I amvery www-challenged at the moment as I cannot find a transformer to charge my digital batteries while in Greece. ( I do not need a converter, I figured that much out.) thanks for your help.

First, look at the #'s on the back or side of your existing charger. If it says 100-240V AC, or some similar range like 110-220V, then all you need to do is plug it in with an adaptor.

If if just says 110V, then you will need to convert the 220V in Greece to 110V.

I confess I still don't know the difference b/t a transformer and a converter... usually, it comes with the adaptor plugs in a kit...If you don't need all that, probably try Radio Shack or an electronics store. If you want the kit, you can buy them at Walmart, Target, online at Magellans.com, etc...

What about a dual-voltage battery charger?
http://www.magellans.com/store/Appli...ersEA543?Args=

Anything here?
http://www.magellans.com/store/Phone...;page_number=1

> transformer
No offense!, but isn't this basic high school stuff you learn in 6th grade? I'm just wondering why there's so little knowledge about these things among the Fodorites.

Nope, I didn't take 'shop' and didn't have any kind of electronics training that I can recall! and knowing about 'converters and transformers' never came up in my entire adult life until we started traveling outside the US.

That's funny, in many rural places in the US they put huge transformers on lamp poles. You must have seen them, they make a humming noise. They're a fascinating piece of technology, made of iron and copper.

Last trip I tried to take one of those transformers off the a light pole in my carryon - security wouldn't let it through.

I know it's crazy, but I'd really like to diassemble one of those and put it on display. Then at least people would know what a transformer looks like and would recognize his baby brother at Wal-Mart

I thought you bought transformers (more then meets the eye) at a toy deparment of any discount store.

you guys! if it were that easy to find (Walmart, Target, etc), I wouldn't be here even tho,like Travelnut, I never took shop either and am 40years past 6th grade.

I did not realize the diff. between a transformer and a converter until I plugged my batteries in to re-charge on day #1 of 14 days in SE Asia and the whole contraption just fizzled out. So, now I am the wiser, but just can't find one. (tried Walmart, Target, BstBuy, PC Richards, Costco and Sams. Amazon did have one that weighed 7 lbs which I guess is what those people need who fix the ones one rural lampposts. not ever sure about that as I am a striclty urban-raised human.) Maybe there is a "key word" to type in other than travel voltage transformer?

Transformer, Trafo is correct. Copper wire and iron indeed are somewhat havy. They don't come lightweight. In fact as you realized, (almost) all 110V/230V switching converters are illegal in most european countries for a reason. On the greek islands it'll be difficult to buy a trafo. What kind of batteries do you have?

Hi...if you have any questions about voltages, etc..in any country., call or email Magellans. It's a travel supply store in Santa Barbara, Ca and they know EVERYTHING and probably carry what you need. I'm like you. I just dont' understand all the electrical 'stuff' and have found them to be absolutly wonderful in helping me in the past. Good luck and have fun on your trip.

Two issues: Transformers/voltage converters, and plug adapters.

1. Transformers/voltage converters

Transformers change voltage, can also be called converters - just make sure what it converts.

USA-only (single voltage) gizmos run on roughly 110 Volts, but the circuits in Europe deliver double that and will fry your USA-only gizmos unless you put a transformer/converter in between that mellows that European 220-240 Volts down to 110-120 Volts or thereabouts

If your USA-bought gizmo is constructed as a dual-voltage gizmo, then it is ready to suck up and handle the 220-240 Volts in Europe. Look at it, it will be marked accordingly. You may have to throw a switch, or it may handle the two voltages without your help.

The other issue: Plug adapters.

The plugs at the ends of US cords and gizmos do not fit the sockets in Europe. The prongs are different, and the holes are different - its like the square peg that won't fit the round hole.

So you need a plug adapter - a simple piece that accepts US prongs on the back and has European-style prongs on the front.

www.magellans.com and others have good pictures, and even Target and such stores have these little adapters these days. They come in two-prong (not grounded) and three-prong (grounded, or "earthed" as they say in the UK) versions.

About the transformers: CD players and other low-wattage gizmos need a different transformer than high-heat and high-wattage gizmos like hairdryers and curler irons etc. Make sure you read what Magellans explains and get the correct one.

WK

Maybe it is cheaper and also easier, to buy a charger (the 220-240 V type) in Greece instead of bringing a charger and a transformer, oh, and an adapter for the transformer, with you.

Same thing with other everyday gadgets as hairdriers and the same, available in department stores or supermarkets in Europe for maybe 15 or 20 EUR.

You even don´t have to take these things back home, you can give them away after having used them during your trip.

Europeans, especially those living in towns, use to buy their needs in shops, so, if you do as the locals do, you can get the stuff you need at those places.

Curious and curiouser. Isn't a converter and a transformer a similar device? Your battery source can advise you as to exactly what you need. Your camera instructions should also have instructions about using it in '240 volt' countries. Back-up: AA batteries ?

thanks, WallyK: magellens.com had just what I wanted. I appreciate the source and now I am not driving through mall-mazes trying to find one.happy travels to you,Jan

>Isn't a converter and a transformer a similar device?
Yes, similar, but two different things/ technologies. Transformers are "fool proof", converters use "high tech".

Here is a rather concise explanation from Robespierre:

Author: Robespierre
Date: 06/18/2006, 11:47 am
Summary:

1. If an appliance is rated for dual voltage use (e.g. 110-240V), then all that is needed is a plug adapter.

2. If the appliance's power requirement is up to 100 Watts, then a properly sized transformer is the appropriate choice. Virtually any charger or small electronic device can use a 50-Watt transformer. Some laptops and DVD players may require one with up to 100-Watt capacity.

3. High-power devices (things like 1500-Watt hair curlers or dryers) should use a lightweight converter. Do NOT plug low-power devices into a converter.

By the way, plug-in electric clocks typically synchronize to the frequency of the alternating current they're plugged into, regardless of the voltage. In the U.S., 60 Hertz is used, but in Europe, 50 Hertz is standard.

This means that many (if not most) U.S. clocks will run at 5/6 normal speed on the other side of the pond. Battery-operated clocks don't exhibit this syndrome.

Travelnut - You can use low watt appliances with a converter. They now make them to handle 0-2000w.
http://www.franzus.com/page/FOS/PROD/ELEC-CONV/PS-200-1

The last 2 replies are in direct conflict with each other.


< If the appliance's power requirement is up to 100 Watts, then a properly sized transformer is the appropriate choice. Virtually any charger or small electronic device can use a 50-Watt transformer. Some laptops and DVD players may require one with up to 100-Watt capacity.

High-power devices (things like 1500-Watt hair curlers or dryers) should use a lightweight converter. Do NOT plug low-power devices into a converter. >


< Travelnut - You can use low watt appliances with a converter. They now make them to handle 0-2000w. >

Somebody is wrong.