Using UK electronics in US

I have a reverse-adaptor question.  I'm planning a trip to the states next week and would like to take some walkie-talkies I bought in London.  The charger says "Input: AC 230v-50hz 35mA; Output: DC 9v=350mA 3.15VA"

Can I use it in the US with just a plug adaptor and NOT a transformer? I assume it will work but the charging power will be reduced or slower than normal because the voltage input is lower in the US (110). Is that accurate?

I assume it will work but the charging power will be reduced or slower than normal because the voltage input is lower in the US

I see your line of reasoning, but I'm afraid it doesn't work like that.     The output from the power unit will simply not be enough to charge the battery at all.   The only way it would work is if the charger is really one of the switched-mode types which will accept a wide voltage input range (e.g. 90 to 250V) but is just labeled for 230V only.  That's not very likely.

Your two options would be to use a 120-to-240V step-up transformer, or to use an adapter lead to connect directly to a 240V U.S. outlet.   All but the oldest of American residential house services have 240V as well as 120V, used for heavier appliances such as the range, dryer, heating, and so on.

If you can find a 240V 15A or 20A receptacle you could connect to that.  Typical locations for those would be an A/C unit or some higher-powered baseboard heaters.

One other word of warning:  The frequencies used by many walkie-talkies in the U.K. are different from those in use in the U.S., so you may well be in violation of F.C.C. regulations by using U.K. units Stateside.

Paul,

Ah ha. I knew I should have paid attention in electronic shop class. I do have a step-up transformer but its too darn heavy to pack and carry to the states for a walkie-talkie so I'm just going to bag it. Thanks for clarifying.

There might be another alternative, a US specific charge.  You can usually by "universal" charges for electronic devices at most electronics retailers and large department stores.

How you ask, well the charge is outputing at DC 9v=350mA 3.15VA.  So as long as you find a charger that outputs at that you're good.  As for cost well they usually are under $25.