Unfortunately, most of my mail is the small standard envelopes, or larger than 10".

Back to scissors and tape!

If Brother can't fix it, I'll just short the fuse with an appropriate piece of wire. Nothing to lose, eh?

True not much to Risk and a good idea... Lasers will print on smaller and larger generally.

I'll apologize in advance for commenting on what is probably obvious, but if the guarantee is only good in the US, I assume it is probably the 120 volt power supply and you had to use a stepdown transformer to hook it to your local power?

Good point Jeff, I'll check when I get it back. I made the perhaps dangerous assumption that as all this kit is made on the same line, they would probably make just one model, with suitable on-board voltage regulation. Could be that was a dangerous assumption!

The specifications in the pdf manual for your machine just say 120 volt 60 hertz. Not sure that means anything, though. The manual for my Brother PT 2730 labelmaker tells me to use 120 volts, but the power adapter itself is labeled 100 – 240 volts, 50 – 60 Hertz.

That (hopefully) would suggest that there is an on board transformer.

I'll know when I get it back, or maybe when I get home and can look at the box and paperwork. On biz up in a Chiang Mai at the moment.

Well spotted Jeff!

It is indeed a 120v @ 60Hz, 1.7A input, so transformer definitely needed. I am surprised at Brother and a bit hacked off that the numpty seller is selling these internationally and not mentioning this.

The repair was equiv. US$20, so still quids in.

The only transformers I can locate so far are 220-110v. Not being a sparker, I am not sure how, or if that would work correctly. Anyone here know please?

That is what switching power supplies are meant for (110/220). Whether what you found fits at either end and will be happy camper is another story. At least the repair was reasonable.

By "fit", do you mean the plug fittings? If so, they are fine.

My real concern is if the printer will work correctly on 110V, when 120V is specified?

FWIW, Thai wall plugs are the same as US ones as far as I can see.

Earth?? What's that?

You live there of course but the Wiki indicates quite a variety of plugs depending on when. I am not an electricity expert by any means. 110/120 is the same thing. My understanding is that 110/120/125 are all essentially the same thing and that voltage may run as high high as 130V and similarly 220/240 is also the same can also run all the way up to around 260 volts.

That said every device has an amperage draw (printer not much 1.7amps max you mention). Many plug types relate to the amperage draw. In the us Even on 110/120 the outlet can be rated up to 20 Amps which is a lot. The next Step up is 220/240 and their associated amperage.

By country
http://electricaloutlet.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_e...ity_by_country

By Plug type Nema
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NEMA_connector

Good links - thanks! We have 3 types here and the 3rd isn't shown, but is very similar to and possibly compatible with the NEMA-5. Good luck with those, though, as there's almost certainly not an earth cable in the wall socket!

The transformer I saw was appx. US$25 and resembled half a house brick. She shopkeeper asked me the Wattage and my O-Level physics escaped me - how embarrassing!

Anyway, a swift refresher later and taking W=V*A, then this little printer requires 204w, so I can go back armed with that information and get something that works for me.

Bit of a palaver, but I am still over a hundred bucks better off than buying locally.

In for a Penny in for a Pound:) Printer really should have come with a 110/220 power brick or internal equivalent. I would make sure to have the printer with you that all fits/works, etc.

Suppose so. I'll shop around after the cricket finishes tomorrow (yes, I'm a masochist) and check prices a bit more.

I really am surprised and disappointed that Brother didn't deal with this, as it's the first time I have encountered this issue after 15 years of buying sundry kit from the USA. It's also the first and last bit of Brother kit I will buy.

Agreed. At the risk of asking a silly but do you use powers strips and all. In case power fluctuations was a factor.

I do indeed, but, as I mentioned in a thread some years ago, they don't always work.

I lost a 20" G5 iMac when it was plugged into one of those and not even on, but a lightening strike cooked through and killed the machine.

Yup
 

Surge protection can only do so much and carries ratings. The fluctuations in power generation are usually ok and a strip can help. The power coming from mother nature is in a whole other league, though in theory some surge protectors can stand up to some. I personally have only lost a router that way and it was on surge. My friend lost a great deal came in through he thinks VIDEO ISP /TV line that was hit by lightening. Fried a great deal of the stuff in his home. Best bet if your home is to unplug if you can.

I do now!

Remember the thread years ago about Post your Uptime?

Ha!

Do not remember the thread off hand.

It was quite a few years ago.

As UltraVox once sang: "It means nothing to me..."

Hmm if they sang about it must:) Was mostly familiar with Reap the wild wind after re-looking them up:)