Lowejackson
New member
Just of out of interest, what pads have you guys ordered?
UK Question
- Thread starter Spook
- Start date
just bloody typical...
just finished a 4-hour session (used the PC for the first time), and the frickin heavens open up...
today I did:
wash
clay (meguiars + qd)
poorboys pwc
ssr2 (by hand on a couple of spots)
EX-P (only time for 1 coat)
I clayed straight after the wash, using half of the clay that came with the meguiars kit. Couldnt believe how discoloured it was at the end :shocked smooth as a babys butt now though - dont know what the neighbours must have thought seeing me with my hands all over the car checking the clay job I had just done !
used the PC on 5 for the pwc - had to use the foam pad that came with the unit as Alex was out of stock when I went round to buy goodies yesterday. Seemed to work ok for me - no falling apart or whatnot that Ive read about elsewhere.
the ssr2 worked really well (and by hand with a terrycloth applicator) - easily removed water stains and some pollen that had stuck to the clearcoat. Im looking forward to trying this with the PC as I think it worked really well with just elbow grease. I think this could be the DACP for cars that dont need something as harsh.
EX-P - went on real easy, and came off easier
did it by hand as I couldnt be arsed to change the pad over as I had the screw in one in and left the spanner indoors.
must say it looks much better than when I picked it up from the dealers when I bought it :xyxthumbs
the converter plug worked fine, so you should be ok with yours
Alex reckons he'll have some new pads in this week, so Im ordering 2 polishing pads to go with my finishing pad that I got yesterday (pads are meguiars ones)
now It looks like im gonna have to QD the frickin thing again during the week thanks to that downpour...
typical english sodding weather !
will
just finished a 4-hour session (used the PC for the first time), and the frickin heavens open up...
today I did:
wash
clay (meguiars + qd)
poorboys pwc
ssr2 (by hand on a couple of spots)
EX-P (only time for 1 coat)
I clayed straight after the wash, using half of the clay that came with the meguiars kit. Couldnt believe how discoloured it was at the end :shocked smooth as a babys butt now though - dont know what the neighbours must have thought seeing me with my hands all over the car checking the clay job I had just done !
used the PC on 5 for the pwc - had to use the foam pad that came with the unit as Alex was out of stock when I went round to buy goodies yesterday. Seemed to work ok for me - no falling apart or whatnot that Ive read about elsewhere.
the ssr2 worked really well (and by hand with a terrycloth applicator) - easily removed water stains and some pollen that had stuck to the clearcoat. Im looking forward to trying this with the PC as I think it worked really well with just elbow grease. I think this could be the DACP for cars that dont need something as harsh.
EX-P - went on real easy, and came off easier
did it by hand as I couldnt be arsed to change the pad over as I had the screw in one in and left the spanner indoors. must say it looks much better than when I picked it up from the dealers when I bought it :xyxthumbs
the converter plug worked fine, so you should be ok with yours
Alex reckons he'll have some new pads in this week, so Im ordering 2 polishing pads to go with my finishing pad that I got yesterday (pads are meguiars ones)
now It looks like im gonna have to QD the frickin thing again during the week thanks to that downpour...
typical english sodding weather !
will
togwt
The Old Grey Whistle Test
Quote: Can anyone answer this: I also bought a U.S. 110-volt extension lead, and it has a 3rd prong for earth. Looking at the transformer from Sharper Image it has a socket for only two prongs. Therefore is it okay for me to remove the 3rd prong from the extension lead with pliers so I can plug it into the transformer? Also the PC doesn't use earth, so does it matter much?
