OT: Stepdown convertor

[aliensrcooluk at yahoo.co.uk]

 --- Gordon JC Pearce <gordon at gjcp.net> wrote: 
> aliensrcooluk at yahoo.co.uk wrote:
> > Hi,
> > 
> > I have been having problems with my Dreamcast
> > (that I use to surf the 'net) resetting randomly
.
> > 
> > After checking out the power lines, it seems
> > that the stepdown convertor is at fault. It
> > has a crack and 2 bulging bits (where the 
> > plastic has been molded with lumps instead of 
> > flat) on the underside.
> > 
> > How dangerous is this if it is the cause of
> > the problem?
> 
> Sounds like it's overheating.
> 
> > It converts a 240V input to a 110V output (not
> > been able to check the exact specs on it, as
> > it's in use and very hot), as my Dreamcast I
> > am using is a Japanese model (my UK model
> > isn't fully functioning).
> 
> I'm not well up on Dreamcasts.  Do they have an
> external power supply?
> If they do, then you could use your UK PSU.
> 
> Other than that, you might get an old switchable 
> 220/110v psu and make
> it into an autotransformer.
> 
> Gordon.
>  

The one I am currently using is Japanese one
and they (like the USA?) have 2 pin plugs into
the mains, whereas our (UK) plugs have 3 pins
so I can't use a UK power supply on a Japanese
one.

Like I stated in another post (I think?) I got
a replacement off eBay which I received today,
so all is well again.


Regards,
Andrew B
aliensrcooluk at yahoo.co.uk