02:37:56 PM
Where have you read they are offering a LCD Screen?
They just released a HD Version.
I wouldn't expect another version for at least a year unless I am missing something.
It's available "late spring" this year. Choice of larger battery or LCD which connects as a larger back lid on the latest HD models. It's in their online catalogue. Affordable too.
Quote from: stopintime on February 14, 2010, 02:49:08 PM
Yes.
Wow, didn't know that. I guess you'll need to step it down. Frequency probably won't matter.
Yeah? Are you gonna make it all 220?
Yeah. 220... 221, whatever it takes.
;D
Quote from: JEFF_H on February 14, 2010, 03:04:53 PM
Yeah? Are you gonna make it all 220?
Yeah. 220... 221, whatever it takes.
;D
[clap]
(http://16.media.tumblr.com/ZDwApUbBm9mvrxmoHvRKN7j9_400.jpg)
Quote from: stopintime on February 14, 2010, 02:49:08 PM
As far as I can see on the internet, that's correct. Not something any shop carries, but available. The fun begins when I go to another European country with different sockets. That's easy enough to buy, but will take up room in my bags.
Did you contact the company to see if they will have plans for a 240V (or an auto-switching) wall charger? The transformer will take more space and be heavier than the plug converters. You can get a "universal" plug converter that is quite small.
Quote from: stopintime on February 14, 2010, 02:49:08 PM
It's available "late spring" this year. Choice of larger battery or LCD which connects as a larger back lid on the latest HD models. It's in their online catalogue. Affordable too.
hahaha, "late spring"
In GoPro years that is like 12 months.
Quote from: somegirl on February 14, 2010, 04:27:11 PM
Did you contact the company to see if they will have plans for a 240V (or an auto-switching) wall charger? The transformer will take more space and be heavier than the plug converters. You can get a "universal" plug converter that is quite small.
I emailed them. We'll see.
You wouldn't happen to know where? Show me an example?
Quote from: cyrus buelton on February 14, 2010, 04:47:43 PM
hahaha, "late spring"
In GoPro years that is like 12 months.
They have changed it once already, so you may be right [roll]
Like this crazy thing: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001MGUB9Q/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000BJAQVS&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0Z7BFD8H0HHMFHQTWWZB (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001MGUB9Q/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000BJAQVS&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0Z7BFD8H0HHMFHQTWWZB)
When I was in Korea I found that most of my electronics had built in transformers in their power supplies, chargers, etc.
All I needed was a cord with a shuko plug at the end.
Here's another one, this has USB so you can charge an ipod without a computer.
http://www.world-import.com/Universal_Multi_purpose_plug_adapter_with_USB_for_World_Wide_Use_WSS430USB.htm (http://www.world-import.com/Universal_Multi_purpose_plug_adapter_with_USB_for_World_Wide_Use_WSS430USB.htm)
I used to have one just like that, was a free gift from one of the hotels in Singapore for not getting me the room I was supposed to get, but I guess all the abuse it took with subsequent trips wasn't so good for it.
I have a very different style one that I bought in Japan (sadly no USB) but I didn't see that online. Having a hard time getting a good picture in my current lighting but maybe I'll try again tomorrow.
OMG
you guys have turned a simple question into a discussion about the variable rates based on how far you are from a substation....
Lars,
it's simple man. Europe is 220v 50hz. US is 110v 60hz
US clocks won't work unless they are switchable on the Hz
A system has to show 110~240v 50/60hz to be worldwide usable or at least 110/240v 50/60hz
you can get away with a 110v 60hz item on a transformer IF it isn't a clock or something that is time sensitive (like microwaves always have issues)
for something with a DC charger, just need to find a similiar 220v 50hz charger that has the same DC output ie 9v 1.5a or whatever the individual item is.
there are plenty of multi-output DC wall plugs available at the electronics stores here.
for your travels in June, there are several types of multiplug adaptors. i have one that you can plug standard US flat blade and German round two prong plugs for use in all euro countries and even the middle east.
if you can't find something, let me know what you need and i'll pick it up here in Germany.
Zarn02 Those pieces look just like what I was imagining. A bit bulky, but understandable.
Somegirl Smaller, but no converter. Doesn't the USB port need to be converted? Am I missing something?
Raux Thanks, I'll let you know (I doubt GoPro will be available in time)
GoPro is a small company.
I doubt they have any intentions of making a model with different charging capabilities.
Try calling their phone number on their catalog and see if you can find an option to speak with someone UNLESS you are an authorized dealer.
go to:
www.richardsonitpro.com (//http://)
His name is a Stan, Ducati Owner, and a member of Coastal Ducati Club, but more importantly.........he is an Authorized GoPro Retailer, so he has a direct relationship manager at GoPro that could answer your questions.