~One man’s opinion / observations ~
The US electrical system is 110V as opposed to 240Volt UK; they do not provide a ground (earth) connection with most of their electrical appliances. But then 110v is a slight jolt; 240V is a ‘throw you across a room’ jolt. I would try to ground (earth) the PC and use a GFI if at all possible, especially if used outdoors
~Hope this helps~
Experience unshared; is knowledge wasted…/
justadumbarchitect *so I question everything*
~One man’s opinion / observations ~
The US electrical system is 110V as opposed to 240Volt UK; they do not provide a ground (earth) connection with most of their electrical appliances. But then 110v is a slight jolt; 240V is a ‘throw you across a room’ jolt. I would try to ground (earth) the PC and use a GFI if at all possible, especially if used outdoors
~Hope this helps~
Experience unshared; is knowledge wasted…/
justadumbarchitect *so I question everything*
Glad to hear it's all worked okay, would've been a pain if I had to cancel my order for that transformer.
You'll have to post some pictures in Click & Brag once you are finished with QD'ing tomorrow.
It always rains after I wash my car. To make matters worse the car lives outside and is surrounded by three walls so it never gets wet properly. That means nasty dusty marks everywhere. :nixweiss
My paint is pretty bad, parts of it need a respray. In order to make the best of it until I can afford that, I plan to DACP, #9, Super Resin, and then NXT. All I need now is the transformer and my sister's driveway for a dry afternoon. I will :bow for no rain the day before I start.
You'll have to post some pictures in Click & Brag once you are finished with QD'ing tomorrow.
It always rains after I wash my car. To make matters worse the car lives outside and is surrounded by three walls so it never gets wet properly. That means nasty dusty marks everywhere. :nixweiss
My paint is pretty bad, parts of it need a respray. In order to make the best of it until I can afford that, I plan to DACP, #9, Super Resin, and then NXT. All I need now is the transformer and my sister's driveway for a dry afternoon. I will :bow for no rain the day before I start.
:bowuk-will said:just bloody typical...
just finished a 4-hour session (used the PC for the first time), and the frickin heavens open up...
today I did:
wash
clay (meguiars + qd)
poorboys pwc
ssr2 (by hand on a couple of spots)
EX-P (only time for 1 coat)
the converter plug worked fine, so you should be ok with yours
Alex reckons he'll have some new pads in this week, so Im ordering 2 polishing pads to go with my finishing pad that I got yesterday (pads are meguiars ones)
now It looks like im gonna have to QD the frickin thing again during the week thanks to that downpour...
typical english sodding weather !
will
What is a GFI?
Okay confession time, I have to admit to already having used 110v appliances without the third prong. But this was when I lived in the far east, health and safety was never a top priority over there. We used to always rip off the third prong with pliers as all the wall sockets were two prong. I remember getting an eletrical sensation when I touched one or two screws holding down my computer's metal case. Not sure if this was because of it being un-earthed or just a dodgy computer!
Might do the same as UK-will and buy a UK extension lead with circuit breaker just to be on the safe side.
Okay confession time, I have to admit to already having used 110v appliances without the third prong. But this was when I lived in the far east, health and safety was never a top priority over there. We used to always rip off the third prong with pliers as all the wall sockets were two prong. I remember getting an eletrical sensation when I touched one or two screws holding down my computer's metal case. Not sure if this was because of it being un-earthed or just a dodgy computer!
Might do the same as UK-will and buy a UK extension lead with circuit breaker just to be on the safe side.
TOGWT said:
I recently received my new transformer from Sharper Image, I have to say I'm not impressed.
On a number 1 setting my PC cannot spin constantly, it stops for a few seconds, then starts again, almost like it's running out of batteries. I tried a number 2 setting and it can spin constantly still seems lifeless though. I didn't want to go any higher then 2 in case I damaged the PC.
When I tested my PC in the US it ran fine. So unless it somehow got damaged in my suitcase (I doubt it), the transformer must be the problem.
I also found the PC's plug kept dropping out of the transformer's socket. Even worse is when the transformer is plugged into the wall it slowly starts falling out of the UK travel adapter provided.
On a number 1 setting my PC cannot spin constantly, it stops for a few seconds, then starts again, almost like it's running out of batteries. I tried a number 2 setting and it can spin constantly still seems lifeless though. I didn't want to go any higher then 2 in case I damaged the PC.
When I tested my PC in the US it ran fine. So unless it somehow got damaged in my suitcase (I doubt it), the transformer must be the problem.
