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fwlb · Feb 18, 2004, 07:45 AM

How can I safely use my G4 recharger in Europe/Spain.

I took my G4 to Spain last year. The battery of course needed to be recharged. I thought I'd use the converter plugs for travelers. It worked a little... got an orange glow from the plug at the G4 so I freaked and did not use it directly with a traveler's converter plug. Had to search out and buy a transformer. The transformer converts the Euro power to AC that the Apple recharger could use. That worked OK- no warning lights. The transformer weighs 15 pounds- not too mobile- it's ugly, industrial looking, gets real hot and I can't pack it around when traveling.

I do not really want to risk trial runs of recharging my G4 buy just plugging in something different!

Anybody have the safe-relaible way to recharge off of Euro current?

Thanks, fwlb

Dr.Michael · Feb 18, 2004, 10:32 AM

Originally posted by fwlb:
How can I safely use my G4 recharger in Europe/Spain.

I took my G4 to Spain last year. The battery of course needed to be recharged. I thought I'd use the converter plugs for travelers. It worked a little... got an orange glow from the plug at the G4 so I freaked and did not use it directly with a traveler's converter plug. Had to search out and buy a transformer. The transformer converts the Euro power to AC that the Apple recharger could use. That worked OK- no warning lights. The transformer weighs 15 pounds- not too mobile- it's ugly, industrial looking, gets real hot and I can't pack it around when traveling.

I do not really want to risk trial runs of recharging my G4 buy just plugging in something different!

Anybody have the safe-relaible way to recharge off of Euro current?

Thanks, fwlb

Why don't you buy an european power adapter for your powerbook?
They adjust automatically between 110 and 220 Volts.

euphras · Feb 18, 2004, 11:01 AM

I think he has absolutely no clue about what he�s talking. He misinterpretes the red glowing charging signal of the power plug as a warning signal....of course there is no red charging light when he uses another converter instead of the original Apple one. And yes, power transmission is done in AC (alternating current) also in Europe...

Crusoe · Feb 18, 2004, 12:25 PM

Your laptop is already dual voltage (no transformer needed). The plug adapter you have is all you need.

Spheric Harlot · Feb 18, 2004, 12:39 PM

You should be getting that orange glow when you plug in your tiBook in the US as well - the orange just means it's charging. It turns green when the battery is full.

Probably just never noticed it before...

Better safe than sorry, so good on you for asking (though the manual would've helped, too

), but you have nothing to worry about.

-s*

cenutrio · Feb 18, 2004, 04:25 PM

I have a TiPB 400 and I've been traveling to Spain during the last three years. Using the PB all day long. Your PB is 110-240 V ready, this is dream machine...

Do not worry, as somebody already posted, the green-orange light does tell you when how charged the batery is.

Enjoy it, there are not so many Macs around there...

fwlb · Feb 20, 2004, 06:00 PM

Originally posted by euphras:
I think he has absolutely no clue about what he�s talking. He misinterpretes the red glowing charging signal of the power plug as a warning signal....of course there is no red charging light when he uses another converter instead of the original Apple one. And yes, power transmission is done in AC (alternating current) also in Europe...

Clueless? Maybe, maybe not- but the orange glow never shows in the States and secondly the AC in Spain is not 110v. Other US-usage products need plug converters and some need more than just a plug converter. I also never said I used another converter I said a Transformer(which steps down the voltage)

I am surprised at the insulting tone of your response. I have no ego problems when it comes to asking about things I do not know about. I also thought these types of forums were for information exchanges not hurling remarks meant to be demeaning.

You managed to contribute absolutely nothing constructive. As to the other responders- I thank you for your responses.

fwlb

tooki · Feb 20, 2004, 07:55 PM

The orange glow happens here. It means it's charging, and turns green when it's charged.

You are correct that Europe doesn't use 110V power (nor does the U.S., actually -- it's supposed to be 120V). They use 220V. If you look at the AC adapter, you will find that both of those voltages fall well within the range stated: Apple makes only one model of AC adapter for the whole world and just provides the plug needed.

tooki

euphras · Feb 21, 2004, 01:49 PM

Quote:"I am surprised at the insulting tone of your response. I have no ego problems when it comes to asking about things I do not know about. I also thought these types of forums were for information exchanges not hurling remarks meant to be demeaning.

You managed to contribute absolutely nothing constructive."

In fact my initial posting contained some valuable information for you. I could have responded even shorter:

R T F M

(read the f*cking manual)

PS. I didn�t intend to be offensive, if it was your subjectiv impression, well, then sorry

Spheric Harlot · Feb 21, 2004, 05:06 PM

Originally posted by tooki:
The orange glow happens here. It means it's charging, and turns green when it's charged.

You are correct that Europe doesn't use 110V power (nor does the U.S., actually -- it's supposed to be 120V). They use 220V. If you look at the AC adapter, you will find that both of those voltages fall well within the range stated: Apple makes only one model of AC adapter for the whole world and just provides the plug needed.

We get 230V here.

But yeah, the compatible voltage range IS indeed printed right on the adapter.

-s*

eevyl · Feb 21, 2004, 05:13 PM

Originally posted by cenutrio:
Enjoy it, there are not so many Macs around there...

Not many, like any other part of the world, but we do exist!!

If you are interested in finding other users, just take a look at the MUG locator to find one near the area you are visiting.

fwlb · Feb 21, 2004, 05:19 PM

In fact my initial posting contained some valuable information for you. I could have responded even shorter:

R T F M

(read the f*cking manual)

PS. I didn�t intend to be offensive, if it was your subjectiv impression, well, then sorry [/B][/QUOTE]

Cheers.

PS. K M F A

fwlb · Feb 21, 2004, 05:23 PM

Indeed it is. I'm going to need bi-focals. I have two TiPB's one with the UFO charger and the other with the swank white one-darn it they BOTH have it printed right on them. Well, I did learn something.

Thanks again!

fwlb