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Setting up a digital photo frame workstation

Marine-77 -  
 Marine-77 -
Hello,
My brother gave me a LECSOUND DF80 digital photo frame for Christmas without considering the voltage differences in North America (I live in Canada). I haven't tried plugging the device in yet (with my little plug-in adapter, of course) because I’m afraid the different current could fry the device. I asked a colleague with technical electricity knowledge and he says there shouldn’t be a problem using it, since the manual states that the power supply is suitable for an input ranging from 100 to 240 V AC (and “output 5V DC, 2A” but I don’t know what that means) but he advises me to confirm with the manufacturer. Not finding the contact details online, I sent a message to SIPLEC (the company that imports these products in France) but I haven’t received a response. Can someone help? Thanks. 
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6 answers

  1.
    végé Posted messages 469 Status Member 113
     
    Good evening,

    If the adapter supports voltage up to 240 V and that matches your mains voltage, there’s no problem. The output is set by the adapter according to the device’s request (5 volts - direct current - with 2 amperes). These devices risk being fried if the adapter isn’t designed for the specific device it’s meant to power. So with the adapter intended for the specific device, there’s no problem. And you don’t risk turning off the village.

    Have a good evening.

    vegetarian

    --
    Knowing where knowledge lies... is also knowledge
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    1. Marine-77
       
      When I talk about an adapter plug, it’s the plug to adapt the European outlet plug to the North American outlet model, but it does not convert the voltage. I don’t have a device to convert the current, just the plug to be able to plug it into a North American outlet. I don’t dare to try for fear of frying the digital frame, in case it doesn’t work...
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  2. végé Posted messages 469 Status Member 113
     
    Re .....

    Well! yes If You Do Not Have the <ital> converter > ital corresponding is better not to try, especially since the output voltages are indicated on the device.
    Strange all the same that they sell Sans these devices <ital> <convertisseur ital="">.
    Try to find a match in stores

    Have a good day

    Végé

    --
    Knowing where knowledge is ...... is also knowledge</convertisseur></ital></ital>
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    1. Marine-77
       
      I did mention it a bit to people around me and they told me that for recent electronic devices there was no need for a converter since the usable voltage is variable. Besides, a cousin who came to see me 2 years ago plugged her cellphone charger just with a simple adapter to the outlet and neither her phone nor my apartment’s circuit blew up. A colleague also tells me she has done this kind of connection with her phone and a laptop imported from France and it didn’t cause any problem. I think I’ll take my device to a specialized shop to have it checked.
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  3. savino Posted messages 890 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   252
     
    Here you got tangled up in the terms, right? Marine, you’ll need to clarify...
    My understanding is this: you have a photo frame. Behind it there is a transformer that provides a 5V DC output at 2 amps (since you mention output voltage, I assume). A transformer that is sold with the frame (designed for it, therefore). Then, finally, a plug adapter that does nothing, it just changes the format.
    Your transformer accepts an input voltage of 100 to 240V. French mains are 220V, so your transformer must therefore accept French voltage (it switches automatically, just check there isn’t a small switch to flip). It will always provide the same output voltage for the frame.
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    1. Marine-77
       
      Indeed, I’m not knowledgeable about electronics and IT, so it’s hard to be understood! There’s no adapter on the back of my screen, just the slots to hang or rest the frame, and the inscriptions: SIPLEC / DF80 / DC 5V - 2A / 39810-50.

      The cable to connect the frame is indeed named "adapter" in the manual and it’s written on it:
      PRI: 100-240V - 50/60Hz 0.4A
      SEC: 5.0V - 2.0A

      The "adapter" plug I bought only serves to adapt the frame’s adapter plug to North American outlets (but they call it "adapter" too! even though it doesn’t convert the current).

      So my question was to know whether I can indeed plug in my frame just with the North American outlet adapter plug or if I need to buy a power converter (a transformer, same thing right?) knowing that in North America the voltage is 110 and not 220 like in France. I don’t want to fry my frame or my electrical installation. Thanks!
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  4. savino Posted messages 890 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   252
     
    So for me, it's good because the transformer-adapter-converter-who-knows-what accepts the French input voltage of 220V/50Hz. At the same time, it's not rare to see devices that are compatible with different voltages (I'm just coming back from the States and all our phone/iPod/MacBook/laptop chargers have switched).
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    1. Marine-77
       
      Yeah... I think I’ll still go show the equipment in a specialized shop, to be safer.

      I remind you that this is a device purchased in France that I want to use in North America, not the other way around.

      Thank you!
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  6. savino Posted messages 890 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   252
     
    The inverse also works because there, 110V and 60Hz are accepted by the transformer...
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  7. Marine-77
     
    As planned, I brought my frame with its adapter to a specialized shop and one of the employees confirmed that it shouldn’t be a problem (since the adapter handles power from 100V up to 240). Reassured, I still plugged the device in with some apprehension (especially since I saw a small spark come from the outlet...) and I decided to switch to "On" and phew! it works! I’m so happy to be able to use it! Plus it’s super easy to operate, set up, etc. I can now see my whole family scrolling by in a few seconds, far from home, as if everyone were there. It’s so cool!

    Thanks again to both of you for your help!
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