I am planning on studying abroad in London from January to May. I
have heard about the differences in current and am a little nervous
about getting my deck fried. I have heard that the transformer things
that change the current really aren't'safe to use with expensive
electronics. Does anybody have any suggestions for my problem.  I
basically want to be able to plug my 6 volt adapter in without getting
a fried deck.

Traveling DATheads (or those living in Europe) offered these responses...

From: "Norbert Weinrich" 
Subject: Re: Powering a D8 in London Date: Thu, 28 Nov 1996

Hi Bill,

Instead of buying a transformer for use with your US 9 V adaptor
(shouldn't that read "6 V" ?) you might just as well buy an adaptor in
Europe. The original one by Sony costs around 50-60 DEM in Germany (USD
35-40). You should be able to finde cheaper generic ones, but you will
have to look out for the small plug.

When using a European adapter you won't have any problems, because all
the D8 asks for is DC. And that's what it gets from the adaptor.

>As for recording purposes, I have a 4 d cell battery pack.  Is a D
>cell battery the same here as it would be in London.

Yes, of course.

Norbert

From: jayl@southeast.net (Jay Lyons)
Subject: Re: Powering a D8 in London Date: Fri, 29 Nov 1996

It was asked... problem.  I basically want to be able to plug my 9 volt
adapter in without getting a fried deck.

and a reply was...

>you might just as well buy an adaptor in Europe. The original one by
>Sony costs around 50-60 DEM in Germany (USD 35-40). You should be able
>to finde cheaper generic ones, but you will have to look out for the
>small plug.

...and I'm adding; it's NOT just the small plug. I BELIEVE it, the plug,
also has reversed polarity (correct me please) as compared to most power
supplies. The plug itself is now being carried by radio shack in a two
pk for $1.79

>When using a European adapter you won't have any problems, because
>all the D8 asks for is DC. And that's what it gets from the adaptor.

I be saying; I think it would be a good idea to purchase it overseas,
too. I've never been to Europe but AFAIK, the electric over there is
50hz cycle instead of 60 as here in the USA. And I believe it is also
220v (240v?) instead of 110v as here. Point being the adaptor made for
the European countries would be better suited for the juice they use.

correct me if I'm wrong,
Jay 

From: TomMOD@aol.com
Subject: D8 in London Date: Sat, 30 Nov 1996

I moved to London about 7 months ago. You have several options on
powering your D8, and other electronics for that matter in Endland (and
the rest of Europe). Euriope used 230 VAC, 50Hz.  The US (and most of
ther Americas) use 120 VAC, 60 Hz.  A transformer will convert the
Voltage, but will not change the freq (Hz).  Usually (in every case I
have tried) this is not a problem. Only AC motors (not used in DATs,
VCR's or Tape decks) *might* be affected in general from what I have
read.

To power the D8 in the UK you can:

-By the worldwide power cable ($70?) -Use a transformer -Go to Lakeside
Mall in Essex (M25 & A13) when you arrive and by a UK adapter from the
Sony Store (20 GBP) -Go to Totenham Court Road in London and buy a
knock-off adapter from the rows of dicounters there -Use AA batteries

Hope that helps.

Tom