Using Europe Micro in the States?

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hseiken

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Due to the ridiculous popularity of old computers in much of Europe compared to the states (and with much better software support, etc.) I'm probably going to end up getting a euro machine. However, what all would I need to run it in the states?

I'm thinking I need RGB output on the unit so that I can use it on NTSC if I don't outright get a dedicated monitor and a 110V adapter for all accessories and the computer itself.

What else should I consider when buying a euro released unit?

Also, what computers were released in the states that support euro software?

I was really disappointed to find that the MSX thread got closed because that's the computer I really want, but am also interested in Atari's 8-bit line and the Sinclair. It's easier to find these for decent price (even including outrageous shipping) than buying domestic for some reason so I want to know what to expect if I decide to go this route.

Thanks for any help and suggestions.
 
Other than a multi-norm TV* and a step transformer to have 220V nothing more is required, maybe the RGB cables for the computers that have RGB out.

Prefer a cheap chinese LCD, I discover that chinese equipment is made to work in near all world countries, so will work on 50Hz refresh rates and even in European PAL colour encoding via (bleargh) composite.

And most of the times the VGA input in those cheap sets will synchronize in 50Hz!!!
 
I think most of your bases are covered, an alternative power supply and a good TV that can handle PAL, should you need it to, will cope with most things.
 
Look for used step down power converters from US military folks returning, and new units on Amazon (good variety as I recall).
 
Thanks for the input. I'm prior military so I got tons of connections to get step downs on the cheap (much cheaper than airports sell them for!)

@RKAUR - can you point me to a supplier for the type of monitor you speak of? I have one now that isn't in use, but I don't know what refresh rates it supports (but it doesn't have RCA input, only RGB) and didn't most of the old 8bits use RCA for alternate output? I'm really a noob when it comes to the actual units as I didn't own a computer until I was 16 (1996).

Thanks for the help!
 
Power supply needs to be 230v 50Hz, and keep in mind the 50Hz. Many elcheapo transformers will do just 2 times 110V-60Hz, that won't work in most cases and if it does, it will give problems.

You could search for LCD/LED monitors that support 15Khz, Amiga's work on that, as for C64, Atari and others, just get a good LCD/LED TV with scart and build a few cables.
 
Hi

Just my 2pence worth, I took a load of uk pal 50hz stuff to Canada and with a stepup every single thing worked even at 60hz. Spectrum, c64, xl, 1979 atari and cp/m stuff. everything. I was pleasantly surprised.

I had the advantage of a pal/ NTSC tv however :) for me the stepup was all I needed!
 
Most stepup/stepdown transformers would work in native frequency (60hz in your case). Not because they're cheap, but because they're simply transformers! You'd need something 'better' which would also provide frequency conversion. And that's where the dough is...
Have a Westinghouse 110v to 220v transformer/converter which took my better part of a monthly salary way back in '87, but most any regular transformer gives me my local 50hz instead.
However, that has never been a problem for any of the US-specced appliances i operate here. Unless you're talking about stuff that's strictly dependant on frequency, you'd be ok.
My initial NTSC A1000 is still rocking after 25 years... :thumbsup:
 
Even computers that have the power supply made for 220/230/240V 50Hz will run happily with 220V/60Hz. Self experience.

About the LCD: regular monitors, chinese or not, will not work with 15kHz signals, with a few exceptions. On the other hand, cheap chinese LCD TV sets will work. I have a pair:

15" 4:3 aspect ratio (Langwei branded, no model code)
&
19" wide screen (Fujilink FU1901W)

that I hook any PAL Amiga or Commodore or MSX or UK games via both VGA or composite/S-Video (pending the computer output) and they work perfectly without scandoubler or anything else. Of course NTSC works all the same.

Just remember to replace the internal capacitors of those TV as, as rubbish they are, the caps die in three years or less.
 
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