Path: utzoo!mnetor!uunet!lll-winken!lll-lcc!pyramid!prls!gert
From: gert@prls.UUCP (Gert Slavenburg)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.st
Subject: Re: ST at 50Hz
Message-ID: <9621@prls.UUCP>
Date: 8 Mar 88 18:03:20 GMT
References: <8803042134.AA23120@ucbvax.Berkeley.EDU>
Reply-To: gert@prls.UUCP (Gert Slavenburg)
Organization: Philips Research Labs, Sunnyvale, California
Lines: 28
Summary: Monochrome OK, Color unsure

Since I don't know how to respond to your BITNET address, I'll
use this expensive method of answering - maybe it'll help others.

Sometime ago I moved my U.S. model 520ST to Europe (Holland).
I sold my color monitor, since I wasn't sure if the 60Hz refresh would
give visible 'wobble' when supplied from a 50Hz net, but figured that
the (70 Hz) monochrome monitor shouldn't care about its power frequency.
In Holland, I acquired a 220 -> 110 Volt transformer (In Holland, you 
should ask for a 'VERHUIS TRANSFORMATOR' in an Electronics components 
store - 300 Watts or more should do the job).
The safe way to test if things work, before risking your ST, is to
wire the transformer according to the  instructions and connect a US
type lightbulb as load. Measure the voltage, which should be around
112-125 Volts (usually, you can use one of several taps to set the
secundary voltage. I managed to get 117 Volts that way - a safe bet).

The ST and monochrome monitor worked perfect from this supply. Also you
can run a European color monitor at 50 HZ from your ST using a so called
ST to SCART cable (and a TV with SCART input). This however requires a
program (or ROM patch) that sets your ST vertical rate to 50Hz. Any home
computer club there can get you one, since Atari forgot this little fact
with an earlier ROM release.

I used this setup for 1 1/2 years without problems (and then moved back).

Hope this helps,

  Gert Slavenburg
  (UUCP:..!pyramid!prls!gert)