Vestax PDX-2000 / 2300 Voltage Conversion - WA462S102-3 PCB

So you've bought a turntable from another country and you want to use it on a different voltage? You've come to the right place. Here is a step by step guide to show you how to convert your PDX-2000 / 2300 to a different voltage. This particular turntable was 230v and so no modification was needed.

Not the right transformer? Check this guide instead.

You'll need the following:

  • Soldering Iron - preferably temperature controlled
  • Solder - I prefer 60/40 Tin Lead solder
  • De-soldering tool - can be copper braid or a solder sucker
  • Wire - for jumping the connection, can be insulated or not
  • Clippers - for trimming excess wire
  • Fuses - needed to adjust for voltage difference to protect your circuit

Here's a useful guide explaining about dual winding transformers, it's worth a read under the "Dual Primary & Dual Secondary Transformer" heading before continuing.

Be warned, you must be capable of working with electronics before attempting this. If you're unsure please ask a professional, we do not accept any liability for personal injury or damage to electronic equipment.

  1. Turn off and unplug the PDX from the wall. Leave it for a while to allow the capacitors to discharge then place it on a pillow and remove the screws underneath to allow you access inside. 

    Inside you'll see the mains transformer, carefully remove the thermal fuse from the DC motor and unplug the two connectors on the left (AC In and AC Out) 

    You can now remove the screws which mount the transformer to the chassis. Be warned though the 4 nuts on the other side will drop out so you'll need to remove the platter and put the nuts somewhere safe.

    Vestax PDX-2000 transformer within the chassis.

  2. With the transformer removed from the turntable chassis carefully inspect the markings on the PCB. You'll notice there are 3 markings denoting 100v, 120v, 230v. On the other side of this board there is a jumper wire which has been configured for one of these settings. All we need to do is to remove the jumper and place it in the right position for your respective voltage.

    Vestax PDX-2000 transformer and PCB.

  3. Other guides would have you perform the next steps without removing the PCB however if you're going to do a job you should do it properly especially when electricity is involved. Carefully de-solder the 10 pins of the transformer from the PCB, you don't want to use a soldering iron without heat control as it can easily be too hot and melt the plastic bobbins of the transformer. Do not tug and pull at it unless you are confident all the solder has been removed from the pads.

    Closeup of transformer PCB.

  4. With the PCB removed look at the underside and carefully remove the insulation layer, you can gently prise this off with a knife. You'll want to keep it to re-apply it post conversion. 

    Transformer PCB insulation.

  5. Let's pretend this turntable is set for 100v and we want to convert it to 230v, unsolder the jumper wire from configuration U3 (100v) and discard it. Take your new wire and bend it to the right shape to fit inside the 2 holes for U1 (230v) Please note only 1 jumper can be in place at any time, do not place more than one or you will damage the transformer. Solder it in ensuring that it's close to the board, it should now look like the image below. Replace the insulated layer to ensure that the jumper doesn't touch the transformer when the PCB is re-attached.

     Voltage Length of Jumper
    100v / 120v (U2, U3) 20mm
    230v (U1) 25mm


    PDX-2000 230v configuration.

  6. With the insulated layer back on the PCB, re-solder the board back to the transformer. Your transformer should now look like this. Re-attach back to the chassis taking care to ensure all screws and nuts are accounted for. Make sure that the tooth washer is connected to the same screw as the earth lug. Put the thermal fuse back in its holder near the DC motor.

    Configured transformer for 230v.

  7. Since the voltage has now been changed on the unit we must also change 2x 20mm fuses on the main circuit board. They are now overrated for our unit and will not provide adequate circuit protection in event of a short. Here's a reference table showing you which fuses you need when converting the voltages. It is imperative that you use the correct fuses below, if rated too low when converting from 230v to 100v / 120v and the fuse will constantly blow. If rated too high when converting from 100v / 120v to 230v and your circuit will fry before the fuse blows.

    Voltage Fuse F001 Fuse F003
    100v + 120v 1A 500mA
    230v 400mA T 315mA T


  8. Change the plug to your countries format, you will not require a safety ground (third pin) as the device is double insulated. Ensure that when wiring you connect the live and neutral wires to the correct connectors on your plug and you're good to go.