UPS in So East Asia at DVinfo.net

Mark Keck · August 11th, 2008, 08:00 AM

I'm planning on being in South East Asia for a while and figure that an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) with 240V input and 120V output might be the best way to power some of my equipment that's "120V only". Anyone have an idea where I might find such an animal??? I've googled all the usual suppects to no avail.

Or can anyone who's faced a similar problem point me to what worked for them.

Thanks,

Mark

Charles Squire · August 21st, 2008, 07:57 AM

What sorts of things do you envision plugging into the UPS?

Boyd Ostroff · August 21st, 2008, 09:31 AM

If you're talking about modern electronic devices, you're not likely to need any sort of conversion. Take a look at the name plates on the power supplies for your camera, computers, etc. For example, the power adaptor for my MacBook Pro says:

100-240V 50-60Hz

Modern power supplies are nearly all compatible with the full range of voltages and frequencies you're likely to come across. I used my Z1, PowerBook, external firewire drives and other stuff in Argentina for weeks on 220v 50hz with nothing more an an adaptor to make the plugs fit. No problems whatsoever. Here's a nice website with lots of info on power systems and plug types from around the world: http://kropla.com/electric2.htm

Of course if you want a UPS for other reasons, that/s another matter...

Mark Keck · August 21st, 2008, 12:02 PM

Ah that life were that simple. For starters, my scanner will only take 120V.. and I've got several wall warts (power pods) that are 120V only. I'm still debating if I even want to take the scanner but given the duration of my stay I probably will. I don't exactly want to go out and buy new power pods for the 5 items that need them.

However, even if I was able to run everything on 220V, I'm still thinking UPS... power in the area I'm going is not that reliable and transients are common. Not a good combination for electronics longevity, so my initial thought was to kill 2 birds with one rock.

At the moment I'm thinking 220V UPS for the computer (readily available in country) and then a smallish transformer for the things that are 120V only.

Mark

August 11th, 2008, 08:00 AM	#1
Mark Keck Regular Crew Join Date: May 2007 Location: Penang, Malaysia Posts: 123	UPS in So East Asia I'm planning on being in South East Asia for a while and figure that an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) with 240V input and 120V output might be the best way to power some of my equipment that's "120V only". Anyone have an idea where I might find such an animal??? I've googled all the usual suppects to no avail. Or can anyone who's faced a similar problem point me to what worked for them. Thanks, Mark

August 21st, 2008, 07:57 AM	#2
Charles Squire Tourist Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Lubbock, TX Posts: 4	What sorts of things do you envision plugging into the UPS?

August 21st, 2008, 09:31 AM	#3
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,787	If you're talking about modern electronic devices, you're not likely to need any sort of conversion. Take a look at the name plates on the power supplies for your camera, computers, etc. For example, the power adaptor for my MacBook Pro says: 100-240V 50-60Hz Modern power supplies are nearly all compatible with the full range of voltages and frequencies you're likely to come across. I used my Z1, PowerBook, external firewire drives and other stuff in Argentina for weeks on 220v 50hz with nothing more an an adaptor to make the plugs fit. No problems whatsoever. Here's a nice website with lots of info on power systems and plug types from around the world: http://kropla.com/electric2.htm Of course if you want a UPS for other reasons, that/s another matter...

August 21st, 2008, 12:02 PM	#4
Mark Keck Regular Crew Join Date: May 2007 Location: Penang, Malaysia Posts: 123	Ah that life were that simple. For starters, my scanner will only take 120V.. and I've got several wall warts (power pods) that are 120V only. I'm still debating if I even want to take the scanner but given the duration of my stay I probably will. I don't exactly want to go out and buy new power pods for the 5 items that need them. However, even if I was able to run everything on 220V, I'm still thinking UPS... power in the area I'm going is not that reliable and transients are common. Not a good combination for electronics longevity, so my initial thought was to kill 2 birds with one rock. At the moment I'm thinking 220V UPS for the computer (readily available in country) and then a smallish transformer for the things that are 120V only. Mark