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[DVL-919] Possible mod to convert to 220/240V?
https://forum.lddb.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=7630		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  david.winter [ 15 Feb 2018, 20:20 ]
Post subject:  [DVL-919] Possible mod to convert to 220/240V?
Hi,

I read several Pioneer DVL-919 (not 919E) service manuals which all list four versions of the player: RL, RAM, RB, RD/RB.
All four versions are supposed to automatically set to 110/117V or 220/240V (they have a switched power supply).
More interestingly, the table showing this is even entitled "The voltage can be converted by the following method" except that no conversion is required as per automatic setting.

As my 110Vac player says DVL-919 with no RL/RAM/RB/RD on its rear, can its psu circuit be converted to accept both voltage ranges ?
If so, is it only a matter of using components with higher voltage ? Any semiconductors to be replaced for the same reason ?

Thanks !
Author:  elahrairrah [ 15 Feb 2018, 20:23 ]
Post subject:  Re: Pioneer DVL-919: possible mod to convert to 220/240V ?
I imagine there is, as the Hong Kong version of the DVL-919 has a voltage selector. Just not sure what's under the hood to make it so.
Author:  david.winter [ 15 Feb 2018, 20:27 ]
Post subject:  Re: Pioneer DVL-919: possible mod to convert to 220/240V ?
In fact I found the service manual which has both 110V only and automatic psu (pages 36 & 38 respectively).
Both psu circuits differ so the mod may be a bit too complicated. For example the multivoltage section requires several additional components (at least one transistor Q151, one zener diode D106 etc).
This leaves three options:
- Replacing the 110V psu board (VWR1286) by the multivoltage version (VWR1287). So far the only link found is too expensive.
- If both VWR1286 and 1287 share the same layout, the additional components may be added and minor changes would be required. Not sure about this.
- Using a step-down transformer.

For those who are interested, here's the link to the service manual:
https://elektrotanya.com/pioneer_dvl-91 ... nload.html

And for those who need spare parts for their 919:
http://www.etus-landgraf.com/teile-shop ... 04/dvl-919
Author:  kaflo [ 16 Feb 2018, 22:07 ]
Post subject:  Re: Pioneer DVL-919: possible mod to convert to 220/240V ?
Forget Etus Landgraf, they do NOT sell any Pioneer Spareparts anymore. They need to clean up their webshop.

People have converted some power supplies. I would be willing to give it a try but I need an extra 110V power supply first . So if anybody has a spare one and wants to sell it for little money, please contact me.
Author:  takeshi666 [ 17 Feb 2018, 05:18 ]
Post subject:  Re: Pioneer DVL-919: possible mod to convert to 220/240V ?
david.winter wrote:
Using a step-down transformer

Well this would be the safest course wouldn't it? No need to open or modify the player in any way.

I got a 100W transformer to use with a blu-ray player which is rather overpowered for that use since those things barely use 20 watts, but it might be just right for a Laserdisc player. I think I paid about 50 bucks for it, but you might be able to get one cheaper. Certainly far less than buying a new DVL-919 if you messed up the mod job somehow.
Author:  david.winter [ 17 Feb 2018, 08:07 ]
Post subject:  Re: Pioneer DVL-919: possible mod to convert to 220/240V ?
As I restore tube radios and amps at my shop I have some step-down transfos.
But I always think to the next person who will use the 919, and if I sell it, saying it's a 110V verison with transfo will bring barely anybody.
Hence why I would bave liked to mod the psu board. As I said, it is possible that it be the same circuit in both cases (1286/1287) and that only the additional parts be required.
So indeed a spare 110V board would allow giving a try.
Author:  david.winter [ 22 Apr 2018, 21:10 ]
Post subject:  Re: Pioneer DVL-919: possible mod to convert to 220/240V ?
Forgot to post about the mod but I put the 919E power supply board in place of the US version.
It works without trouble. Since the European version has a power switch instead of a push button on the front side, all you need to do is remove its plug and shunt it on the board. This way it will operate as the US model.
I don't know why they added that power switch for the EU version.
However it still remains an NTSC-only player and I read that the mod to make it PAL compatible is complicated and not worth it.
Still, my little mod avoids using a spare transformer.
Author:  blam1 [ 25 Apr 2018, 20:55 ]
Post subject:  Re: Pioneer DVL-919: possible mod to convert to 220/240V ?
I have swapped power supplies across the DVL-919 family. The EU version of the board actually works with any voltage (I've got a DVL-919E with the original PS plugged straight into the wall). The DVL-919 was also available as a "Military" unit (sold through the PX) and is auto switching to any voltage. The DVL-919 shipped to the US and the DVL-919 shipped to Japan actually have the exact same power supply board, so while the player marking and packaging indicate 100v only, the player works perfectly fine plugged into the 120v outlets in the US.

The PS units in these players, as well as the DVL-909 series are all interchangeable.

The one drawback, which is referenced above, is the DVL-919E supplies that are set as 220/240v have the hardwire switch. You can bypass this with a jumper as mentioned above and it will "behave" correctly. Because the power switch doesn't "connect" to anything, the power on the remote has to be used. And when you first plug in the unit in (or after a power failure), the unit will come on by default.
Author:  david.winter [ 25 Apr 2018, 21:10 ]
Post subject:  Re: Pioneer DVL-919: possible mod to convert to 220/240V ?
That's exactly what I did (shorting the wires originally going to the EU power switch.
Too bad it won't play PAL discs, but my 2950 is fairly enough for that so far.
I although thought about replacing the 240V 919 by a CLD-925 but I was told it wasn't a good choice for NTSC LDs although it plays PAL great.
Or maybe I should try getting a 919E and sell the 240V 919 to recoup from the further investment. Depends whether one shows up and for how much...

PS: still not found a 1972 Airport demo disc nor any pre-1978 DV :) However I missed an early VH8000 with a late 1978 date code but given my location I'm a bit reluctant to have such a heavy unit sent overseas without proper packing. Anyhow....
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