Synthesizer Electronic Problems - Finding an AC Adapter

[dajaphonics]

Hello,

I have recently come into problems with a synthesizer that I've been using. It's an Alesis Micron. The power supply, which is a 120V AC Input 50-60 Hz and 9V AC 1.5 -2A Output.

This is a US ac adapter so finding one that is 220V AC would be ideal.

I have had the hardest time finding a replacement for it. I've been to 中关村twice and to 鼓楼大街和新借口 to look for a replacement. I found a DC 1.5 A output at 中发电子 in Zhongguancun. However, it is important that this is an AC output. Someone told me that no Chinese electronics use AC output.

How could it be that all these adapters are made here but I can't find one to purchase here? There has to be a place. Does anyone know a particular store that sells synths. I found a few that carried pedals and synths on Gulou Dajie but to no avail. Any leads?

John

[roddy]

Have a look on Taobao - if it's not on Taobao, it probably doesn't exist. Not sure if that particular one will do, but it's all electricity - as long as the numbers are right and you've got the right head to splice on, it should all be ok.

[dajaphonics]

Thanks Roddy,

I'm currently browsing this site now. It looks good aside from the one important thing that it has to be both AC input and AC output. The AC Output has proven difficult to find here in Beijing so far.

John

[gougou]

Gulou Dajie

I had a problem with my MS2000 which I had imported from Japan, too, and also went to Gulou Dong Dajie to try my luck at the music stores. To no avail, as well, but then I stopped by one of the gaming stores on the same street and bought a Wii converter - problem solved.

[roddy]

Another possibility is checking Alibaba and Global Sources - these are sourcing sites, so they aren't much good for a single purchase, but you might get manufacturers names or model numbers to chase up. But if it's proving to be a hassle to find, ordering one from the US might just work out easier.

[dajaphonics]

Thanks for the speedy replies roddy and gougou,

I have one question and two coincidences. First, what are the exact numbers your MS-2000 uses? Does it use the same power as the Micron?

As I was walking down Gulou Dong Dajie, I almost walked into one of those video game stores to inquire about power supplies. Also, I was literally just watching a video showcasing the Korg MS2000 right before I read your reply. How is it? Sounds nice on the video.

John

[bumclouds]

Buy a step down transformer. It will step your 220V 50Hz mains power supply in China down to about 110V. You can then just plug your 120V 50-60Hz power pack straight into that. 110V will be OK.

My local power supply is 220V. When I travelled overseas to Japan where it's 100V, it just used a step-up transformer and all my appliances worked just fine.

- AJ

[gougou]

I just checked, the synth's Japanese plug is Input AC 100V 50-60 Hz 13 VA, Output DC 9V 600mA. Before that, I use the Wii converter which is Input AC 220V Output AC 100V.

Shouldn't be too hard finding one that supplies 120V, I guess.

[dajaphonics]

gougou,

Just to let you know, I was using a converter. However, since I have to often plug and unplug wires under my desk, I plugged my 120V adapter straight into the outlet, frying the adapter. Now I wait in suspense to see if anything on the synth is broken.

So it's not the conversion now that's a problem, it's simply finding an adapter that has AC output.

This is a reason my friend gave me why China doesn't have many AC outputs at lower voltage:

"In China I think there is no use of low AC voltage. Which is really nice because it saves troubles for people to get PSUs, there is no AC/DC kind of issue to pay attention. Just like we have power strips that can take any kind of plugs, so there is no compatiblity problems.

But the bad side is that it is almost impossible for us to look for AC PSUs for synthes."

John

[gougou]

I see. You might want to get in touch with Alesis US then and see whether they can point you to any authorized resellers that could sell you a new adapter.

[flameproof]

There are a few 9VAC/1200mA on taobao:

http://item.taobao.com/auction/item_detail-0db2-9ba847561c132743d044e554615b2c14.jhtml?cm_cat=0

1200mA is below your rating but no harm to try, the adapter may burn though. If you can find higher it better, even 5A would be no problem.

AC should be 交流電 I think.