UK to USA power converter using a Power Mallet

[grommit]

Hello Art,

for some reason I can't upload a picture ..it was the full set up with the foredom switched on...

exactly how it should be set up!!

this is as you know the second power converter I've bought...so now I'm going to email maplin and send the the power mallets spec to see if can be run...

my only option aswell is get an electrician out to check the whole set up before I email the seller for an refund.

a expensive toy so far £1,010..and 45 minutes play time..

ATB 

bri 

[grommit]

Hello there,

 

My power convertor model RP90X over heated after 45 minutes.

Now ive bought a model VR05 300w UK/US step down transformer.

but the power mallet does not work.

the motor is a LX L150032 model.

1.0amps DC

125 Volts DC

1/10HP

5,000 max RPM

 

with a FOREDOM EMX-1 DIAL SPEED CONTROLER

115 Volt 4 amps 60 HZ code 0815.

 

FOREDOM FCT-1 FOOT SPEED CONTROL

120Volts 4 amps 60HZ code 1115

 

now just need an electrician close by.

ATB

Bri

[Art]

Well, here what is on the Foredom Website:

Foredoms permanent magnet motors require the use of a TXR-1, SXR-1, or EMX-1 speed control. Damage will result if the motor is connected to any other speed control. 

C.TXR-1 Speed Control Description:  
This foot operated speed control is made of heavy duty plastic with durable solid state electronics. The ergonomics allow precise and reliable speed control with your foot. For use with 115 Volt M.TX, M.TXB, M.TXH, M.LX, M.LXB, M.LXH and M.LXBH motors. 
It is interchangeable with Foredom's C.SXR-1 and C.EMX-1 controls. 7" long, 4-12" wide, 2-38" high, ship wt 2 lbs./1 kg. 
 

I have some experience with these tools (Foredom).  The LX motors are DC.  The SXR-1 and EMX-1 have rectifiers in them that change the AC from the mains to DC.  You can use one or the other speed control, but not both.  The FCT-1 foot control that you have is for use with an AC motor, and that isn't what you have.  The method of varying the speed in the FCT-1 is totally different than the SXR or EMS controls.  Hopefully the fuse in the EMX-1 blew before you cooked the board as I expect you had a good deal of current going there.  Check the fuse and get that damned foot pedal (FCT-1) out of the equation.  Hopefully you didn't toast the motor in the LX or the board in the EMX.

Art

[grommit]

Thank Art,

im baffled!! Are you saying what I bought is not the set up I need to run the power Mallet?? Especially in the U.K. Via a power convertor? As suggested by the maker/seller...

this is getting bad!! All I've done is acted with the right direction..ie get a power converter..and it has failed!! Now I'm out of pocket again...only 45 minute play time...

I will check the foot controller as u said for a fuse...

At the end of the day!! I'm got my consumer right and can get a refund...haven't I???

a lot of money has passed hand and the item does not work.

im upset and frustrated...awaiting emails from the seller for help as we speak!! 

Atb

bri 

Edited April 4, 2016 by grommit
Spelling mistake

[Art]

Hi Brian,

The fuse on the speed control is between the cords.  Maybe you can get Foredom to take it back as a DOA.  Trade for this or something similar.

Art

[Thor]

Sorry for chiming in and sounding like a smart ass now but I had that issue for quite some time as well. Grommit your issue isn't the voltage it's the frequency. Your converter must convert both and you will need pretty strong unit like this https://www.conrad.de/de/voltcraft-at-400-nv-vorschalt-transformator-spannungswandler-115125230240-vac-230240115125-vac-400-w-511360.html

Whatever is chip-controlled needs a frequency converter as it relies on the frequency for any calculation, be it speed or time...

On that page I linked is an English manual at the bottom of that page.

[grommit]

Hello thor 

its really frustrating now! 

As I said I've done everything from the seller...one power converter that fried!! Now another stronger controller. But the kit has no power at all.

looking at the replies I gather that there is a wrong foot controller that should be with the LX motor, is that right?

if so that I have ask the seller.

like Art said, I hope the motor and the hand control is not fried!! 

Then my options is try to get my refund.

thanks again

bri 

[Thor]

More than welcome. I know what you're going through. Happened to us as well when we moved from Germany to Canada and years later back to Germany. Took me years to figure all of that out and general electricians weren't of any help at all. Fortunately my uncle is an electrical engineer and was able to tell me what I needed.

I'm not an electrician at all, but will try to explain what this setup looks like to me.

While AC is the most reliable way/source of current some setups require DC. This being the reason why a AC/DC converter is usually installed within the machine if needed. However, if any part of your setup requires DC there will have to be a converter of some kind or you are running at risk damaging your system. Here's a very basic and simple yet understandable explanation http://www.wikihow.com/Convert-AC-to-DC

[grommit]

thank you very much Thor.

I cant understand what's went wrong? is it the wrong foot controller for the LX like Art suggest, that eventually fried the item? FCT-1 being to run AC motor, not the LX DC motor

That says to me that the TXR-1 control SHOULD sent not the FCT-1 controller as from the Foredom site?

Maplin Emailed me and can confirm the 300W power step down converter will the power mallet,however I only sent them the spec of the LX motor and not the individual items EMX-1 & FCT-1 .

just trying to pin point in short the problem, without getting info overload.

ATB

Bri

[grommit]

Found the fuse for the EMX-1 and a spare..all ok! 

But no one in th FCT-1.

been looking closely in the Foredom site...

yes im thinking that the wrong foot control is sent!!! Especially they can't use any other control, only one..

it state clearly on the site what controls can use with the LX motor!!

i just don't understand the logic of the seller!!! 

ATB 

brian