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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Transformer/converter to charge batteries in Africa
Scott Evans, Photographer
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Bay Village | OH | USA | Posted: 12:55 PM on 12.09.10 |
->> I purchased a 200w / 220v step down transformer that I planned to use while in Ethiopia. I'll plug the NC-E2 into that and then it seems like I plug the converter directly into the 2 prong African outlet. Does anyone with experience in Africa know if this is all I need and if the converter will allow for safe charging. Seems like it should do the trick but I'd hate to have a surprise or not be able to charge batteries while there. Thanks!
This is what I purchased:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000N40ML0/ref=oss_product |
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Matt Cashore, Photographer
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South Bend | IN | USA | Posted: 1:46 PM on 12.09.10 |
->> You shouldn't need the transformer for the NC-E2. The charger is itself a transformer, so to speak. I believe somewhere on the really small print on the underside of the charger it says "100-240V". All you should need is the converter to make the us-style plug fit whatever configuration the plugs are in Ethiopia.
I haven't used the NC-E2 overseas, but I have used the 5D Mk II charger without a voltage transformer in India, U.K., continental Europe and a few different places in Africa and it works just fine.
That said, I'm sure it can't hurt to use the transformer, but if it doesn't work or gets broken, you shouldn't have a problem without it. |
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Wally Nell, Photographer
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CAIRO | EG | EGYPT | Posted: 2:06 PM on 12.09.10 |
| ->> Yep, true, I confirm that. In all the places I have been to in Africa that are 220V, I just plug the chargers straight into the mains. No problem. |
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Randy Vanderveen, Photographer
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Grande Prairie | AB | Canada | Posted: 2:20 PM on 12.09.10 |
->> You will find that many electronic devices have multi-voltage chargers including laptops. Still a good idea to check.
Not needing anything else but the adapter is a huge benefit when you are trying to keep your luggage weight down. A step down transformer will add unnecessary weight for both your airline trip over and also as you move around the continent. Randy |
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Scott Evans, Photographer
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Bay Village | OH | USA | Posted: 5:21 PM on 12.09.10 |
| ->> Thanks as always! I think I did recall that fine print but was thinking that putting the converter in between and stepping down to 110v would make sure that nothing would go wrong. Guess I'm a little more AR than I care to admit. Its a little weighty but for $20 it seemed like good insurance. Very good to know that even if I do take it, I can still get by should it not function as I thought. Cheers. |
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Chuck Liddy, Photographer
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Durham | NC | USA | Posted: 5:26 PM on 12.09.10 |
| ->> scott, I actually did that with a macbook power supply (which like all the chargers is dual voltage) and it blew up the converter and the one I had was a high end model which cost $50. since that experience eight years ago I started using adapter plugs....I've used the chargers for my G9, Mark II 5D and Mark III's in Afghanistan, Turkey, India, Peru and Europe. all you need is the plug adapter and you're good to go. |
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Scott Evans, Photographer
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Bay Village | OH | USA | Posted: 5:44 PM on 12.09.10 |
| ->> Thanks Chuck. Truth be told, I bought the adapter plugs too. First time to Africa for me so I guess I got a little carried away. I wonder how you say "noob" in Amharic? |
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George Bridges, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Washington | DC | USA | Posted: 9:41 PM on 12.09.10 |
| ->> Also be wary of the transformers. If you read the fine print, many say to use for only short periods of time so it probably would not work well for a lengthy battery charge anyway. |
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