Using a clock rated for 100V in a 120V socket

[Ferzerp]

Also, for what it is worth, my image translation app detected the part that was actually detectable on the sticker as Chinese, not Japanese.

 

[sdifox]

Also, for what it is worth, my image translation app detected the part that was actually detectable on the sticker as Chinese, not Japanese.

Japanese people do use Chinese characters. They call them Kanji and Kanji means Chinese Word :awe:

 

[Rubycon]

Run a Class D amp with a 50 Hz input signal and adjust the gain so that the output is 100V P-P. This is somewhat specialized so you may need to put together an SMPS and a class D amp separately.

A switching converter would be inexpensive at this power level. Since AC powered mains clocks have no real cumulative "drift", an accurate function generator is crucial to keep time with decent accuracy. Of course if you're used to typical wind up "Westclox" "accuracy" this would be a piece of cake.

Changing the size of the gear to match 60Hz synchronous frequency is also an interesting idea and will work but the over voltage on a continuous basis may produce excessive winding temperatures leading to breakdown and failure. If it smells "hot" after being plugged in for a while, it's too hot.

 

[Jeff7]

Japanese people do use Chinese characters. They call them Kanji and Kanji means Chinese Word :awe:

Yes.....yes, that makes a lot of sense.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

Yes.....yes, that makes a lot of sense.

Kanji is an alphabet that is derived from Chinese.

Source: me. I'm Japanese.

 

[Leros]

With all the variations though, do they eventually "catch up" then? So over a year, do the variations even out, or will there be a net drift?

My understanding is that they aim to cancel out any drift so that clocks will keep accurate time. If they run slow for a bit, they'll purposefully run fast for a bit to catch up.

It looks like they might remove that requirement in the future though. Apparently keeping the grid at a net 60Hz makes it more difficult to use renewable energy sources or something like that.

 

[evident]

alright, well my converter came in today and it converts 120V to 100V. this thing is a beast. However, the problem is still 60Hz vs 50Hz... there's no "converter" for that i don't believe. am i wrong?

 

[Howard]

A switching converter would be inexpensive at this power level.

But it's not as cool!

Seriously though, if the OP has any penchant for electronics it would be a great project.

 

[Dari]

Still no clear answer? OP, why don't you just email Seiko. Or write what you want to have said here, I'll convert it and email it to the relevant department. Make sure to give us the model number of this device.

 

[alkemyst]

All you need is a 120V/60Hz to 100V/50Hz convertor. This are all over the place out there as it's what a Japanese person needs to use many things here. Some modern devices (esp laptops) can work with no problem.

 

[evident]

All you need is a 120V/60Hz to 100V/50Hz convertor. This are all over the place out there as it's what a Japanese person needs to use many things here. Some modern devices (esp laptops) can work with no problem.

can you link me to one? the closest thing i got was a relatively heavy duty 120V to 100V transformer on amazon which says nothing about the Hz. link

 

[alkemyst]

can you link me to one? the closest thing i got was a relatively heavy duty 120V to 100V transformer on amazon which says nothing about the Hz. link

I tried to search quickly and can't find what you need.

You don't need that transformer.

My ex-wife had a little wall wart that would convert 120V/60Hz to 100V/50Hz. It was a universal adapter too that came with other plugs.

You need a Japan to US power converter. You may want to join a Japan to America forum to ask.

 

[Innovato]

Got a similar one, DZ633, from my Japanese wife's grandmother's house last week and was concerned about the voltage (not wooden like yours, but has the same flipbook style numbers - googling the model shows a yellow version that was auctioned a few years back). Since it's from Showa 50 (1975) and older than me, i didn't want to fry it when testing it over here in the US. Fortunately, mine has a 50/60Hz switch. The Silver sticker with the blue font is the original label, but yours seems to have been modified internally for the E. region of Japan so that second "50 Hz only" sticker probably does override things. Did it end up working for you @ 50 Hz in the end?

 

[Bubbleawsome]

I have a 60-50hz converter in my house. Came with an rc car I got imported from Hong Kong. So, yeah, they do exist. Do we have closure OP?

 

[Cheesemoo]

thats a very neat clock

 

[z1ggy]

Kanji is an alphabet that is derived from Chinese.

Source: me. I'm Japanese.

Why don't you tell the OP where to find the converter if you're so awesomely Japanese.

OP check Ebay, too.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

Why don't you tell the OP where to find the converter if you're so awesomely Japanese.

OP check Ebay, too.

Bought them in Japan. So I dunno.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

Oh wow. Nice necro

 

[evident]

I have a 60-50hz converter in my house. Came with an rc car I got imported from Hong Kong. So, yeah, they do exist. Do we have closure OP?

I can't for the life of me find one of these wall warts online that explicitly say they will convert 60hz to 50.

So the clock still works when plugged straight into the wall, but I plugged it into my 120V to 100V converter heavy duty brick that I got from amazon. Im still scared to leave it running for much longer than 5 minutes. I have a feeling that the clock will be a little fast. I took the thing apart and it's simple inside. There's nothing but a bunch of wires and a small motor powering the flip digits. The movement inside is actually made by copal, which was responsible for making a the internals of amajority of the flip clocks during this era, no matter the branding... I can't tell what would need replacing to make this completely compatible w/ US. I can post pics tonight.

Bought them in Japan. So I dunno.

where'd you buy them in Japan?i'll be in osaka this weekend. I'll check out some electronics stores, but doubt i'll find one.

The clock looks great on my bookshelf in my office, whether plugged in or not, but it has a really cool orange ambient light when it's plugged in, and a little seconds globe spinning (on the left) as well.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Might want to replace that power cord while you're at it.

 

[MrDudeMan]

Most likely it would work fine. The input stage of the clock is probably a full wave rectifier and a somewhat large capacitor, both of which should have plenty of headroom. Personally, I would plug it in with the reasonable expectation that it will continue to work. Should you decide to do that and something breaks, I can fix it for you for free. Actually, I could redesign it to handle 120 V if you'd rather go that route.