Bit Runner 220V (UK) Compatibility

Will the new Bit runner be 220V compatible like the shapeoko itself. During the live reveal Winston said yes it should be, but what does that mean exactly. Can I just attach some adaptor plugs for UK and way to go?
Thanks
Mark

Hi Mark

It is, but comes with a US plug on it. I swapped the plug to a UK standard and it works a treat.

Luke

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Thanks Luke. Will using it on a standard UK circuit void any guarantee? I will maybe use some adapters instead of cutting plugs off.
Regards
Mark

Just FYI, I have been testing one on French’s 220V mains, using plug adapters, and it works fine. Also, Jorge confirmed it’s compatible with 220V. I can’t comment on the legal aspects though.

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Thanks guys, That’s good enough for me. I had already purchased the deluxe and was hoping I didn’t have to use a step down transformer etc. I am so chuffed I don’t have to mess with that. So excited, I have had my Shapeoko a while and not been able to set it up until now, and have just bought all accessories (bit zero, bit setter and bit runner).
Thanks again guys.
Regards
Mark

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Are those adapters commercially available?

I meant regular FR/US plug adapters, I ordered one of these:

image

and one of these:
image

on Amazon and I was good to go.

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Don’t these allow 115V stuff to be plugged into 220V outlets?

They sure do, so one would need to be careful about the 110V/220V compatibility of the device being plugged (but I may have missed your point, in relation to the BitRunner?)

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Nah - I figured you guys accounted for that.

Apparently no COTS power adapters available here allow that. But now I understand why this device says it’s compatible with 220V with only 115V US type connectors.

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Hello there!
So in the end is there a difference between choosing:

  • Carbide Compact Trim Router 110VAC with BitRunner, and then convert the whole thing to 220VAC;
  • Custom Router (Dewalt or Makita) 220VAC and use FR/US plug adapter as @Julien said between BitRunner/Router and BitRunner power supply/220V
    Thanks

While you could probably make either option work, I think it’s best to avoid 110V/220V converters when possible, also the difference will be the cost: plug adapters will be 5-10 euros, while a decent 110V/220V converter supporting 1kW will be around 100 euros…
If mains is 220V where you live, definitely grab a 220V Makita locally (I know I did), it will not be much more than the price of the 110V/220V converter.

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Thank you for your quick answer!

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OK, I just connected up my Bit Runner (UK Mains) and switched everything on and there was a loud pop from the Bit Runner box. Shut everything down and opened up the box and saw that a big red capacitor had popped. So its toast! I checked all my wiring and its all correct including US to UK connections, US green to UK green/yellow Earth, US black to UK brown live and US white to UK blue neutral. Gutted as I have been waiting for this to arrive from US and its taken a while. Some pics.

I removed the images as they have served their purpose.

Hi Mark,
We’ll send you a new BitRunner stat, you’ve been waiting for this one so we’ll turn it around quickly. I’ll get in touch offline so we can figure out a way to get that BitRunner back to us for postmortem.

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Thankyou Jorge. I will look out for your coms.

That isn’t a capacitor. Its an MOV (varistor), and is designed to “pop” with the overvoltage condition it was designed for. Unless 3D has already determined the wrong one is installed, expect the same problem with the new one.

Varistor Tutorial

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Thanks for the headsup. Jorge at Carbide3D got it covered :slight_smile:

Hi Mark, looks like our emails aren’t getting though, mind checking your inbox here?
Just sent you a PM

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Do I need this Bit-Runner?
I do not use a router, I use a 2.2 KW Spindle which is connected to a VFD. I also got pins 3 & 6 connected to my VFD, which is controlling the start/stop/speed of my spindle.