I also found the PC's plug kept dropping out of the transformer's socket. Even worse is when the transformer is plugged into the wall it slowly starts falling out of the UK travel adapter provided.
imported_vindaloo
New member
derekz said:I recently received my new transformer from Sharper Image, I have to say I'm not impressed.
On a number 1 setting my PC cannot spin constantly, it stops for a few seconds, then starts again, almost like it's running out of batteries. I tried a number 2 setting and it can spin constantly still seems lifeless though. I didn't want to go any higher then 2 in case I damaged the PC.
I can't say I'm surprised really, as I've said before why make the large units if all you need is one of these dinky little things. Anyone else anything to report on these? I'm disappointed as I've just pointed a colleague to Sharper Image for one of these, hope he doesn't blame me if it doesn't work properly.
The good thing is that Sharper Image seem to have a good returns policy. I've now ordered a transformer and plug from Screwfix all for about £54 and that includes shipping. I'll be sending back the Sharper Image transformer tomorrow.
Is your friend need a transformer for a PC, or just general use? It woudl probably be okay for a hair dryer etc.
Is your friend need a transformer for a PC, or just general use? It woudl probably be okay for a hair dryer etc.
imported_vindaloo
New member
derekz said:
Sadly for a PC
Derek
Im sorry it isnt working well for you. I can honestly say that I am experiencing no problems whatsoever with mine.
It must be said that I have never (nor will I) use the PC on a setting lower than 4, so I cant really say that Im too concerned about how it feels on level 1. I'm not sure that Ive read a single post where anyone mentioned a speed lower than 3ish, so I guess thats what I went straight in at !
Maybe your plug is fubar ?
With regards to the looseness of it, I agree that the US Plug does feel loose in the socket -- all I did to alleviate this was to duct tape one loop of PC cable around the plug to keep the cable (and therefore the plug end) tight to the plug. This has cured the problem for me.
Again, I checked with several far more electrical techy types (inlcuding the PC repairs centre here in the uk) about the transformer rating and using it with the PC, and everyone concluded that the transformer was adequate for the task. I certainly wouldn't have posted about it if it had caused damage - and now that Ive used it 5 times, I am happy to report that *I* have experienced no adverse affect (except for the odd massive electric shock......joke)
cheers
will
Im sorry it isnt working well for you. I can honestly say that I am experiencing no problems whatsoever with mine.
It must be said that I have never (nor will I) use the PC on a setting lower than 4, so I cant really say that Im too concerned about how it feels on level 1. I'm not sure that Ive read a single post where anyone mentioned a speed lower than 3ish, so I guess thats what I went straight in at !
Maybe your plug is fubar ?
With regards to the looseness of it, I agree that the US Plug does feel loose in the socket -- all I did to alleviate this was to duct tape one loop of PC cable around the plug to keep the cable (and therefore the plug end) tight to the plug. This has cured the problem for me.
Again, I checked with several far more electrical techy types (inlcuding the PC repairs centre here in the uk) about the transformer rating and using it with the PC, and everyone concluded that the transformer was adequate for the task. I certainly wouldn't have posted about it if it had caused damage - and now that Ive used it 5 times, I am happy to report that *I* have experienced no adverse affect (except for the odd massive electric shock......joke)
cheers
will
Mark Bennett
New member
(1st post - be nice!)
Having spent the last 3 days reading all the information here and on the rest of the forum, I've just ordered one of the PC 7424 kits (the Sonus one) plus a few spare pads.
15% discount code seemed to work too
So, dragging this thread up from the past to ask - is the Screwfix Transformer still the preferred way to go for power? With the extension lead from Screwfix? Or is the 110V extension lead problem, not really a problem?
Everyone still happy?
Thanks!
Mark
Having spent the last 3 days reading all the information here and on the rest of the forum, I've just ordered one of the PC 7424 kits (the Sonus one) plus a few spare pads.
