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Post by jennifer on Feb 9, 2006 18:07:00 GMT -5
Hey guys! Well, I have everything I need for my camera, meaning charger and batteries and my usb cable. But the thing is I have a charger that is not the right plug for Europe! I have a transformer and adaptor, but I would rather not use it ALL THE TIME! So I was wondering, should I just bring my energizer batteries (NIMH 2200) and buy a charger there? I can't imagine the batteries being different! Oh help! I hate technology  |
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Post by MuvverRussia on Feb 9, 2006 19:04:20 GMT -5
Is the charger dual voltage? If so then all you need is a plug adaptor.
Your batteries should work fine with a European battery charger though. If they're AA size then a charger should only set you back in the region of £10 or so on the high street.
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Post by jennifer on Feb 9, 2006 23:35:40 GMT -5
How would i know if it's dual voltage! Sorry I'm techstupid |
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Post by MuvverRussia on Feb 10, 2006 7:07:05 GMT -5
What charger is it? There should be a plate on it somewhere saying input voltage. E.g. the one for my laptop says input 100-240v 50-60hz. If it shows a range like that, or 110v/230v then it's fine. Otherwise you'll need a transformer to run it.
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Post by Eagle on Feb 10, 2006 18:52:48 GMT -5
jennifer, to reiterate what the others have said, if you could provide some technical details on the equipment you're using, we should be able to help you get your charger problems sorted. What type of Camera are you using and what type of batteries does it use?
Unless you're using other electrical gear, you might not even need to take your Transformer along. You will however need at least one Plug Adapter, but those are small and easily packed so shouldn't be a problem.
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Post by jennifer on Feb 10, 2006 21:23:23 GMT -5
Here goes :
Energizer NIMH battery charger
model chm39
input ac/ca 120v - 60hz 4w
class 2 battery charger
I used AA NImh batteries
My camera is : Minolta Dimage E223 2 MGP
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Post by Eagle on Feb 11, 2006 0:09:18 GMT -5
jennifer, IMO your best bet would be to buy another Battery Charger, one which is designed for travel use. You could still use your existing NiMH Batteries, but leave your Energizer Charger at home. A couple of examples for you to look at would be www.magellans.com/store/Appliances___Batteries___RechargersEA454?Args= or Source by Circuit City #2319302. AFAIK both are designed for operation on 100-240 VAC. Many Photo and Department stores also carry travel chargers. Not sure what kind of stores are available to you, but here in the west two possibilities would be Future Shop or London Drugs. You will still need a Plug Adapter though. When using the "travel" Charger in Europe, be sure to check to see if it has a switch to select input voltage. It's quite likely in newer products that this will be done automatically. Therefore all you'll have to do is connect it to the mains using your plug adapter, insert the batteries and wait for them to charge. Try and find a Charger which has "fast charge" capability (the Magellans model listed above will charge in 90 minutes - it is capable of charging four batteries so you could have a fully charged spare set of batteries with you). BTW, why are you taking your USB Cable? Hope this helps. Good luck!!!
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Post by jennifer on Feb 11, 2006 1:24:10 GMT -5
Sounds good! But wouldn't it be better to buy one in Europe, this way I wouldn't have to lug the adapter no? Usb cable? Well to put the pictures into the computer THat's what i use at home |
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Post by Jules80 on Feb 11, 2006 14:58:38 GMT -5
plug adapters are very small. its not much of a hassel to lug. also, are the plugs the same in all the european countries you're going to?
usb cable i believe is standard.
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Post by Eagle on Feb 11, 2006 14:59:37 GMT -5
jennifer. certainly, you could buy a Charger in Europe but since you'll only be there for a limited time, you might find it more useful to have a Charger that you can also use "at home".
The other problem is that if you were (for example) to buy a Charger in mainland Europe, it would be supplied with the two round pins which are standard in that area. You wouldn't be able to use it in countries with different plug configurations (such as the U.K.) without an Adapter! At least one Plug Adapter will probably be necessary at some point in your travels. Plug Adapters are not heavy or bulky, so I don't see any problem in packing a few of these along. In my view it would be more practical to buy a good quality, travel Charger with "fast charge" capabilities, and pack along whichever plug adapters you need for a particular trip.
I'm not sure how useful it will be to pack along the USB cable, as you might find that you won't be able to transfer photos in the same way you do at home (for a variety of reasons). This has been discussed lots in this Forum - check some of the other posts. You might find a USB Card Reader to be a better alternative (one which doesn't need driver software). If you decide to have your photos "burned" at a photo shop or whatever, no doubt a reader will be provided anyway.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
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Post by jennifer on Feb 11, 2006 15:00:23 GMT -5
Yes, i believe so too Jules!
So, for the plugs, I'll be in Western and Eastern Europe, anyone knows if they are different there (ok no england and stuff, I know)
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Post by Eagle on Feb 11, 2006 15:40:28 GMT -5
jennifer, check this link for information on the different Plug configurations in the countries you'll be visiting -- www.kropla.com/electric.htm - this should give you some idea which Adapters you might need. Cheers!!!
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Post by jennifer on Feb 11, 2006 22:56:58 GMT -5
Hi!
Well yeah, i have a converter with the adaptor for europe, standard 2 round stokes, built into it! So i think i need no more... don't I? lol
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Post by Eagle on Feb 12, 2006 14:52:43 GMT -5
jennifer, just to make sure I'm offering the best advice, it might be a good idea to clarify some of the terms in your post. You mentioned that "i have a converter with the adaptor for europe, standard 2 round stokes". Are you referring to a Voltage Converter, which steps-down the standard European 230 VAC to the North American 115 VAC OR a "converter" to adapt the European plug style to the North American style (more commonly called a "Plug Adapter" to avoid confusion)  Are you taking electrical devices along which require a "Voltage Converter" (aside from the battery charger for your digital camera)? It's important to know this, as there are two principles used in voltage conversion. One type is better for heating appliances (ie: hair driers) and other "simple" devices, while the other is better for electronic devices. Using the wrong type of conversion device for a particular appliance can cause problems!Any additional information would be a big help!
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Post by jennifer on Feb 12, 2006 16:17:22 GMT -5
Hi!
Well first off, if I do need the pluggy thing, it will be only for my charger and maybe laptop if i get one, but let's not get into that.
I will by a hairdryer there.. so no worries
What i have is a Travel Essentials Hi-Lo Converter 0-25 & 26-1875 Watts
I can plug a canadian plug on one side, and on the other it's the 2 spokes like in germany...
Is it clearer?
xoxoo
JEn
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