Electric converter question
 

I will be traveling to Australia from the US and have purchased a voltage converter/plug adaptor that I plan to use to charge my digital camera and video camera battery. However, on the back of the converter it says not to use with battery chargers. Has anyone had an experience with this? I have asked at the electronics stores and nobody seems to know. I am wondering if it is just a disclaimer to cover themselves or if it could truly do some damage.

Check your battery charger to see if it has any sort of switch that will reset it to use 220v instead of 110v. If so, all you need to get is a plug adapter. I don't know why a voltage converter would be unable to be used with a battery charger, unless the converter is small and weak, and might overheat if charging a battery over a long period of time?

The charger doesn't have any sort of switch and requires a voltage converter. The one we have purchased is a Radio Shack model. Has anyone had any experience with this?<BR>Thanks!

Just went to Oz, just went through this very issue. Your US chargers handle both 220 and 110. On the back it gives the range of voltages allowed, and covers both US and Australia. You just need the 3 prong adapter plug for your charger, and you are ready to go. I charged my digital camera and video 2 or 3 times over a 3 week trip using my US chargers. All I needed was that adapter, available at any travel section.

Also, if your charger is not dual voltage (most are), be aware that there are converters for heat generating appliances only, as well the regular converters. I find that a shop that specializes in travel items usually can help.