15% discount code seemed to work too
So, dragging this thread up from the past to ask - is the Screwfix Transformer still the preferred way to go for power? With the extension lead from Screwfix? Or is the 110V extension lead problem, not really a problem?
Everyone still happy?
Thanks!
Mark
imported_vindaloo
New member
I prefer the Newmarket Transformer & US 110 extension, but hey that's only my opinion. Plenty of UK people using the Screwfix I'm sure, but I didn't fancy chopping my 110 US plug off my PC.
imported_pugoman
New member
Newmarket Transformer for me too... for the same reasons as 'vindaloo'. I've had no problems with it, seems like a well made piece of kit.
Mark Bennett
New member
Vindaloo and Pugoman,
Thanks for the very quick reply.
I've looked at thier website ( http://www.newmarket-transformers.co.uk/autos.html ) but it is not clear what to order? They show a chart (is the watts shown equivalent to the wattage consumes by the PC - or does it change with the different UK voltage?)
Alright, what I'm really asking is - which one did you buy?
Thanks for the very quick reply.
I've looked at thier website ( http://www.newmarket-transformers.co.uk/autos.html ) but it is not clear what to order? They show a chart (is the watts shown equivalent to the wattage consumes by the PC - or does it change with the different UK voltage?)
Alright, what I'm really asking is - which one did you buy?
Lowejackson
New member
In the alternative, I am very happy with the industrial extension cable, putting a new plug onto a PC is very quick and easy.
imported_vindaloo
New member
Mark Bennett said:Vindaloo and Pugoman,
Thanks for the very quick reply.
I've looked at thier website ( http://www.newmarket-transformers.co.uk/autos.html ) but it is not clear what to order? They show a chart (is the watts shown equivalent to the wattage consumes by the PC - or does it change with the different UK voltage?)
Alright, what I'm really asking is - which one did you buy?
1KVA but I think if cost is important the 500watt would suffice.
imported_pugoman
New member
I got the 1kva cased model.
AudiDriver
New member
This is my 1st go at replying! Hope I get it right?
Anyway, Just to let you know that I got the Sonus Kit kit from Autopia (inc pads and PC 7424) for $247.85 (includes shipping) and at todays exchange rate of approx £1 = $1.84 works out at £134.76. I did'nt have to pay any duty or at least I hav'nt been asked for any. (I think the limit for goods that you can import is £250.00?)
I got a 750Va 250/110 tranformer (cased) + 110v yellow plug + 14 meter 110v yellow extension lead. (apparently any extension should be on the 110v side NOT the 250v side!). These I got from Tooled-Up but would have been cheaper from Screwfix (only found out later - I could have saved myself £20).
I cut off the 2 prong plug on the PC 7424 and wired in the 110v plug - White to Neutral and Black to Live (Green goes to earth but the PC 7424 does not have an earth wire).
All is now working fine and I've been able to polish both mine and my wife's car between the rain showers.
I hope this is of help.
Anyway, Just to let you know that I got the Sonus Kit kit from Autopia (inc pads and PC 7424) for $247.85 (includes shipping) and at todays exchange rate of approx £1 = $1.84 works out at £134.76. I did'nt have to pay any duty or at least I hav'nt been asked for any. (I think the limit for goods that you can import is £250.00?)
I got a 750Va 250/110 tranformer (cased) + 110v yellow plug + 14 meter 110v yellow extension lead. (apparently any extension should be on the 110v side NOT the 250v side!). These I got from Tooled-Up but would have been cheaper from Screwfix (only found out later - I could have saved myself £20).
I cut off the 2 prong plug on the PC 7424 and wired in the 110v plug - White to Neutral and Black to Live (Green goes to earth but the PC 7424 does not have an earth wire).
All is now working fine and I've been able to polish both mine and my wife's car between the rain showers.
I hope this is of help.
Lowejackson
New member
AudiDriver, welcome to Autopia :up
I am sure you will love the results you get with your new PC and all the experimentation with different polishes.
I am sure you will love the results you get with your new PC and all the experimentation with different polishes.