Hi!
What I need is a solid-state converter to allow European 220 VAC/50 Hz devices (like VCR’s*, stereos, etc) to work properly in the US on 115 VAC/60 Hz. I’ve been searching a bit online, but mainly finding large-scale industrial-type devices. I need something in the range of 1500W or so.
Does anyone have any recommendations on the best way to go about finding this?
[sub]* Yes, I know about PAL/NTSC too…[/sub]
What exactly are you trying to power? It makes a difference. The only practical way to raise the voltage is a transformer and you have to make sure the appliance can use the different Hz.
Getting a device designed for 110V to work with 220 is a bit easier as you can use an electronic switch to let only part of the wave through but getting a device designed for 220 to work with 110 is not so easy because you have to raise the voltage. A transformer is the simplest way but for 1500w it will be heavy and bulky. You also have to be careful with the frequency and take that into account. If you tell me what type of appliance you are trying to power I can tell you the best solution.
Try Radio Shack, they always have just what you need to do everything from building bombs to converting power.
Well…like I said. A VCR, stereo, TV, numerous small motorized and un-motorized appliances. If you want to be exact about it, I need the following:
Input Voltage: 115 VAC, 60 Hz, 15 Amp
Output Voltage: 220 VAC, 50 Hz, 7-8 Amp
Thus far, in my searches I’ve seen solid-state and non-solid state devices, and I would greatly prefer solid-state.
Great idea. I found a few items on their site that looked good, but…none of them specify 50 Hz explicitly. I’ve seen people burned by converters advertised as “Euro-friendly” that were still 60 Hz, with bad results. If I can get someone at Radio Shack to answer me…
Again, try Radio Shack.
I am now in East Timor, but most of electronics are either for US or Australian power. Thankfully Radio Shack sells the neatest little gizmos, like the ones I use to convert all of my power needs to the proper freqs and amps. All you have to do is log on…
Sorry about the last reply, you and I were replying at the same time. The device I use allows you to choose what is necessary, just by flicking little switches. They have been true life savers for me. And East Timor power is the most screwed up power in the world. In fact, all warranties and guarantees are usually voided just by using the product in this screwed up little place. However, I have had no problems with my Radio Shack wonder toys.
Anthracite, it is just not so simple and every item may have a different “best” solution. You will find in most cases it is just not worth the adaptation and you are better off buying new appliances as the cost and hassle outweigh the convenience.
Things with motors or transformers powered directly by the mains require the frequency to be taken into account and each case is different. VCRs, TVs etc will not work at all in the USA if they are not NTSC. For small things which have an external adapter you can just get a new adapter. Each case is different and I do not think you can find a general solution but, if I had to recommend something in general, I’d say a transformer is the way to go.
BTW, your home has 220V with a center tap at the fuse panel. You can easily get 220 volts directly from there and you may have some appliances already working at 220V. If not an electrician can easily install a new 220 V circuit but keep in mind it is 60Hz.
That is good advice, but there are other considerations as well. Suffice to say that I have need of being able to operate European appliances of all kinds in my house, and am willing to pay - to a point. 
Turns out all the Radio Shack items do not convert frequency.
Unfortunately there is no simple way to convert frequency. You are not going to find a simple way to convert a 110VAC sine wave to 220VAC sine wave which is the only universal solution to your problem. It just does not exist. American bases abroad have their own power plants for that reason. It is much simpler to generate at 60 hz than to convert from 50Hz.
Depending on the item you may not need to convert as it may function well at both frequencies but you have to determine this on a case by case basis. Resistive elements, transformers, synchronous motors, asyncronous motors, electronics etc all behave differently with regards to voltage and frequency and so you can find different best solutions for each one but you are just not going to find an easy way to convert your 110VAC 60 Hz to 220V 50Hz. It does not exist that I know of because it is a pretty complex problem. The easiest way would be to have your own generator.
You may find a solid state device but this would be very expensive (just because the market is miniscule) and would probably output a square wave so you are still not out of the woods and you have to take into account the type of device you are powering.