We have a Gameboy Advance SP here, which came from the US. Accordingly, it has a charging unit made for use in the US, where you have the 110-120V at 60Hz.

So here I am in NZ with our 220-240V at 50Hz electricity, and I'm wondering: Since the charging unit calls itself an AC adapter, will I be able to plug it in and let it sort out the difference in electricity itself? Or will it fry itself and/or the GBA?

Thanks in advance. (lol pun)

Most AC to DC chargers will list the voltage range on the adapter. If it says 110 - 240 VAC (or similar) you are good.

wookies got it.

unless there are extra components for sorting out differences like that, heres what you expect to find in an adapter:

-transformer, for downsizing voltage from the wall to appropriate amount
-capacitor(s), for smoothing out spikes in power flow
-resistors, to deliver the proper max amount of current (and prevent short circuits)
-full bridge rectifier (diodes), for converting AC to DC

the main point being all the transformer is is a metal rod with a crapload of wire wound around it. AC current flows into the primary coil, and a lower/higher AC current flows out of the secondary coil. the voltage drop/gain is found by multiplying the incoming voltage with the ratio of wire turns on primary and secondary coils.

if there are 100 turns on primary coil, and 50 turns on secondary then the ratio would be 0.5. 120v would be cut in half to 60v. 220v would be cut in half to 110v.


edit: summary is to check the specs hehe. unless you want an expensive cigarette lighter

Ah, I see. No luck there.

Thanks Wookie.

Edit: I posted right after you Strike, heh. Thanks for that.

NZ?

Where the hell are you?

NEW ZERSEY LOL JK

New Zealand.

We have a freaking Kiwi?

Oh well, learn something new every day I guess.

Heh. I've been a Massassian since 2000, too.

There are at least two of us freaking Kiwi's

I believe "a_person" was a freaking Kiwi too. Don't know if he is still around.

Jesus christ, they're invading!

Honestly I thought you were both from the states.

I did live in the states from 84-89, but the rest of my life has been in NZ.

I too, have lived in the states - I lived in Hawaii for seven months last year (I know, HI doesn't really count, but still ...). I'm a dual-citizen of both NZ and the US.

I'm a dual-citizen too... NZ and British

just stop by a game store and pick up one for your region. the gba itself is the same everywhere on earth.

If you can't find a GBA SP one, GBA SP shares a power connector with the original (big grey) DS. A DS one will work with a GBA SP and vice-versa.

Yeah, I found that out just before you posted. Pretty nifty, and I know somebody who has an original DS. Problem solved.