Just plug the usb into your computer and charge it that way. Done!
Quote from: stopintime on February 15, 2010, 01:44:34 AMSomegirl Smaller, but no converter. Doesn't the USB port need to be converted? Am I missing something?
Yes, that is what I was saying, this is a plug converter only, that is the small part. The transformer is the big heavy thing.
Most travel-friendly devices nowadays are either autoswitching or have options for buying a charger of either voltage. A lot of Americans travel overseas so it's not just Europeans like yourself with that need.
I know nothing about the GoPro but if it uses a USB charger and you have a laptop, as mookie says just bring your laptop.
Lars,
I just read up on the gopro cameras. it uses either 3 AAA batteries or the included
•Battery Type: Rechargeable 1100 mAh lithium-ion
•Battery Life: Approx. 2.5 hrs
•Charging: via USB to computer or optional power adapter
•Charge Time: 80% capacity after 1 hour with optional power adapter; or 2 hours with a computer's USB port
they don't list the power adapter voltage requirement, but since you have to have a computer to download files anyway... laptop or even netbook would work. or at the worst carry a few extra AAA batteries around
^^
It chews threw AAA Batteries.
I bought the recommended rechargeables for my original (non HD) go-pro and still wouldn't last long.
Interested to see how long this 2.5 rechargeable battery that came with my new one has.
Lars PM Stan, he's a great guy, [bow_down] I've had a couple of really good DVDs of CDC track days that he has filmed 8)
[coffee]
If I need a charger, it will be in the event of longer use without access to a/my computer.
32Gb card and use of the LCD will require extra power in addition to the battery.
I'll consider getting more than one battery (+ $ 20) or following the links found above.
What I would like is a tiny wall charger, like I have for my phone. I'm sure one exists, but at the moment I have no clue where to look and what to look for.
ps
Somegirl - to draw appropriate USB voltage, the one you linked to have to have some kind of converter in it, doesn't it?
Or else, even 110V would fry any USB powered appliance...
The charger into the phone looks like a Blackberry connection a Curve/Pearl or Motorola Q or Razor
Quote from: stopintime on February 15, 2010, 09:40:39 AM
Somegirl - to draw appropriate USB voltage, the one you linked to have to have some kind of converter in it, doesn't it?
Or else, even 110V would fry any USB powered appliance...
I guess it has something specific for the USB. I've used one of these to charge my iPod at 110V and at 220V and never had any issues with it. It doesn't have a step-down converter for the regular plugs, however.
Quote from: stopintime on February 15, 2010, 09:40:39 AM
What I would like is a tiny wall charger, like I have for my phone. I'm sure one exists, but at the moment I have no clue where to look and what to look for.
I have an LG phone, and it came with a small wall charger, which is rated for100-240V, 50/60Hz. Model STA-U12WS.
It takes USB, and you can unplug the cable and put in other ones. I've used it to charge my Zune from the wall, as well.
Maybe visit a cell phone place and look for one of those? Might still need a plug adapter, but you'd be able to charge it from the wall without anything bulky to convert voltage.
I am not sure what the point a LCD screen on the Go Pro is.
There is no real use to use it as a digital camera outside the built in functionality of multi shots over a time period when you can get a 10mp digi cam the size of a credit card by a CM thick.
Quote from: cyrus buelton on February 16, 2010, 11:43:57 AM
I am not sure what the point a LCD screen on the Go Pro is.
There is no real use to use it as a digital camera outside the built in functionality of multi shots over a time period when you can get a 10mp digi cam the size of a credit card by a CM thick.
I was thinking it would be nice to watch todays adventures, at night away from a/my computer.
Maybe also for other riders at track days and group rides. It's tiny, so I don't know how much use it will be though.
Quote from: somegirl on February 15, 2010, 09:47:59 AM
I guess it has something specific for the USB. I've used one of these to charge my iPod at 110V and at 220V and never had any issues with it. It doesn't have a step-down converter for the regular plugs, however.
I asked the vendor and they replied "yes, this item is perfect for you". I hope that means the USB will work regardless of input voltage. If I don't find a tiny phone-type charger with a USB plug, this might be worth a shot.
I have emailed GoPro an the GoPro shop GeoffDuc mentioned - no reply yet - we'll see.
Quote from: mitt on February 14, 2010, 01:09:17 PM
It should be 120V 60Hz. I am not sure why people say 110.
mitt
+1
Had to wait until I got home.
