220v - 110v transformer

[Andrew_B]

Whilst sailing along the US east coast last year I installed a 110v - 10 amp 3 stage battery charger so I could plug into the mains when in marinas which worked a treat.
The problem now of course is that now I have sailed back to the UK I cant use it - or can I?
I know you can buy heafty and expensive 220v - 110v transformers that can handle large wattage but does anyone know if it is possible to buy a small electronic transformer to convert small wattages.
I dont really want to throw this charger away so any ideas would be most welcome.

Many thanks

 

[Strathglass]

Andrew
A 1KW step down transformer would be something like 7" cube and they are relatively innexpensive in builders merchants.
Iain

 

[bedouin]

Yes - check something like the Maplin catalogue. They can also be called "Auto Transformers".

 

[Andrew_B]

Thanks for advice

Just ordered one for 9.99 incl postage.

Many thanks

 

[tr7v8]

Re: Thanks for advice

Be careful, I have worked for various US IT Co over the years and their PSU's were always a weak spot in the UK. The reason is that they design for 110V AND 60HZ, which means although your trannie will step down 240-110 the frequency it'll see will be 50Hz not 60Hz. We saw several fried PSU's on USA kit because of this. The other thing is you'll probably find it runs A. quite hot and B. with a lower output because of this.
Not saying it will fail but don't just plug it in and ignore it!

Jim
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