Japanese Saturn For Use In USA

Hi,

I've tried searching the forums but didn't find anything that called this out specifically (there was a lot about replacing the PSU).

I'm interested in picking up a Skeleton Saturn (or possibly a "white" one), looking online it looks like it wants AC 100V 50/60hz in. I've never imported a console before, but I'm pretty sure we use 120v here in the states, the connector looks mechanically compatible, but that doesn't mean it is electrically.

Do I have to get some type of step-down adapter for this to work properly?

 

If you don't want to replace the internal PSU with one from an American Saturn, then yes, you will need a 1110-120V to 100V step-down transformer. It uses the same cable as an American Saturn. While it will work fine on US power grids, the PSU will burn out after a while.

If you aren't already going to, you may also want to consider using RGBS on the Saturn. It will be much better quality than Composite video and even S-Video. It looks like an emulator. You will need an RGB SCART or an RGB JP-21 cable and a converter to use it. The $350 Framemeister XRGB Mini is the best upscaler for this but you can make do with a $60 SCART to HDMI converter. Note that a small percentage of those cheap converters have input lag. The one I bought doesn't have input lag. A Sony PVM would be the best TV for RGB since it supports it natively and will work with light guns. If you go the XRGB mini route, you will need a JP-21 cable. If you go the SCART to HDMI route, you will need a SCART cable. PVMs will need a SCART or JP-21 to BNC adapter and the appropriate cable.

My only console import so far is an original Famicom which thankfully runs on a Sega Genesis Model 1 PSU.

EDIT: Changed a line of text to show that I'm not saying it won't run natively. It will work fine but will burn out after a few years or less of continuous use.

 

Wait, you can't run Japanese consoles in the US natively?

 

You can run it just fine in the US,no need for a step down transformer.

 

While I don't power it on as often as I used to, my original 1995 white Japanese Saturn still work fine. Never used a step down transformer for it, just plug into surge protect power outlet. It lasted lot longer than both my original North American PS1 and PS2 did.

 

I use one in Brazil. 127V AC. No problems whatsoever. Should I enter into engineer mode and explain why it won't give problems?

 

Go for it! I'd love to know. I'd also like to know whether or not it's okay to use a 120v to 240v step-up transformer when the device I'm plugging in is rated at 100v.

 

Since you are in Japan, it's best to track down a 100V to 240V transformer rated for an input of 50Hz and 60Hz. 120V devices may not run on Japanese power grids due to low voltage and they could get damaged if sent 100V at 50Hz. If you really want to, you could always daisy chain transformers. 100V to 120V transformer connected to a 120V to 240V transformer.

I changed my first post to highlight something I've said. The Japanese PSUs will work fine in the USA. The problem is that they will burn out faster than an American PSU because they are not designed for 110-125V. Therefore, it is better to use an American PSU or a 120V to 100V step-down converter. This burnout happens after continuous use and the lifespan is different between PSUs.

 

This is not 100% true. Many of the power supplies in Japanese saturns are rated 100-120V, some even 85-132V. So running on 120V would be inside their normal operational parameters.

 

Ah I see. I was not aware that many of the Saturn PSUs are rated for it. All of the ones I've seen online are just 100V at 50/60Hz. When I get a Saturn, I'll have to look for one that can do that. Would a Japanese model 1 Saturn have a power supply rated for 120V?

 

The "100V 50/60Hz" is just written on the console. The actual power supplies may have different ratings actually stated on them (or they may not, and if you only see one value on the power supply board, and not a range, then it is most likely the fuse rating).

A 10-15% fluctuation in AC voltage is something that any decent power supply should be able to handle (both due to safety reasons and so it is easier for them to sell worldwide), so I wouldn't be concerned. In fact, the stepdown adapter I'm using converts 230V to 120V and none of my Japanese units ever acted up...

Plus, all the Saturn power supplies I've checked are fused AND have a varistor in there.

They may output a bit more heat but that should be all.

 

Ok. I'll keep this in mind when getting a Saturn. If I ever get any issues, I'll just pop in an American PSU.

So why do official Famicom/Super Famicom PSUs burn out overtime in the US? Is it the voltage or is it something else?

 

I'm not familiar with Nintendo units so I wouldn't know about that. Maybe they just can't cope with the extra heat?

 

That might be it. The American SNES PSU has the same output ratings as it's Japanese counterpart. The only big difference is the plug. Although that has an input of 110-120V at 60Hz instead of 100V at 50/60Hz.

 

I was thinking due to the physical constraints. The Saturn has quite a lot of ventilation holes, unlike many AC/DC power bricks.

 

I don't recall official Famicom PSUs having many vents on them. Heat might be the problem then. So with proper ventilation, 100V PSUs will work fine on US power?

 

Might be what problem? I've seen people warn before against using Japanese AC adapters in North America. But in actual use I don't think you have much to worry about. The AC adapter that says 100V input on something like the Famicom being plugged into power that's at 120V means the ouput voltage might be slightly higher I suppose. But that voltage into the Famicom is going to a voltage regulator which is then dropping that voltage down to 5V. So, maybe the regulator runs slightly hotter? But wait, it's the same regulator we used in the American version and it works just fine.

Maybe if you throw all your AC adapters behind or under something in a big power strip and the room is unconditioned or otherwise 90F or hotter you might have a problem when you play for hours at a time. But I think under reasonably conditions you aren't going to have much of an issue. The bigger problem people seem to have is using the wrong AC adapters with consoles and causing damage. The Famicom's are very often damaged by people thinking the NES adapter will work. The SNES presumably has its non-standard DC jack to prevent people making that mistake.

 

It's a serious problem for, say, a hair dryer that runs at 900W.

Less so for a console that uses 10-20W.

 

If i remember correctly my japanese VA1 saturn has writing silkscreened on the PCB saying "85-135v" and "125v", it seems at least these power supplies were universal for Japan and North America.
This might of course be different on other revisions of the system.

I use it on a pretty generic 75w 220-240 -> 110-120v transformer, it gets warm but nothing out of the ordinary, even with the Rhea installed.

 

I was asking him to expand on what this supposed problem is that is being caused by heat. Were these Famicom AC adapters supposedly breaking or failing after using them in the US?

As for the Famicom and using it in the US I've usually read that the Genesis Model 1 power adapter works fine with it.