Article 220.2 (A)
Voltages. Unless other voltages are specified, for the purpose of computing branch-circuit and feeder loads, nominal voltages of 120, 120/240, 208y/120, 240, 347, 480y/277, 480, 600y/347, and 600 volts shall be used.
Article 210.19 FPN#4: Conductors for branch circuits as defined in Article 100, sized to prevent voltage drop exceeding 3% at the farthest outlet of power, heating, and lighting loads, or combinations of such loads, and where the maximun total voltage drop on both feeders and branch circuits to the farthest outlet does not exceed 5 percent, provide reasonable efficiency of operation. See 215.2 for voltage drop on feeder conductors.
Both articles cited word for word from the 2002 NEC handbook.
Quote from: sno_duc on February 16, 2010, 01:54:43 PM
+1
Had to wait until I got home.
Article 220.2 (A) Voltages. Unless other voltages are specified, for the purpose of computing branch-circuit and feeder loads, nominal voltages of 120, 120/240, 208y/120, 240, 347, 480y/277, 480, 600y/347, and 600 volts shall be used.
Article 210.19 FPN#4: Conductors for branch circuits as defined in Article 100, sized to prevent voltage drop exceeding 3% at the farthest outlet of power, heating, and lighting loads, or combinations of such loads, and where the maximun total voltage drop on both feeders and branch circuits to the farthest outlet does not exceed 5 percent, provide reasonable efficiency of operation. See 215.2 for voltage drop on feeder conductors.
Both articles cited word for word from the 2002 NEC handbook.
nothing like the verbiage of the NEC... [laugh]
Quote from: ducpainter on February 16, 2010, 04:19:55 PM
nothing like the verbiage of the NEC... [laugh]
hence the reason for code classes to teach people NEC babble. Always loved the NECs circular reasoning.....see article such and such....which refers you back to were you started [bang] [bang].
Quote from: sno_duc on February 16, 2010, 04:43:18 PM
hence the reason for code classes to teach people NEC babble. Always loved the NECs circular reasoning.....see article such and such....which refers you back to were you started [bang] [bang].
The answer is always there. ;D
BTW your code book is out of date. [laugh]
I think you are looking at the problem wrong. The usb specification is universal. If it charges through the usb port; any standard charger that charges a usb compatible device should work if the engineers followed the spec.
You can use a blackberry charger.
Quote from: Major Slow on February 17, 2010, 02:23:03 PM
I think you are looking at the problem wrong. The usb specification is universal. If it charges through the usb port; any standard charger that charges a usb compatible device should work if the engineers followed the spec.
So, in your opinion this should work?
http://www.world-import.com/Universal_Multi_purpose_plug_adapter_with_USB_for_World_Wide_Use_WSS430USB.htm (http://www.world-import.com/Universal_Multi_purpose_plug_adapter_with_USB_for_World_Wide_Use_WSS430USB.htm)
Most if not all of the chargers you're talking about are "switched mode power supplies".
Older dc power supplies used a trnasformer to drop/raise the voltage to the desired level, a rectifier to convert to dc, then a filter to get the ripple out. Because most transformers are a fixed ratio, the only work on one input voltage (two with a tapped primary).
Switched mode don't care, a lot of laptop powersupplies if you read the fine print on the label, 90 to 240 v 50/60 hz.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_supplies (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_supplies)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switched-mode_power_supply (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switched-mode_power_supply) (scroll down to applications)
Quote from: stopintime on February 18, 2010, 12:12:35 AM
So, in your opinion this should work?
http://www.world-import.com/Universal_Multi_purpose_plug_adapter_with_USB_for_World_Wide_Use_WSS430USB.htm (http://www.world-import.com/Universal_Multi_purpose_plug_adapter_with_USB_for_World_Wide_Use_WSS430USB.htm)
yes
GoPro replied.
They say a charger has to have a USB port (check) and supply the camera with 5V.
Does this change anything?
USB Standards
"Supplied voltage by a host or a powered hub ports is between 4.75 V and 5.25 V. "
so you should be good to go
Quote from: stopintime on February 16, 2010, 12:18:01 PM
I was thinking it would be nice to watch todays adventures, at night away from a/my computer.
Maybe also for other riders at track days and group rides. It's tiny, so I don't know how much use it will be though.
The thing is going to be small as hell!!!!
you'd need a magnifying glass to see it!
Quote from: cyrus buelton on February 19, 2010, 01:16:44 PM
The thing is going to be small as hell!!!!
you'd need a magnifying glass to see it!
True. I can only hope the delay is because they are fitting a larger screen. The one in their drawing/"picture" might be next to useless....