From 220/240 volts (50 Hz) to 110/120 volts (60 Hz)

[salwa]

An inexpensive way to adapt your PDQ for 220/240 volts is with the VOD 5000 Step Down Transformer. You will also need an extension cord and possibly an adapter or plug end to connect the transformer to the power pole on the dock once in Europe. The European plug has two circular plugs. We can buy these in Europe if necessary.


Features of the VOD 5000 - High Voltage Transformers


» 5000 Watt maximum capacity heavy-duty continuous use transformers
» Converts 220/240 Volts down to 110/120 Volts
» Two grounded outlets in front of unit (outlets accept 3 or 2 prong US and Euro plugs)
» Hard wired with a European Shucko plug also good for Asian outlets
» Built-in fuse protection
» Durable design with a heavy-duty cord

Weight: 56 Lbs
Dimensions(LxBxH): 13" X 10" X 9"
Cost: $153 US – shipped

Website: http://www.voltage-converter-transforme ... mer-2.html

With the exception of the microwave which will not run on 50 HZ power, all other boat systems will run. Keep in mind that the maximum capacity is 5000 watts.

The simplest solution to running the microwave is to turn on the generator. Another option is to plug your microwave into a regular galley receptacle and it will work off the inverter.

[Sno' Dog]

On Sno' Dog we have tried reconnecting the microwave to the inverter circuit. It works fine - but we do get a "low battery" warning in short order if the engines aren't running. This is not really a problem, it just means that the low voltage warning set-point on our Prosine needs to be set a bit lower. I've never bothered to adjust it.

It did occur to me, however, that if the microwave were plugged into the inverter circuit, it would automatically switch over to shore power whenever available. This means it would feed 50-Hz AC directly to the microwave. To avoid this, we would have to remember to unplug our micros when using 220 V, 50 Hz Euro shore power (through the step-down transformer). What say you, David?
Henry - Sno' Dog (Suggested outlet modification for most enjoyable Euro-cruising!)

[simkins]

Officially we have been told that the microwave will not work on 50 hz.

I will be posting some of the settings needed to make the inverter work on 50 hz but it will "pass through" this frequency to the microwave if pluged in!

Another option is to use a converter rather than the transformer which I hope to post some information on soon.

[simkins]

Hi All,

You will need to change the settings on the ProSign to operate at 50 Hz while in the Baltic. I have spoken with the tech services team at ProSign and they are a green light for everything attached.

Entering Configure Mode

To enter Configure mode:
Set the DISPLAY switch to CONFIGURE.

Then push the menu down button to Prosine advanced.
Push (ENTER).

Push the (MENU) down button until each of the following is displayed
See Below
Change the value with the (DATA) button(s) then push (ENTER) when done.

Push the (MENU) down button once repeat process when finished put the display switch back to on and you’re done.

I would recommend that you change the values to the lowest values and the high settings to the highest setting as this will allow the unit to keep charging and transferring regardless of changes in shore power or generator.

Please make sure your appliances connected to the output of the inverter will work with the 50 Hz!




Low AC Transfer (V)
This is the voltage below which the unit will no longer recognize AC as “good”, will open the relay, and will attempt to transfer to invert mode if Invert is Enabled. The range of values is 85–110Vac.

Low AC Transfer (Hz)
This is the frequency at which the unit will no longer recognize AC as “good” and will attempt to transfer to invert mode. The range is 40–59Hz.

High AC Transfer (V)
This is the voltage above which the unit will no longer recognize AC as “good” and will attempt to transfer to Invert. The range is 120–135Vac.

High AC Transfer (Hz)
This is the frequency at which the unit will no longer recognize AC as “good” and will attempt to transfer to invert. The range is 61–70Hz.

Inverter Low V SHUTDOWN
At or below this battery voltage, the inverter will shut down. The values range from 10–16Vdc.

Inverter Low V WARNING
This is an offset voltage ranging from 0 to 3.0V. When the battery voltage drops below the sum of Low V Shutdown and Low V Warning, the PROsine will sound a warning.



Ok, now you have opened the ProSign to a range that it can operate. Keep in mind you are still going to need that Transformer to drop 220v down to the 120 volts we are accustom to in the states.

[salwa]

Hi,

According to Dick, the adapter that we need to go from the output of the step down transformer (regular 15 amp) to our 30 amp cable is West Marine # 147496.

[simkins]

You will need a 15A male to 30A Female 125V locking Pigtail Adapter. Here are a few that fit the application.


Hubble HBL104 retails for $74.53
Hubble HBL31CM28 retails for $54.84
Hubble HBL61CM55 retails for $75.29

Upon arrival you are going to need to buy an extension cord to go from the dock to the transformer. We might find that is it going to be easier to buy two cords and cut the end off one and install the 3 pole plug common to dock side connections which will be available at most marine stores.