Antec SP500 - UK to USA

[Darren]

Hi,


I have the UK version of the Antec SP500 psu and I'm planning on
moving myself (and the pc) to the states within the next 6 months.

The problem I have is the UK version does not have a voltage selector
on the back (thanks Antec).

Is the circuitry the same for both the US and UK versions of the
SP500? Maybe with a slight circuit mod I'll be able to hard-wire a
permant voltage selection (110v) on the circuit-board?

I'm guessing that Antec have just omitted the wires to a switch and
the circuit board is exactly the same. If not then I'll have to buy
another unit, which seems crazy.

I've posted an email to Antec with the same question, but obviously
I'm asking about the PSU circuit which they might not be too keen to
divulge?


Any ideas?


Thanks in advance
Darren

[Paul]

Post by Darren
Hi,
I have the UK version of the Antec SP500 psu and I'm planning on
moving myself (and the pc) to the states within the next 6 months.
The problem I have is the UK version does not have a voltage selector
on the back (thanks Antec).
Is the circuitry the same for both the US and UK versions of the
SP500? Maybe with a slight circuit mod I'll be able to hard-wire a
permant voltage selection (110v) on the circuit-board?
I'm guessing that Antec have just omitted the wires to a switch and
the circuit board is exactly the same. If not then I'll have to buy
another unit, which seems crazy.
I've posted an email to Antec with the same question, but obviously
I'm asking about the PSU circuit which they might not be too keen to
divulge?
Any ideas?
Thanks in advance
Darren

This is the only schematic I'm aware of, for an ATX supply. The circuit
was hand traced by the author of this web page, quite an achievement.

http://www.pavouk.comp.cz/hw/en_atxps.html

Maybe you could sell the SP500 on UK Ebay before you leave, and then
buy a 115V version when arriving in the U.S. ?

That is a lot better than giving your fire insurance an excuse to
cancel your policy if there is a fire, and they find your mod when
sifting the fire scene.

Paul

[Darren]

Thanks for the circuit diagram.

Why Antec decided to make a UK only version is very strange. The US
version has the 110/230 selector, so I'm very confused.

I think Paul's idea of selling it and buying a US one is the way
forward.

Thanks to everyone that responded.

[Mike Walsh]

Antec probably uses different transformers for different input voltages. If they use the same transformer for different voltages you will find an unused wire coming from the transformer, which you might be able to swap with the one that is being used, to get the proper operation.

Post by Darren
Hi,
I have the UK version of the Antec SP500 psu and I'm planning on
moving myself (and the pc) to the states within the next 6 months.
The problem I have is the UK version does not have a voltage selector
on the back (thanks Antec).
Is the circuitry the same for both the US and UK versions of the
SP500? Maybe with a slight circuit mod I'll be able to hard-wire a
permant voltage selection (110v) on the circuit-board?
I'm guessing that Antec have just omitted the wires to a switch and
the circuit board is exactly the same. If not then I'll have to buy
another unit, which seems crazy.
I've posted an email to Antec with the same question, but obviously
I'm asking about the PSU circuit which they might not be too keen to
divulge?
Any ideas?
Thanks in advance
Darren

[Rod Speed]

Post by Mike Walsh
Antec probably uses different transformers for different input voltages.
If they use the same transformer for different voltages you will find an
unused wire coming from the transformer, which you might be able to
swap with the one that is being used, to get the proper operation.

There is more than just a transformer involved with an ATX supply.

Post by Mike Walsh

Post by Darren
Hi,
I have the UK version of the Antec SP500 psu and I'm planning on
moving myself (and the pc) to the states within the next 6 months.
The problem I have is the UK version does not have a voltage selector
on the back (thanks Antec).
Is the circuitry the same for both the US and UK versions of the
SP500? Maybe with a slight circuit mod I'll be able to hard-wire a
permant voltage selection (110v) on the circuit-board?
I'm guessing that Antec have just omitted the wires to a switch and
the circuit board is exactly the same. If not then I'll have to buy
another unit, which seems crazy.
I've posted an email to Antec with the same question, but obviously
I'm asking about the PSU circuit which they might not be too keen to
divulge?
Any ideas?
Thanks in advance
Darren

[philo]

Post by Darren
Hi,
I have the UK version of the Antec SP500 psu and I'm planning on
moving myself (and the pc) to the states within the next 6 months.

Look carefully at the label...

*some* powersupplies work on either 115 or 230 volts and do *not* have a
switch.

I suspect, however you may have a 230v only unit!

If there is *no* mention of 115volts on the label then you might as well get
a new supply
as a new supply would probably cost about the same as a step-down
transformer