Help - Japanese Akai MPC 60 II

Hi I've just acquired an MPC 60 II, I've checked the rear panel and it has a [J] symbol near my power supply. I've read the forums and this indicates its a japense model and it has 100V - 25W - 50/60Hz wrote on the rear panel.

What I need help on is how to go about getting this unit hooked up so I can use it, I've read the forums and came across a post saying I need a stepdown transformer from UK power to Japanese voltage. Is it as simple as this? I've searched google looking for a stepdown transformer but the technical jargon gets the best of me as theres a huge list of different kinds with different amps you can find them here: http://www.airlinktransformers.com/japa ... ormers.asp

Do I also need to be very careful of the ampage I select, I really don't want to blow my MPC!

The cable that came with my MPC is a 2 pin plug that is plugged into a multiadapter that allows multiple socket types to be converted to japanese 2 pin plugs. This is whats confusing me also? Should it not of came with a japanese power cable as this power cable is 10/16A 250V 2 Pin cable? If anyone can help me asap with this I'd hugely appreciate it, I've been after one of these units for long and to finally have one and not use it is killing me!

Cheers.

That first one on the list should more than handle your MPC.
Only buy a bigger one if you have other Japanese equipment to run.

http://www.airlinktransformers.com/tran ... former.asp




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are you saying you live in the UK?

if so then you for sure need a step down transformer. You are trying to cut your 220 down to 110. Get the biggest unit you can afford.

I am unfamiliar with the Japanese plugs. Wikipedia say's they are almost identical to the american types.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets

If you can get a rewirable Japanese plug, just put that on the mpc cable and plug that straight into the step-down transformer and you will be good to go without needing the extra adapter.
I'm pretty sure the mk2 MPC60 is ungrounded (I have the mk1) so you only need a 2 pin plug.

Pilchard wrote:I am unfamiliar with the Japanese plugs. Wikipedia say's they are almost identical to the american types.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets

If you can get a rewirable Japanese plug, just put that on the mpc cable and plug that straight into the step-down transformer and you will be good to go without needing the extra adapter.
I'm pretty sure the mk2 MPC60 is ungrounded (I have the mk1) so you only need a 2 pin plug.

And adding a ground is easy if required.. though I dont think there is a ground in the UK also. I dont think japan has the ground prong. Over here things like that are most often grounded.

mr_debauch wrote: I dont think there is a ground in the UK also.

Our UK plugs have a ground (or earth as we call them) prong in all plugs, whether the equipment is grounded or not.

Hi thanks for the quick responses!

Yes I'm in the UK I should have mentioned that!

The power cable is ungrounded, its only 2 pin. Is they're anybody here using a step-down transformer with there MPC in the UK that can help me further? I've double checked the multi-adapter the 2 pin plug from the MPC is plugged into and its a 110V 13A adapter the pins on it for the mains are 2 square shaped pins with holes in them, could I use a USA - UK transformer as the difference is only 10 Volts or is this risky?

After looking at this: JA0050 : 50VA Japanese Voltage Converter

It looks like i'm going to need a european-japanese adapter to plug into this voltage converter, is this correct?

gowansy wrote: could I use a USA - UK transformer as the difference is only 10 Volts or is this risky?

You probably could do it without any damage but, why risk your new baby for a mere £18.00 for the right transformer?
Did the seller not give you any info on it?

Don't worry I aint gonna risk it! Nah, i text him and he said he just used a japanese concrete for using it, but that completely baffled me? It's strange that I've got a european 2 pin power cable with it, thats plugged into a USA Adaptor. Unless he's been running it this way. I guess I will have to find a european to japanese adaptor that goes into the JA0050 : 50VA Japanese Voltage Converter to be safe, but I'm having trouble finding a euro - japanese adaptor on google!

I found 'em but they are travel adapters costing £25.00

Ouch!!




Ps. I have no idea what he means by Japanese concrete either.









EDIT found one £7.49....


http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=126378

u got a link mate? - ignore!

See above ^^^^^^

cheers mate that looks like it will do the job, then i'll grab the transformer as well then everything willbe at the correct voltage. such a pain in the arse to get it running! my plug sockets going to look ridiculous and i'm still paranoid. i wished my mpc was fitted with a UK power supply now.

Yeah, pity you can't get more sense out of the seller. Maybe he used it ok with what you already have? Who knows?


But I know what you mean about having the correct one for the region. It would worry me that someone would unknowingly plug it in the 230 volts and blow it when I wasn't looking

Incidently though,...... My mk1 clearly say's AC 120v on the back yet, It has a captive mains lead with a moulded 13 amp UK plug on the end and works fine on uk power. I guess it musta been modified at some time.