SIMRAN 200 WATTS DELUXE STEP DOWN VOLTAGE CONVERTER MODEL SMF-200 FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL. by SIMRAN
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List Price: Category: CE See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of SIMRAN 200 WATTS DELUXE STEP DOWN VOLTAGE CONVERTER MODEL SMF-200 FOR FOREIGN TRAVEL.
Digital camera Review: Seems to work well, some minor quibbles
Summary: 3 Stars
This transformer has worked admirably so far. I used it on a trip to India, and it worked well. It doesn't make any noise while in use, and it seems to stay reasonably cool. Not like I'm drawing all that much wattage through it, but it seems to be just fine.
Just a few quibbles:
1. The 110-volt North American plug offered on the front of the unit has a spot for a grounding prong, but the unit itself is not grounded. I still cannot fathom the logic of that design choice. Especially in India, where European plugs are *required* to have a grounding prong. You can't get a plug like this one into the outlet without one; the outlets have an internal safety device that only opens when a grounding prong is inserted into the outlet. Sadly, the only way I could get this to work in India was to insert a pen in the grounding prong hole to release the safety and then insert the plug into the power holes.
2. The only justification I could find for not having a grounded unit is that the unit is fuse-protected. But they don't tell you what kind of fuse is required, and the fuse is located *inside* the unit, such that you would need a screwdriver to open the unit to replace the fuse. If it is going to be fuse-protected, the fuses must be user-replaceable, and need to be easily accessible without the use of tools, which I'd rather not carry around with me when I'm traveling internationally.
As far as the usability goes, it works as designed: it takes 230-240V power and steps it down to 110V power, offering you a North American power outlet. It's reasonably small and lightweight in comparison to some other transformers, but that's because it handles a much lower wattage. You have to be careful about the application that this will be used for: works well for laptops, phone chargers, electric razors, etc, but don't plug anything into it that draws over 200W, like your curling iron or hairdryer, as you'll fry the transformer instantly. And the lack of a grounded power plug and the internal fuse are poor design choices which nearly limits the functionality of the unit to the point where it's almost worth it to pay a little more for a better-designed unit.
For the price, it was worth it for me. Just make sure you understand the application for which it will be used before you buy it.
Digital camera Review: Seems to work well
Summary: 5 Stars
Purchased it for a recent trip to Tanzania; worked great for charging
camera and Camcorder batteries...
Digital camera Review: Simple, works well, costly shipping.
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a simple step down transformer. It does it's job.
It has a three prong plug output but note IT IS NOT GROUNDED!
This is rarely a problem for most users, but for safety's sake you need to be aware of this.
The box says this unit is fused. Not wanting to get overseas and blow a fuse with no replacment, I opened the unit to see what kind of fuse to buy some replacments. No fuse, unless it's well hidden which makes it a bad design. I took one star for this, and the unclear ground plug.
Final word, shipping was a much as the unit cost for me to get to in California. Still a worth while unit but be warned.
Digital camera Review: Heavy but works
Summary: 4 Stars
We needed this converter for a trip to Rwanda and while it is a bit heavy to lug around it worked great. Made me feel a little more comfortable than buying one of the cheap all-in-one travel adapters. Wanted the converter just to be on the safe side, a little extra protection for my electronics.Digital camera Review: Works in Sweden
Summary: 5 Stars
Bought this before moving to Sweden for a long term assignment. Have had no problems. I've used it for my laptop (before deciding to use a simple plug converter), for recharging batteries and for recharging my Oral-B toothbrush. The long cord attached is really useful!