Energy-use of GCX Audio-Switcher?

Q & A for building and interfacing your rack gear with Ground Control Pro and GCX-based systems.
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Slash666
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue May 05, 2009 2:29 pm

Energy-use of GCX Audio-Switcher?

Post by Slash666 »

Hi everyone!

I wanted to ask you how much Watts the GCX uses?
I wanted to purchase one from USA, but I live in Germany and want to use it here. I'm asking you now if it's possible to use the unit for 110 Volt (USA) in Germany with 220 Volts, too? I found a converter from 220 to 110 Volts delivering 300 Watts, but is this enough? I don't want to damage the unit because of unsure Energy-delivery.
The reason for purchasing the unit incl. Ground Control in USA is, that it's about 200 Euro (approx. 260 Dollar) cheaper incl. shipping than buying it here.

I would be very happy if anybody can help me.

Thank you (and sorry for any bad english!)
Slash666

Josh Fiden
Site Admin
Posts: 177
Joined: Tue Mar 10, 2009 11:36 pm

Re: Energy-use of GCX Audio-Switcher?

Post by Josh Fiden »

Since the GCX is phantom powering the Ground Control Pro, you need to provide enough power for both. This requires 9VAC at 1A. If you are using our supplied adapter, you would be safe to power this with a stepdown transformer with a rating of 15VA or more.

I'm not sure what you have for a converter. A 300VA stepdown transformer would be quite large and heavy. 300W is enough power, but without know what type of converter it is, I can't say if it will work properly.

Please post any questions!

Best regards,

Josh Fiden
Founder / CEO

Slash666
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue May 05, 2009 2:29 pm

Re: Energy-use of GCX Audio-Switcher?

Post by Slash666 »

Hello!

I found a Step-Down-Converter from 220V to 110V with 100VA. Is this right?

Link:
http://cgi.ebay.de/Spannungswandler-Ste ... 1|294%3A50

Is it possible that the GCX would produce hum oder noise using such an converter?

Thank you for fast reply, that's service like nowhere else!

Slash666

Josh Fiden
Site Admin
Posts: 177
Joined: Tue Mar 10, 2009 11:36 pm

Re: Energy-use of GCX Audio-Switcher?

Post by Josh Fiden »

I contacted the manufacturer of this converter, Luoyang Dingyue in China. According to them, this is a normal stepdown transformer, so it should work fine. A stepdown transformer working properly will not cause any additional noise. But, since I haven't tested this one myself, I can't guarantee the result.

Good luck!!

truth57
Posts: 2
Joined: Sat May 09, 2009 11:59 am

Re: Energy-use of GCX Audio-Switcher?

Post by truth57 »

Hi Slash,

I have just been offered a second hand Ground Control from the UK, but it does not come with an AC adaptor (the seller says it is a US model), so I would be interested to hear whether the purchase of the step-down transformer worked out for you, as it would be a potential solution for me too.

Otherwise, would it be possible for me to purchase a transformer that would do the job of both adaptor and transformer to 220v?

Thanks,

David L

Josh Fiden
Site Admin
Posts: 177
Joined: Tue Mar 10, 2009 11:36 pm

Re: Energy-use of GCX Audio-Switcher?

Post by Josh Fiden »

truth57 wrote:I have just been offered a second hand Ground Control from the UK, but it does not come with an AC adaptor (the seller says it is a US model), so I would be interested to hear whether the purchase of the step-down transformer worked out for you, as it would be a potential solution for me too.

Otherwise, would it be possible for me to purchase a transformer that would do the job of both adaptor and transformer to 220v?

Thanks,

David L
Hi David,

If you are only asking about the foot controller (Ground Control Pro or original Ground Control) then you need an adapter that provides 9VAC and at least 500mA to a 5.5x2.5mm barrel. The foot controller will also run from 9VDC, although those usually have a 5.5x2.1mm connector. This is a fairly common power supply, you should be able to find something at a decent electronic supply shop. There is no need to get a stepdown converter unless you already have the adapter or need to power other 120V equipment.

Regards,
Josh Fiden
Founder / CEO

truth57
Posts: 2
Joined: Sat May 09, 2009 11:59 am

Re: Energy-use of GCX Audio-Switcher?

Post by truth57 »

Hi Josh, many thanks. That was what I suspected, but the present owner was under the impression that it would need a 110V psp and step down transformer. That makes me far more confident about making the purchase, particularly as I can also see the level of customer service reflected here. Thank you! I have a very good 9v DC regulated supply, so that should work fine.
Kind regards,

David
Josh Fiden wrote:
Hi David,

If you are only asking about the foot controller (Ground Control Pro or original Ground Control) then you need an adapter that provides 9VAC and at least 500mA to a 5.5x2.5mm barrel. The foot controller will also run from 9VDC, although those usually have a 5.5x2.1mm connector. This is a fairly common power supply, you should be able to find something at a decent electronic supply shop. There is no need to get a stepdown converter unless you already have the adapter or need to power other 120V equipment.

Regards,
Josh Fiden
Founder / CEO

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