Re: Japanese consoles on US power

From George Plamantouras <xxxxxx@mindspring.com>
Date
Interestingly, I'd never heard of any problems with FXs in other 
countries but a store here in Japan had stopped carrying the FX because 
of bad power cords. I was kind of surprised to learn of this. Anyway, 
back when NCS used to carry the FX, they said a step-downcoverter 
wouldn't be necessary but advised it if you felt uncertain. I think it 
depends on what you're plugging your system into.  Given the fact that 
FX are seen much anymore in stores - even in Akihabara - it might be a 
good idea to play it safe but, in all the years I've used FXs and sold 
them, I've never once had a problem. 
However, I did have a guy tell me that his SGX adapter died on him and 
he fortunately got a suitable replacement at Radio Shack (instead of 
getting angry at me).  It's the only instance I've ever heard of for 
any imported (from Japan, at least) console. 
>The real reason for my question is that I recently acquired a PC-FX. 
>The PC-FX uses the same Japanese power, but the "AC adapter" is inside 
>the console. Am I OK to go ahead and use it as-is? I don't want to risk 
>frying the power circuitry since it wouldn't be as simple as getting a 
>new adapter. I'd probably have to get a new PC-FX if anything bad were 
>to happen. Do I need to shell out the cash for a step-down converter or 
>is Japanese power close enough I shouldn't have problems as long as I 
>keep it unplugged when not in use?