PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-565
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 565
DECEMBER 1999
he personal computer
(PC) has become a vital
part of Army supply,
maintenance and other
operations.
Whether you are using
a PC for ULLS, SAMS,
SIDPERS-3, FED LOG,
electronic technical
manuals (ETMs) or
surfing the Internet for
Army pubs, it has
become your work horse.
Anytime you move that work horse to another country, take the time to set it
up correctly when you are ready to use it again. Otherwise, you may find your
PC up in smoke when you need it to be up and running.
Most initial computer hardware failures happen when the PC is plugged into
the wrong power type.
In the US, the most common voltage is 115/120-volts AC.
However, some OCONUS locations use 230-volt power. Plug adapters are
available that allow you to plug your PC into a 230-volt outlet,
but they are not
power transformers.
Plugging a 115/
120-volt PC into a 230-volt outlet will
blow the the PC power supply.
The same goes for plugging your PC
into a straight 230-volt uninterruptable
power supply. Your computer will burn
up if it is set at 115/120 volts.
When going to an OCONUS loca-
tion, you should:
1.
Determine your power requirements
before
you move the equipment. Check
with your prime power engineering
support or see Appendix C of FM 5-
422,
Engineer Prime Power Operations
(May 93).
Although a bit old, it still
identifies a number of different power
types available in countries around the
world.
PS 565
54
DEC 99
Computers . . .
is that
computer
ready
to go?
it will
be as soon
as i
plug
it in
!
hold it!
first make
sure my
power
settings
are
right
!
Use flathead
screwdriver to
choose desired
uninterruptable
power setting
120 VAC
230 VAC
3.
Before
you set up your PC at your destination, have the prime power engi-
neers verify the power output right where you plan to plug in (not miles away
or even next door). Then verify your equipment settings
before
you power up
your equipment.
These simple precautions can save you a Report of Survey and keep you and
your unit up and running!
Use step-down transformers with adapter
2.
Switch your computer input settings
to meet the voltage you’re going to be
using before you pack your PC. Most
PCs use recessed switches
located next to the power cable on
the rear panel of the computer. You
should be able to change your settings
by pushing in the button and moving
it up or down with a screwdriver or
pen. No switches? Then you will need
to use the proper transformer to con-
vert the power to meet your computer
equipment’s operating needs.
Push buttons in and move
up or down to get to
desired power setting
PS 565
55
DEC 99
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