Sigmarion III - 120/110v to 100v transformer recommendations?

Does anyone have any advice / thoughts on getting a 120/110 to 100v transformer so I can use the 100v power adapter for the Sig in the USA ?

Bear in mind I’d like something relatively cheap but like not cheap enough that I get electrocuted and die.

Or any thoughts how necessary it is?

You should use a 120v-100v step-down transformer even if the DoCoMo JDM 100v transformer (seems) to work for a while in the US. The DoCoMo transformers I see are both 50 and 60 Hz but confirm yours is too!

I don't think you will find a 120v adapter with the proper 3 pin plug and proper dual voltage out so wouldn't even try.

Oh yeah I’ll check the Hz of the power adapter when I get home
Yeah I didn’t mean finding a 120v power adapter. I meant what you said the step down transformer. I’m just bad with the terms.

So I basically just go on Amazon or eBay and find one there ?

Edited by torch 2023-09-09 9:52 PM

Dual voltage out? Can you expand on that a bit please? In my testing (and that japanese website I posted a few weeks ago), the center pin is just a second ground...

Edit: Second ground meaning it is literally tied to the ground wire next to it. The sony clie adapter is the same way.

Edited by thenzero 2023-09-09 11:04 PM

My error reading specs. Thanks for pointing that out.

Still recommend a step-down transformer rather than searching for an adapter.

Is there something compact / portable that would work?

Sure thing. You had me a bit worried for a second there because I've been using the adapter I made....a lot

Hi Torch - If you live near a electronics supply store, they should have something. I would look for something UL Listed. In any case I would unplug them from the mains when not in use. Lighter duty and travel transformers are not made for constant use. But a good transformer can provide some protection to your device.

Alternatively, you could look at the Japanese electronics superstores for ideas. These stores carry quality items IME although I don't know if any are UL Listed (I'm not sure what the safety requirements are for travel transformers):

https://www.biccamera.com/bc/category/?q=%95%CF%88%B3%8A%ED+120v+100v
https://www.yodobashi.com/?word=%E5%A4%89%E5%9C%A7%E5%99%A8+120v+100v

We see a few consumer brands in that search, including
1. NISSYO
2. KASHIMURA

For example, you can see more details on Nissyo at their web page. Travel transformers are divided into two broad groups so pick the correct group

1. higher wattage for hair dryers etc. - These are not ideal
https://www.nissyo-ind.co.jp/products/1/

2. lower wattage for smart phones, portable electronics, etc.
https://www.nissyo-ind.co.jp/products/2/

- Here you want a converter with input of 120v (USA) and Output of 100v (Japan)

- The frequency (Hz) shouldn't matter as most modern Japanese power adapters run both 50 & 60 Hz (because Japan's grid runs both depending on where one lives on the island). You can confirm on your power adapter in any case

The TP-811 is rated at 110 watts for example and is sold on ebay for about $40 shipped
https://www.nissyo-ind.co.jp/products/2/1.html

There are other models sold on-line that might be better quality or older so excluded from the catalogue

This is the Kashimura catalogue for more ideas.
https://www.kashimura.com/product-cat/goods-kaigai-index/trans1/dtrans4/

Hope this helps!

Edit- I had to delete the Japanese characters as they don't seem to work here. Also, I'm never thrilled about Amazon or eBay for electronics as non-genuine products abound. It's not so easy to import from Japan otherwise however...

Edited by AximUser 2023-09-10 3:30 AM

Thank you for the help, @AximUser - your ideas were very helpful!!!

I'll follow up on my end when I do get something and how it works!

There are two "Made in Japan" step down transformers for sale in NYC on craigslist. They are for 120v to 100v and are more stylish than modern electronic transformers imho.

I can't vouch for the products or the seller.

https://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/ele/d/new-york-sanyo-step-down-transformer/7662892380.html