MSD detector to run on 220V via stepdown converter ????

[lgchrom]

Is it possible that an MSD detector will run normally and perfectly using a stepdown transformer? Or will it need a frequency converter too from 50Hz to 60Hz?? Would that be possible?

I am planning to replace my defective 5971 with a new 5971 I am buying from the USA. Would it be possible to use the transformer from my own (european version at 220V) and transplant it to the US 5971 that I will buy? Or is this too risky and complicated to do?

Thanks in advance

[tom jupille]

I would expect that it's dual voltage in any case (220/110V, 50/60Hz), so you shouldn't even need to use a transformer (but check with Agilent to be sure).

[lgchrom]

No it is not dual voltage apparently. On my own (euro version) it says 220V 50Hz on the back, and on the US version it says 110V, 60Hz on the back.

[tom jupille]

I was wrong before, so don't count on this , but I'd be surprised to find that Agilent uses entirely different power supplies. Check with them to find out if conversion might be as simple as resetting a switch or jumper on the board? Or, perhaps you can get hold of a replacement Euro-spec power supply board?

If the voltage and frequency can't be reset internally, then it's an open question. Simply dropping the voltage is *probably* OK, but like you, I would worry about the frequency. If it were my problem, I'd find a way to change both.

[lgchrom]

I was wrong before, so don't count on this , but I'd be surprised to find that Agilent uses entirely different power supplies. Check with them to find out if conversion might be as simple as resetting a switch or jumper on the board? Or, perhaps you can get hold of a replacement Euro-spec power supply board?

If the voltage and frequency can't be reset internally, then it's an open question. Simply dropping the voltage is *probably* OK, but like you, I would worry about the frequency. If it were my problem, I'd find a way to change both.

thank you for your reply Tom.

I actually do have access to a euro spec psu like I said, since I already have a 5971a (the one I want to replace). Finding a 5971 MSD from europe is almost impossible. So I would have to explore this route.

That said, besides the PSU could there are also be some parts (like fans for example) that work at 220V or 110V? And maybe some motors that need 60hz? I could possible swap all the PSU from one unit to another but without a servive manual or schematics there is not too much I could do. Are there any available online?

[MX304]

I know on Agilent GCs there is a jumper that can be changed to convert from 120v to 220v, but it is for 60hz 220. It might be the same on the MS.

[tom jupille]

Unless Agilent has some really incompetent design engineers (which they don't), there should be nothing in there that runs directly from the mains. All fans, motors, etc. should get their power from the internal power supply board.

In any case, motors, fans, etc. are not very sensitive to line frequency; it's the voltage that matters (think electric shaver outlets in tourist hotels). If it were strictly motors, I'd get a step-down transformer and be done with it. I would be more concerned about logic chips, clock functions, etc. whose operation might be frequency-dependent -- but that may be simply paranoia on my part!

[lgchrom]

Unless Agilent has some really incompetent design engineers (which they don't), there should be nothing in there that runs directly from the mains. All fans, motors, etc. should get their power from the internal power supply board.

In any case, motors, fans, etc. are not very sensitive to line frequency; it's the voltage that matters (think electric shaver outlets in tourist hotels). If it were strictly motors, I'd get a step-down transformer and be done with it. I would be more concerned about logic chips, clock functions, etc. whose operation might be frequency-dependent -- but that may be simply paranoia on my part!

here is a list of parts from Agilent with seperate voltages for a fan and diffusion part.hmm..

http://www.chem.agilent.com/Library/Sup ... a03826.pdf

I'll open up my own detector to see if there is a jumper like you mentioned.

If anyone else could chime in I would be grateful.

thanks