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Conference hydra::amiga_v1

Title:AMIGA NOTES
Notice:Join us in the *NEW* conference - HYDRA::AMIGA_V2
Moderator:HYDRA::MOORE
Created:Sat Apr 26 1986
Last Modified:Wed Feb 05 1992
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:5378
Total number of notes:38326

4913.0. "moving an A500 from the US to Europe" by CIMNET::KYZIVAT (Paul Kyzivat) Tue Jul 23 1991 15:09

In general, what problems and hassles can be expected in buying an A500
in the US for use in Germany?  Is it worth it for the bucks saved?

I am trying to advise a friend in Germany who is considering buying an A500
in the US in order to take advantage of the lower prices and c64->A500
upgrade offer.  The question is - what problems must be dealt with to do
this?  PAL vs NTSC is one issue; so is the power supply - 110v vs 220v and
50hz vs 60hz.

First, I gather that PAL vs NTSC need not necessarily be a problem.  The
machine can be run in NTSC so long as it is run through an NTSC monitor,
multisync monitor, or converted to NTSC composite and run to a
multi-standard TV, right?

Or, an NTSC machine can be converted to PAL with slight motherboard changes
(though this will invalidate the warranty, and I see no evidence that it
has actually been done to a 500); or reputedly V2.0 will be able to do this
in software and may actually be available at the end of this month.

To run composite, is a different converter needed for PAL than for NTSC?

I have the impression that some European software expects PAL and may not
be totally acceptable on an NTSC system, or has all the decent software
learned to adapt to the mode currently set?

My thought on the power supply is just to trash the 110v standard power
supply and immediately buy one of the higher powered replacements in a 220v
version.  I assume that this also solves the hz difference if the power
supplies even care.  Or, the standard power supply could just be plugged
into a suitable transformer.

Have I overlooked or misunderstood anything?  I never before paid much
attention to these compatibility issues before because they weren't
relevant to my own situation.

	Paul
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name		DateLines
4913.1Make sure it's worth it...FROCKY::BALZERChristian Balzer DTN:785-1029Wed Jul 24 1991 04:1115
Re: .0

>In general, what problems and hassles can be expected in buying an A500
>in the US for use in Germany?  Is it worth it for the bucks saved?
That depends if and how much bucks you save. Quote me a price (after power up,
etc) and I'll tell you if your friend will save or loose money.

Your PAL vs. NTSC assumptions are correct and should not be a problem.

However the power supply will probably eat up the margin (if any) gained on
this deal.

Cheers,

<CB>
4913.2Re: is it worth it?CIMNET::KYZIVATPaul KyzivatWed Jul 24 1991 13:537
The Memory Location quoted me a price of $499 for a c64 owner to purchase
an A500p.  Tax would be on top of that, but I figure it should be possible
to do at least as well in New Hampshire where there is no tax.

I don't suppose the discount for c64 owners is available in Europe is it?

	Paul
4913.3Use a PC supply 110V/220V switchableCSC32::A_ANDERSONWed Jul 24 1991 23:0618
    One idea that might help the power supply cost.  When my 500 supply
    died I bought a $35.00 IBM PC 150 Watt supply.  I then gutted the A500
    supply added a terminal strip and ran the 150W supply leads in where 
    the AC line cord was and the DC power cable out of the other side.  A 
    lot larger than the original and you have the extra box to contend with 
    but the 150 Watt supply has a 110V or 220V switch.  All he would need 
    would be a power cord to match the outlet in Europe.  Of course the
    extra 100wats might be useful some day.  Look for a power supply that
    is totaly enclosed for saftey sake.  Of course this voids warranties.
    
    
    Alan
    
    
    
    original supply.
4913.4Slim marginFROCKY::BALZERChristian Balzer DTN:785-1029Thu Jul 25 1991 04:0917
Re: .2

>The Memory Location quoted me a price of $499 for a c64 owner to purchase
>an A500p.  Tax would be on top of that, but I figure it should be possible
>to do at least as well in New Hampshire where there is no tax.
Hmm, 499 times 1.85 (current exchange rate $->DM) gives you a rather 
unattractice DM 923.15. That's ignoring customs or the power supply.
However you quote an A500p. I dunno for how much this combo sells right now,
but the difference will be marginal...

>I don't suppose the discount for c64 owners is available in Europe is it?

Nope, CBM is doing too well over here... ;-)

Cheers,

<CB>
4913.5Cheaper in Germany!KBOMFG::MRAMIREZFri Jul 26 1991 08:579
    Re: -.1
    
    An A500 cost about 750.- DM in Germany, so... I think it's better to
    buy it here and not in USA.
    50/60 Hz problem: an USA Amiga works with 60Hz, so that your Amiga
    clock won't be too precise.
    
    Regs,
                Miguel
4913.6He bought in Germany - cheaper than USCIMNET::KYZIVATPaul KyzivatFri Jul 26 1991 17:490