[etphonehm]

Hi, I need to get a frequency converter for the purpose of converting 60hz to 50hz to be used on a Brandt washing machine that I bought in Hong Kong and shipped to USA.

To make a story short, the Brandt machine's microprocessor uses the line frequency which in HK and Europe is 50 hz to operate the machine. As a result, the machine is not working properly in the US.

Would appreciate any info to purchase a frequency converter. Hopefully it is not cost-prohibitive. Thanks in advance.

[lowlight]

In my experience, voltage step up/step down converters do not switch the frequency. So even if you get something to convert 220V to 110V, the frequency will still be the same. I was worried about this when I first plugged in my Nintendo Wii from USA to a stepdown converter (since the Wii wants 110v/60Hz) but it worked fine.

Have you tried just using one of these? I think for most things, it should be OK. Alarm clocks are one thing you wouldn't want to use with a different frequency

These converters are cheap, under $10 USD, depending on how much power you need. If it's for a washing machine, you may need a substantial converter... Find out how much power it uses first.

[reefer]

You will have hard time to find reliable and efficient frequency converter with less than US$5.000.
Your best bet is trying to increase voltage (in US you will need adjustable voltage converter NOT Frequency converter!) slightly up from normal operating voltage ( something like 240V )to increase initial torque of your washing machine's 2 phase motor.
Try it with your own risk but I would get new one if I was in same situation.
Good Luck.

[audiodesign]

Do you know where I can purchase a step-down converter?

I think this is what I need? Id like to be able to plug in my USA Gamecube and Japanese TV into a HK plug.

[Boris]

What is the problem with " the machine is not working properly ".

It is unusual for an auto voltage switch to cause incorrect operation in such a simple mechanism as a washing machine.