Using a North American 6D in Sweden

[mkraus]

Hey everyone,

I scoured the internet looking for this answer but could only find information related to older Electros. I am taking a North American (ie: 120V) Electro 6D to Sweden. I want to confirm that I need to replace the current 250mA 250V slo-blo fuse with a 125mA fuse, and also switch the internal psu switch to 240V mode?

If that is correct, is there a teardown guide somewhere on opening the Electro? The old ones were Philips screws and now they've switched to a Torx or allen key bit so I'm a bit anxious to get this figured out before I leave this weekend on tour. Always leaving stuff to the last minute!

[MescaL636]

I recall that with the older electro but couldn't confirm with the 6. The 2/3/5 were all broadly the same opening procedure whether Torx or Phillips head and I imagine the same with the 6. There's various guides in this forum and YouTube with pics/videos if you do a dead key or teardown search. Pablo the old Nord US tech had some specific suggestions on screw order removal in this post. I never had any problems myself just removing whatever and being careful with the ribbon cables but you can follow his advice here, I imagine it'll be the same with the 6 broadly speaking: nord-electro-forum-f9/dead-keys-on-my-n ... 11159.html

[FZiegler]

If this is only for one tour - what about a power adaptor instead of switching internal stuff?

[mkraus]

If this is only for one tour - what about a power adaptor instead of switching internal stuff?

Could you possibly link me to the type of power adapter that is suitable? When I went to the UK a few years ago, I took my Electro 2 and used a basic travel "adapter" to plug straight from the 120V into the 240V, and did switch the internal supply. However, I instantly blew the Nord's fuse (forgot to replace it with the half rated one). So obviously those tiny, passive adapters you find in the airport aren't sufficient, or it was because I didn't change the Electro 2 fuse (memory is a bit foggy around that). I think my contact on Sweden side has access to some power gear, but I don't know what specifically to ask for. Any picture or link would be hugely appreciated, thanks.

[mkraus]

I just discovered the terminology is "voltage converter" or step up/down transformer" so I'm reaching out to my contact in search of one.

[Mr_-G-]

When I went to the UK a few years ago, I took my Electro 2 and used a basic travel "adapter" to plug straight from the 120V into the 240V, and did switch the internal supply.

If you use a transformer 230V->115 (that is UK to US voltages) make sure it is enough for the consumption (in Watts) of your instruments. Then you do NOT have to switch the transformer inside the electro (or the fuse) as it should be receiving 115V from the transformer, same as at home.

However if you do not use any in-between tranformers, you should switch the internal electro transformer (from 115 to 230) AND change the fuse to 125mA slo-blow (250v).
You should also carry some plug adapter so it can be connected to the type of power connector they use in the country you are visiting.
And also make sure that you put a sticker on your instrument stating what voltage you can connect it to (so when you return home you do mistakenly plug it before setting back the transformer switch AND the change back to the original 250mA (or is it 300mA?) fuse.

If I were you, I would do the internal transformer switching + fuse thing. Less weight to carry around and cheaper too. Good transformers are more expensive than a fuse and can be heavy. Carrying with you a few fuses, might come in handy in case it blows while on tour.

[FZiegler]

In any case, do not plug your N.A. Nord into a Swedish wall outlet without changing the interior switch - that way you would probably blow your instrument (with or without fuse changed, as that one should be 'slow' type). The other way round isn't so problematic: It just wouldn't work.

The reason why I suggested a power transformer (yeah, might be the right word) is that you could connect more than only your Nord to it - within a certain wattage. The longer your tour takes the better the internal solution: That way, you'd never forget the transformer to connect before.

[mkraus]

Thanks for the advice. We're doing a 3 week run so it's right on the cusp of whether I want to open it up or not. We actually have an off day in Munich on Monday so I may hit the city and look for fuses and/or a transformer once I know better what is available to me on the other end. I'm taking my screwdriver kit and I've requested a transformer or "voltage converter" from our gear supplier, but I'll endeavour to change the internal switch once I'm there. Sadly, we're playing our last Canadian gig tonight and fly out tomorrow morning so I'm stuck using the keyboard in NA mode tonight. Tight turnaround these days!

[DavidSydney]

mkraus, something like this will do the job: https://www.thomann.de/gb/tube_amp_doct ... _100va.htm

Don't, whatever you do, use the cheap/lightweight airport-style 'voltage converters'. These are only suitable for electric razors and the like.

But changing the Electro's internal switch isn't a big deal (I did it on stage for a Japanese band visiting Australia for a festival in the middle of a 20-minute band turnaround with my Leatherman!).

All the best!