A small, discreet device to shave off a few volts?

Question

I have a beautiful vintage electric metronome that looks and works great but has one significant problem. It was designed for a lower mains voltage than we have today and as a result, its counting is slightly fast. I'm looking for either the proper resistor value to drop 125 volts to 110 or a ready-made device for this purpose, something that could be spliced into the line cord. The 'nome only takes 4 watts so it shouldn't be much of a problem. :)

Pic here if you're curious: http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb151/Makataimashikiyakiya/IMG_0267.jpg

Thanks!

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Have you tested the frequency out using current line voltages??

My line voltages frequently reach 125V and they are normally 120V.

fawdown · Answer

Resistors.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4900110_reduce-voltage-resistors.html

classicsat · Answer

I vote autotrasnformer.

You can make a simple buck trasnformer from and off the shelf transformer with a 120V primary and 12V (Center tap does not matter), connecting the secondary antiseries with the primary, to reduce the voltage to a tolerable level for the device.

GibsonEssGee · Answer

Sure it's volts and not frequency. A small autotransformer would knock off the 15V or so but if it's 50Hz vs 60Hz issue with a synchronous motor you are going to need an inverter of some kind.

William W · Answer

Try about a 560 ohm resistor.

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A small, discreet device to shave off a few volts?

5 Answers