advice? I'm travelling to the UK with my theremin (voltage etc.)

Hello,
I'm travelling in a couple of weeks to Liverpool to play with my band. We include several theremin numbers in our set. I'm getting a "dual-wattage foreign travel AD Converter" from Radio Shack. I play an etherwave big briar theremin.
We have 110volts and 60 cycles coming out of our walls here in the US.
There, I believe, it's 210 at 50 cycles. I think the voltage coverter will make it 110--think the 50 cycles thing will matter?

Anyone have any experience travelling cross-continents with a theremin? Advice?

oops - double post.

Welcome to Theremin World.

The UK is 240 volts at 50 Hz, and going to be 230 volts by 2008 in common with the rest of Europe.

50 Hz is not an issue - my etherwave works fine. The specs on my etherwave's transformer (supplied by Turnkey (http://turnkey.co.uk) with the theremin) are "input: 230V AC ~ 50 Hz 0.05 A. output: 14V ~ 200mA."

Hope this helps.

Thanks for asking I've wondered this too.

In terms of traveling players of both the Standard and Pro have advised me to pack the instrument in carry on luggage. One EWPro player has very nice hard shell carry on suitcase and she's been all over the States and Europe with her theremin.

Best of luck, please report back how it all worked and any travel issues we might need to know for future ref.

Gordon, I'm sorry, I'm not quite understanding...it's been awhile since high school electronics class. would you guess that your theremin is specially built for the UK's system? Maybe yours and mine are identical but the little wall-plug-in transformer thingie is different depending on whether you are in the UK or US?

OM--thanks, you bring up ANOTHER worry---that in these UberSecurity times, that a little wooden box with funny antennae and electronics inside may look threatening. I was thinking either check it through (in my suitcase with antennae disengaged, or even mailing it ahead to the hotel)---your friend has had no trouble at security check points? I was thinking of including photos and the owner's manuel to show the guy if he looked at it funny.
THANK YOU----these worries may all seem silly, but I thank you for your helpful hints and knowledge.

p.s. to Gordon, I see on a more careful second read that it does look like you were supplied with a special transformer. Maybe I should contact mr. Turnkey as well.

Dorit had no problems with the transformer she bought from Maplin's, which is our equivalent of Radioshack I guess.

Alexander - for her ePro? Do you recall which model from Maplins? It's possible I may be requiring a couple for our Stateside symposiasts.

Blake - as far as I know the only difference between UK and US etherwaves is the absence of the company logo on the front panel because there is also a UK company called Moog. I have seen US models (with the logo) used in the UK.

Airport security - pack a pocket sized amp and threaten to play if they treat you with suspicion. That'll teach them. :-)

Gordon - the EPro takes a standard kettle lead - according the the manual it will accept from 100V to 240V and 50-60 Hz, which is good news for visitors to these shores. I guess all they'll need is a UK standard kettle lead (or a two-pin to 3-pin adaptor at worst).

I have a handful of spares in my gig box (the amp & mixer both use them), so will have them along with me in case anybody has a problem getting a UK lead.

Thanks, J_D. I am sure Jen and Jon will be pleased to hear it.