Fender DRRI 110V to 230V

Schematics, layouts & other technical mumbo jumbo.

Moderator: The Captain

User avatar
norhyme
Posts: 1376
Joined: Sat Dec 05, 2009 9:51 pm
Location: EU

Fender DRRI 110V to 230V

Post by norhyme »

I know there are some amp specialists here - maybe you can give me your advice....

I bought a DRRI in the US and I need to convert it to work with 230V.
Is the Power transformer the only thing that needs to be exchanged?
Do you have a recommendation?

:cheers:
“Interviewer: 'So Frank, you have long hair. Does that make you a woman?' Frank Zappa: 'You have a wooden leg. Does that make you a table?” ― Frank Zappa
User avatar
rootfifthoctave
Posts: 249
Joined: Sun Jan 08, 2017 8:37 pm
Location: UK

Re: Fender DRRI 110V to 230V

Post by rootfifthoctave »

I would have thought that the easiest/cheapest/best way to do this would be a step-down transformer between the amp and the mains. Some people say that fenders sound better at 110v anyway... :whistle:
sir h c
Posts: 578
Joined: Tue Aug 26, 2008 8:52 pm

Re: Fender DRRI 110V to 230V

Post by sir h c »

I agree. A transformer just needs to be able to handle the power that the amp needs in. Then you can buy a bunch of American amps that work only on 120V. :crackjam:
User avatar
waveclipper
Posts: 1314
Joined: Sun Jul 17, 2011 7:31 pm

Re: Fender DRRI 110V to 230V

Post by waveclipper »

Yes, ultimately it's only the power transformer that you need to change if you want to convert from 110 volts to 230 volts and keep the amp self contained. But a power transformer is pretty expensive - a Hammond Deluxe 'Verb style transformer is going to set you back about €100, never mind something from a more esoteric manufacturer.
It is worth it of you want to 'upgrade' the power transformer to a different brand for some reason but I would definitely agree with these guys - get an external step down power transformer. A cursory check on fleab shows up something like this - http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Maplin-230V-To-1 ... SwPhdVCqKu for €46 that even has those funny little midget plug sockets those American folks use :badteeth:
User avatar
redeyeflight
Posts: 6939
Joined: Wed Dec 31, 2008 10:48 pm
Location: Seattle

Re: Fender DRRI 110V to 230V

Post by redeyeflight »

waveclipper wrote:Yes, ultimately it's only the power transformer that you need to change if you want to convert from 110 volts to 230 volts and keep the amp self contained. But a power transformer is pretty expensive - a Hammond Deluxe 'Verb style transformer is going to set you back about €100, never mind something from a more esoteric manufacturer.
It is worth it of you want to 'upgrade' the power transformer to a different brand for some reason but I would definitely agree with these guys - get an external step down power transformer. A cursory check on fleab shows up something like this - http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Maplin-230V-To-1 ... SwPhdVCqKu for €46 that even has those funny little midget plug sockets those American folks use :badteeth:
Here in America we call those funny little midget plug sockets "trumps hands"
(\__/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")
User avatar
HorseyBoy
Posts: 4131
Joined: Mon Oct 15, 2012 10:48 pm
Location: Harlan County

Re: Fender DRRI 110V to 230V

Post by HorseyBoy »

Have to agree that a step-down transformer is the way to go. Handy to have one around for old mains-only pedals, too!
User avatar
norhyme
Posts: 1376
Joined: Sat Dec 05, 2009 9:51 pm
Location: EU

Post by norhyme »

Thanks for the input gentlemen! Most of you are pleading for an external transformer. :hmm:
But man, don't we have enough things to carry with us when playing gigs? I think I don't want another thing to carry and think of -especially when my amp won't work without it and I cannot expect that anyone else around could help me out- like asking the bass player for a power cord..

If anyone can recommend a good quality 230V drop-in power transformer for a DRRI please let me know! The price tag is not so important :zgrin:
“Interviewer: 'So Frank, you have long hair. Does that make you a woman?' Frank Zappa: 'You have a wooden leg. Does that make you a table?” ― Frank Zappa
User avatar
rootfifthoctave
Posts: 249
Joined: Sun Jan 08, 2017 8:37 pm
Location: UK

Re: Fender DRRI 110V to 230V

Post by rootfifthoctave »

There's probably room in the back of the cabinet to keep it there. Stick some hook velcro on it, stick the loop on the bottom/side of the cabinet, then you'd have to forget your amp to forget the step-down.
User avatar
HorseyBoy
Posts: 4131
Joined: Mon Oct 15, 2012 10:48 pm
Location: Harlan County

Re: Fender DRRI 110V to 230V

Post by HorseyBoy »

^^ I was going to say that carrying a step-down around can be a pain in the arse so yeah, if you're going to be gigging the amp, changing the transformer out makes a lot more sense. And it's a reissue, so it's not like you'll be killing the collector value.
The other option would be getting the transformer rewound to 230V, but, depending on where you are, that might be more expensive than throwing in a replacement.
User avatar
waveclipper
Posts: 1314
Joined: Sun Jul 17, 2011 7:31 pm

Re: Fender DRRI 110V to 230V

Post by waveclipper »

Most of the tube amp power transformer manufacturers seem to be American based such as Classictone, Heyboer, Mercury Magnetics etc but most of them seem to do dual primary power trannies (that can be wired for European voltage) and are available in 50Hz versions. I have no experience with any of these makers so perhaps someone else may have an opinion.

If it were mine I would probably go for a Hammond as they are marketed as direct replacements for Fenders and they have good European distribution - Tube Town or Mouser definitely stock them.
I got one of their 291BEX power transformers (http://www.hammondmfg.com/pdf/EDB291BEX.pdf) which is a Deluxe Reverb replacement but used it in a tweed Deluxe build using a nos 5y3gt to keep the B+ down. I have to say it's a fine lump of iron that barely gets tepid even after a few hours of cranked usage and there's absolutely no bass 'flub' that I can discern. I also bought a 291AEX for a tweed Princeton and am totally happy with it, superb transformers from what I can see. There's dimensions on that datasheet link which I'd advise you to check with your amp. I could be wrong but I vaguely recall reading somewhere that the DRRI power transformers are slightly larger than the originals and that a Vibrolux style transformer was a better fit? I'm sure if you email any of the companies you fancy patronising they can let you know if any minor surgery would be required.
Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest