Ingmar Krause wrote:

> Hi there,  Any idea where I can get a converter here in North America,
> preferably in Canada, to have the standard 110 VAC converted to 230 VAC
> for a European electric device?

First, your local electronics shop should have a transformer for that
purpose.  Just check the watts.  You probably also need a European plug
-- which you won't easily find.  And you have to make sure that your
device accepts 60 Hz.

Second idea: In North America, the "power lines" have 2x115 V = 230V !
Washing machines are usually hooked up at a 230 V circuit.  We took
advantage of this when we took our German washing machine to California
and hooked it to the 230 V circuit there.

The huge problem resulting from this was that the 60 Hz let the
asynchronous induction motor run faster, but unfortunately the resonant
frequency of the mechanical parts (especially the belt drives) were in
phase with the new rotational speed ("omega"), so that the machine
started to jump around after 5 to 10 revolutions of the washing drum!

I had to add quite strong springs (around 500 Newtons = 50 kilogram =
100 pounds force) which pulled down the motor to change the resonant
frequencies of the belt drives.  But then my wife was happy that she
saved 17% of the washing time!  :-)

Regards

Harald M. Mueller