Mathmos - Power Converter or Bulb?

[Sentrex]

Hi Folks -

In a fit of lava induced euphoria I ordered my first Mathmos Astro and now need to figure out how I am going to get it flowing once it arrives....

Seems that there are two camps here - (1) Power Converter and (2) Light Bulbs.

Some posters indicate that a simple plug converter and 130V bulb is sufficient - no need for a converter or re-wiring...  

https://www.amazon.com/Satco-S3397-40-Watt-Light-Clear/dp/B000V5320Y

Others swear by the  upconverter....

https://www.amazon.com/LiteFuze-LC-300US-300Watt-Voltage-Converter/...

Thoughts, feedback, warnings - all very much appreciated!

[Claude J]

if you go with a 120V lamp, you stil have to change the plug

Power converter is easier and it keeps the lamp original

You can find them cheaper than $25 on eBay

Made the mistake of changing one over and regret it

Not sure about the bulb you have listed but socket height to lamp will differ with USA sockets

Also, unless you plan on NEVER buying another Mathmos lamp, a conversion makes absoluty no sense.

It takes a ridicilous amount of time to convert and devalues the lamp

Due to a growing collection, I now have a large 2000watt 220V/110V converter and UK power strips to plug them all into, 

I still keep a few small transformers for lamps that do not sit where the main MM display is located

[Kelly Flaskerud]

I use this one with a U.K. power strip. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MWAKVU/ref=oh_aui_search_deta... Works well and is less than the ones on eBay.

Which Astro did you buy?

[Claude J]

AGREED

Kelly said:

I use this one with a U.K. power strip. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MWAKVU/ref=oh_aui_search_deta... Works well and is less than the ones on eBay.

[Kelly Flaskerud]

It's just so much easier...

[Sentrex]

Claude and Kelly - thanks, always appreciate input from those of you that are further up the hill than I am.

Ordered the Violet/Red Astro with the silver base.

I have so many vintage Lava Lite Lamps that only work so-so...... gonna sell of the ones that aren't awesome and sink the money into Mathmos. Next up on my list will be a Neo (or two).

Thanks again.

[Kelly Flaskerud]

My Astro Metallic and Neo are on the way! Woo hoo!!

[Brad]

Hey all, 

I'm resurrecting this thread because I found a very suitable replacement for the original JDR halogen bulb called for by Mathmos.  These bulbs simply do not exist in the US — JDR is already odd, and E14 is even weirder.  And buying them is tough unless you like paying out the nose for shipping and convincing a UK / EU vendor to ship a small quantity to you in the first place.

Comment here: http://oozinggoo.ning.com/xn/detail/1566398:Comment:704900

[Shannon D]

Sorry to bump a long dead thread, but I am currently searching for the perfect step-up converter for a mathmos lamp! I found this post but all the links seem to be dead, could I trouble anyone for an updated link to something that is known to be a good solution for a single mathmos Astro? Thanks!

(I grabbed a purple/orange on copper base and I’m very excited to run it!)

[Claude J]

Happy to help
Go to Amazon and search for: LiteFuze LC-500US 500Watt Step Up/Down Travel Voltage Converter, US Cord [5-Years Warranty]

You will also see other 500 watt units

I have one by goldsource STU 500 and it has more options as well as cheaper ($38) than the Litefuse model ($47)
I owned both

[Shannon D]

Thanks so much! :) this is exactly what I needed!

Claude J said:

Happy to help
Go to Amazon and search for: LiteFuze LC-500US 500Watt Step Up/Down Travel Voltage Converter, US Cord [5-Years Warranty]

You will also see other 500 watt units

I have one by goldsource STU 500 and it has more options as well as cheaper ($38) than the Litefuse model ($47)
I owned both

[Claude J]

Happy to help