rec.autos.simulators

Just got a Logitech MOMO Racing Force Feedback wheel from an air hostess
friend who brought it back from the states to good ol' South Africa. (For
less than half the price that they flog them here!!!!) Anyway, I need to get
an appropriate transformer. I can see that it puts out 24V and 750 mA, but
it doesnt say if its AC or DC. All it has is a little symbol next to these
values: a solid line over three dashes, lying horizontally. All the other
transformers I have put out AC.

I have a transformer for a USR modem which puts out only 20V and 750 mA AC.
Will this be OK? Dont want to risk anything, returning could be a problem!

Many thanks,

-Simon H

If you see this:
___
- - -
that means the output is DC.

DON'T use an adapter that outputs AC as you will most likely destroy your
Momo.

A travel adapter that can convert from your AC supply/mains/outlet voltage
to 120 VAC might be the simplest thing to use. Your air hostess friend
probably knows exactly where to get one. Just plug it in to your wall supply
and then plug the Momo's power pack into it.

--
callsignviper

The truth is out there. You just have look in the right places and ask the
right questions.

If equipment wants a transformer that will supply 24V and 750ma, that means
that the maximum voltage should be 24 and the minimum amperage is .75A (or
750ma). If it draws 750ma at 24V, lowering the voltage might cause it to
draw more amperes.Think of it this way: the 24V is pushed by the transformer
into the equipment. The 750ma is pulled by the equipment from the
transformer. It pulls as much as it needs depending on the load at any given
time, but will not pull more than 750ma as long as 24V is supplied.

First, never use AC when DC is required. It will definitely burn out the
wheel. In practical experience with wheels: most FF motors are actually 12V
or 18V motors. All need DC power. When you're trying to find a replacement
transformer, try to get one with 24V, but 21V will also work. Make sure is
can supply at least 750ma, but it's even better if it will supply 1000ma
(1Amp) or 1200ma (1.2A) or even more. The more amperage the transformer can
supply, the more it will cost, but it will probably last longer.
If the transformer is only capable of 500ma, for example, and the wheel is
trying to draw 750ma, the transformer will burn out. If the transformer puts
out 30volts, the wheel will burn out.

Inside the wheel, there are voltage regulators. One will drop the 24V down
to 5V to run the PC boards (all the electronic stuff). The only thing that
will actually use the 24 volts is the motor. If the voltage supplied by the
transformer is too low, the voltage regulator may not supply the PC board
with 5 volts and the wheel may not work.

--
Slot

Tweaks & Reviews
www.slottweak.com

As callsignviper mentioned, a "travel voltage converter kit" from the US may
work. I'm sure they're readily available at US airports so get your air
hostess friend on the job.  Here's an example after a quick search (probably
not the best price and you may need one rated for "continuous use"):

http://www.portabledvdstore.com/newtravvolco.html

--
Joe M.

Here's a "Recoton 1600-Watt Voltage Converter Model: ADF1600" for $19.99
(USD).

Blurb: "Use this voltage converter with heat-producing appliances rated
between 500 and 1600 watts. Converter kit includes 5 adapter plugs, storage
pouch and instruction booklet."

Link:
http://www.bestbuy.com/detail.asp?e=11166940&m=1481&cat=1485&scat=1486

If that won't convert enough power for the Momo power pack I don't know what
will!

Since the Momo's power pack only draws *approximately* 90 watts (probably at
full load) something like that Recoton might be good enough for continuous
use.

--
callsignviper

The truth is out there. You just have look in the right places and ask the
right questions.

-Simon H

snip