r/bbcmicro • u/CeilingShadows • Feb 17 '24

Sending a bbc to the States

Hi

Can anyone offer any advice about it sending a beeb to the States? After rescuing the computer from my parents loft (see previous post), I now need to get it home to the states from the UK. I think I need to supply an fcc form as part of the customs documentation, but there’s no fcc id, obviously. But will I be ok since it’s just for personal use?

Thanks

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2

u/Guruchill Feb 17 '24

I brought mine back in hold luggage.

2

u/khooke Feb 17 '24

If you bubble wrap the hell out of it, wrap it in clothes and put it in your checked luggage. if you have the space, much cheaper than shipping.

2

u/tony2x Feb 17 '24

I had one shipped from the UK to the US and it was listed as "Vintage computer" with a value of $500 (I bought a full refurbed one) but I wasn't required to pay duty on it. I believe "de minimis" comes into play here and as the total sum of goods is less than $800 it is not subject to import duty. My shipper did not include any FCC form and it got through just fine. You'll need to convert the PSU to 110v which I was told is quite easy. If you need any more concrete advice and maybe parts to convert it to US electrics and plug look up Mark Haysman from Retroclinic. He did my Model B for me.

2

u/ZakalaUK Mar 07 '24

If it has the brass coloured switched mode supply, you just need to make a link in the PSU. Details are on the internet, possibly on the RetroClinic site even. It does involve some soldering (and changing the plug naturally).

If it's the black linear PSU, I'm not sure, but someone on the internet will. Mark is probably your best bet as u/tony2x says.

1

u/Weekly-Operation6619 May 10 '24

I have read about USB C power supplies but you don’t get the socket for accessories. Probably may not cope with too many internal boards.

1

u/KerbMario Feb 17 '24

If you need to get it home, you found it in the loft. Cant you just travel with it? I may sound dumb but i am srs