ChronoArt Clocks, power requirements for outside the U.S.

Once you have selected a clock you are interested in then come to this page for additional information.

Some of the clocks have issues related to power that must be explained. For example the Aurora and Prisma use an synchronous AC motor that locks to the power line frequency. The advantage of these motors is they never gain or lose time as long as the power is on. But, a motor designed for 60 Hz, the U.S. frequency, will run 5/6 slow on Europes' 50Hz. You would lose 10 seconds every minute -- clearly not acceptable. A transformer CAN NOT solve this frequency problem. A transformer only changes voltage, not frequency. We have purchased some motors for 50 Hz for export in these clocks. But because we sell so few and each one is specially assembled they cost more. The good news is they are also 230 VAC so no special transformer is required. On average the charge for building a special Aurora or Prisma for Europe or Australia is about $75 extra. Send an email for a precise quotation; please include your shipping address.

Transformers & Plug Adaptors

Other clocks like the TimeArt, Kaleidoscope, TIX (random pattern clock) automatically, when they are first plugged into power, figure out which frequency they are using, so keep time correctly without modification. These clocks only need their transformer to be changed before we ship it, or you can provide a step down transformer to convert the voltage from your 230VAC to the 115VAC that clocks own transformer uses. More information is below.

For the TIX, random pattern clock, the transformer is at the end of the power cord and the power cord plugs into the back of the clock. The clock itself just needs 6 VAC (must be AC, DC will not work), with at least 250 ma of current available. So it you wanted we could just ship you the cord that plugs into the back of the clock and you could wire the cord to your own 6 VAC output transformer to save the shipping expense of the transformer that comes with it. Or for $14 extra we can exchange the 115VAC that comes with the clock for a 230 VAC transformer with two round power pins for Europe. For the U.K. or Australia you can also purchase a 2 round pin to 3 square pin adaptor to go with the transformer for $6 ($20 total).

The TimeArt and Kaleidoscope Clocks power transformer are also at the end of the power cord, but the wire from the transformer is soldered into the clock. These clocks also need 6 VAC (must be AC, DC will not work), with at least 1000 ma of current available. For $14 extra we can exchange the 115VAC with a 230 VAC transformer with two round power pins for Europe. For the U.K. or Australia you can also purchase a 2 round pin to 3 square pin adaptor to go with the transformer for another $6 ($20 total). Or, if you like you can provide a 230 VAC to 6VAC transformer yourself and save the $14 or $20 cost and extra shipping weight. We would provide you with about 20 or 30 cm. of wire for you to connect to.

Shipping

The Aurora and Prisma Clock are heavy. 2.5 to 3 kg. Insured 6 to 10 day Mail is approximately $45.

The other clocks are lighter and less expensive to insure. For example, shipping the Audocron chime clock can be a little as $15. Send an email for a quotation.

Payment

You can use a VISA, MasterCard, or Paypal. With Paypal you basically send the money to my email address. But setting up a PayPal account can take some effort. So most people prefer to use their credit card. To protect you credit card I suggest you either call me and do it over the phone. Or, some customers have broken their credit card number up in several different emails. For example they might put the first 8 digits in one email. Then the next 8 in a second email and the expiration date and 3 digit security code in a third email.

For protection I can only ship to the billing address for the credit card.