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Topic: Anyone ever try to use a US iHome in the UK?  (Read 827 times)

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Anyone ever try to use a US iHome in the UK?
« on: July 05, 2007, 05:43:45 AM »
what kind of equipment am i looking at here... transformer... adapter?
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Re: Anyone ever try to use a US iHome in the UK?
« Reply #1 on: July 05, 2007, 11:09:44 AM »
This is one of those base units that you sit an iPod in, and it also provides clock/radio functions, right? 

Power will just follow the same guidelines as most other similar units.  My guess would be that it is most likely 120V only, in which case you'd need to run through a transformer.  If there is a voltage selector on the back, or the label says something like 90 to 250 volts indicating a switched-mode supply, then it will work with just a change of plug or a plug adapter.   I very much doubt that the clock on a modern unit will be synchronized to the supply frequency, but if for some reason it is then the clock will run slow.

If the radio section has digital tuning with fixed steps, then be aware that it may not be able to receive all British stations properly.  See reply #3 in the Technical issues thread for more about this.
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Re: Anyone ever try to use a US iHome in the UK?
« Reply #2 on: July 05, 2007, 03:20:47 PM »
thanks... good advice

do you know how much transformers roughly cost? where can i buy one in the states?
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Re: Anyone ever try to use a US iHome in the UK?
« Reply #3 on: July 05, 2007, 04:13:01 PM »
Hi there,

just an opinion, I'd not really bother with bringing a US ihome over if it turns out it's not got an auto or switchable voltage capability.

ihome's here aren't exactly bank breaking ranging from around £60-90 on this website

http://www.eoutlet.co.uk/productslistm.aspx?ManufacturerID=22

You might as well sell off the one there, and put the dosh towards one from here with the UK warranty and guarantee etc etc.

Cheers! DtM! West London & Slough UK!


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Re: Anyone ever try to use a US iHome in the UK?
« Reply #4 on: July 06, 2007, 09:23:51 AM »
As Dennis says, you really need to consider carefully whether you want to bring small items like this and then go to the trouble of providing transformers. 

If you really want to though, something like this would need only a small transformer.  Many mail-order places sell them in the States, although quite often they come with a European plug rather than British, so you'd need to change it, e.g.

http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/TC-100/790970/100W_UP_DOWN_TRANSFORMER_.html

You can also obtain suitable units in the U.K. ready to "plug in and go."

http://www.newmarket-transformers.co.uk

http://www.airlinktransformers.com


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