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European Naomi Universal for use in the US

Posted: February 6th, 2019, 9:20 pm
by JoeAwesome
I recently acquired a European Naomi Universal cab, and it came with what I think is a "schuko" power connector, not suitable for use in the US as is. I also see a sticker on the back from Sega that states "230v".

Before I do something wrong, like plug it into the wall outlet with a different cable, I wanted to see if anyone had advice to set it up properly for use in the US at 110v, or however much it's supposed to be in the US/Japan. Should I use a converter? Do I need to change some part of internal wiring, possibly with the transformer? Or is it really as simple as finding an appropriate cable? (I highly doubt the last option)

I've gotten very little help from the seller, but at his price, it was seemingly worth the gamble. He was in the armed forces, and had the machine imported (from where is unknown), but states he had used the machine in the US at one point, and cannot recall if he used a step up/down converter.

Re: European Naomi Universal for use in the US

Posted: February 6th, 2019, 9:39 pm
by DaveyD
The European naomi universal cab has an extra 240v to 100v transformer inside to power everything as otherwise it is the same setup as Japanese 100v system

Basically you need to remove the extra transformer and wire everything from its output to the input socket at the back so you can run it on your US 110v

Re: European Naomi Universal for use in the US

Posted: February 6th, 2019, 11:33 pm
by penrhos
Open the rear door on the base and take a picture of what's there...

UK ones have a large square transformer that outputs several voltages - 100VAC for the monitor and SUN PSU and I think 17VAC that goes to a small PCB and from there the audio amp next to the SUN PSU.
The only US one I've seen in the UK didn't have the large square transformer but it did have a small oval one that just powered the audio amp and the guy was running it on a 220-110 stepdown.

It is possible that he used a 110->220V step-up transformer as the "schuko" is normally used in Europe at 220-230V if you go that route make sure you get the correct wattage (if it needs 5A @ 220V then it's 10A at 110V).

tolerance is usually +/- 10% of nominal voltage.

What I can't remember is if it's an isolation transformer or a standard one.

Re: European Naomi Universal for use in the US

Posted: February 7th, 2019, 1:59 am
by JoeAwesome
Here's a few pics. Hope they help, but sorry about the lighting.



Is there a guide someone has posted to remove the transformer and restore it back to 110v? Unfortunately, I'm not understanding how to go about that.

Re: European Naomi Universal for use in the US

Posted: February 7th, 2019, 2:02 am
by JoeAwesome
And here's another gallery with some more pics that may or may not be of help:


Re: European Naomi Universal for use in the US

Posted: February 7th, 2019, 8:33 am
by PrincessPrinPrin
You get rid of that thing but you'll need to get a transformer for the audio amplifier.

Re: European Naomi Universal for use in the US

Posted: February 7th, 2019, 9:33 pm
by JoeAwesome
PrincessPrinPrin wrote: February 7th, 2019, 8:33 am You get rid of that thing but you'll need to get a transformer for the audio amplifier.
Would I still be able to test the cab without damaging the amplifier if I don't have the amp's transformer?

Re: European Naomi Universal for use in the US

Posted: February 7th, 2019, 9:46 pm
by DaveyD
JoeAwesome wrote: February 7th, 2019, 9:33 pm
PrincessPrinPrin wrote: February 7th, 2019, 8:33 am You get rid of that thing but you'll need to get a transformer for the audio amplifier.
Would I still be able to test the cab without damaging the amplifier if I don't have the amp's transformer?
Yes it will be fine. If you leave the amplifier unpowered there will just be no audio

Re: European Naomi Universal for use in the US

Posted: August 29th, 2019, 1:19 am
by JoeAwesome
Update with last set of photos that have helped: