Very useful bits of kit. I over specced the one I bought because I had no idea about what sort of things I would be testing with it. Great explanations of the differences between a standard transformer and an autotransformer.
George Christofi Yes I thought the one I bought should be ok for running test gear it’s nice having the American style sockets. Hopefully you will enjoy part two. Stuck my neck out with some testing know idea if I did it right so the comments will be interesting which is the best part anyway. Thanks George Regards Chris.
Very informative video. I have this transformer and was using it to step down my Mr Coffee coffee percolator. Did a fine job for about a year then one day suddenly started tripping the circuit breaker, I reset it and tried to use it again when it made a pop sound and a very small amount of smoke appeared from the reset button. It powers up now but with everything I plug into it that I’d used it for previously, now constantly trips the circuit breaker. I bought a bigger transformer which works fine now but was wondering if the other one is reparable? Wouldn’t attempt it myself but wanted to see if a professional would. Thanks👍
240/120 split 60hz in US. We had 480 3-phase for higher power broadcast transmitters. Like the torus transformer, though I don't care to wind them by hand. There's a project for you Chris.
The line voltage in North America is typically around 120 vac, plus or minus 2 volts. In spite of what people believe I think that 110 volts was what was used with the old Edison Dc mains power grids, which are all but non existent today. All of the vintage equipment I have, some of which dates back to the 1920s, have power ratings between 115 and 125 volts, and often 117 volts, not 110. The 115 volt stuff was usually rated for 25 cycle operation, which also works fine on 60 cps, this is equipment with power transformers not AC motors of course. Autotransformer inside, well since it's a Chicom cheapie I'm not surprised, nor with the grounding issues. This is basically what a Variac is with the exception that it has a wiper for the live connection, which is why it is sometimes a good idea to use one in tandem with an isolation transformer. How much wire it saves it the question, if you intended to power higher current devices through it would mean using a heavier gauge of wire throughout I would think. You can buy proper step up or step down 120-230 volt transformers, Hammond makes them I believe, but they cost more then that thing does.
OlegKostoglatov Thanks for the heads up on North American supply voltages. It should be 230 here but typically 240 for older installations. The product is acceptably constructed except for the dubious earthing. The toroidal is heavy copper and nicely manufactured. Typical saving on cost is 50% much less copper but heavier gauge for full load secondary current. The auto transformer is the correct choice for this application as they have higher efficiency and better voltage regulation. It’s the job of any equipment plugged into it to provide the necessary electrical isolation. I think you will find part two interesting thanks for comments regards Chris.
Correct line voltage is something to pay attention too, I was recently working on what they call a "three way" portable over here, it's like an AC/DC radio but with battery tubes. Anyhow I think the selenium rectifier in it is a bit tired, I had it plugged into a variac, and the set would not work below 115 volts, and it worked best at the full 120 volts. It was one of those radios that uses a 1R5 as a mixer-oscillator, and if they don't see the minimum voltages they want they will simply not work. I am sure that if the power supply in the radio was in good order it would have worked down to 105 or even all the way down to 100 volts though. Getting back to your new step down transformer, I have noticed that with equipment made in the P.R.C, if it was made by machine, like the torroid autotransformer it's probably fine, as long as they used the correct materials, such as not using steel wire or something. The Chicoms do seem to like their torriods, some have even found those in those so called "HiFi" tube amps with the tubes that don't do anything other then light up. In terms of economy of copper wire a torroid does save some anyhow as they are more efficient then your typical laminated core with "E" and "I"s. I've even heard of people winding replacement oscillator coils for old radios with the smaller kind, with half the turns of a cylindrical core.
It would be nice if you could show the current values and voltages. In the comments it is repeatedly mentioned that short circuits occur and that the end devices are destroyed.
@@infopc-arieh6372 I would suggest you watch part two of the video that measured and demonstrates the voltage and current in very great detail. There is nothing wrong with the outputs from the device. I guarantee that people who have destroyed equipment have connected the transformer wrongly. th-cam.com/video/EllL0lSog10/w-d-xo.htmlsi=CjPpc5Yu9dqDX5IX
Thank you for an interesting review and explanation of this product, Chris. I was wondering if you would catch your error, using the handle mounting bolt for a ground connection! A very common error I have seen in residential wiring is to use a mounting screw to ground a metal electrical box. "A problem well stated is a problem half solved." - Charles F. Kettering
David V It’s not uncommon to find unsatisfactory earthing even in U.K. manufactured products especially in older equipment. I am not sure when the regulations came into force regarding earthing studs etc. Thanks regards Chris
50 Hz transformers can work on 60 Hz just fine. However, a 60 Hz transformer will naturally have a lower impedance on 50 Hz, and may burn itself out on the lower frequency.
Defpom's Electronics & Repair The toroidal transformer is good quality and in the end was well rated for the job. I recommend it once you correct the earthing.
Defpom's Electronics & Repair Hello Scott. Not had chance to try the tracer yet. Making this video has been like killing a vampire it just won’t die! Keep finding stuff to play or comment about!
Thank you. very well explained. Bought me one of these but the 3kva second hand for 10$ The built quality is superior to the one shown here since I believe it is Japanese branded. May modify the earth if necessary as well.
Ok sounds like you got a good deal. A lot of the stuff from China is very good if built down to a price but the quality is very varied. I have used my unit quite a bit but only for small equipment. Thanks for watching and making time to comment it’s always appreciated. Regards Chris
@@allthegearnoidea6752 yes I guess it will I doubt that will make that much difference to a food mixer but it will certainly make a difference to a turntable or tape recorder and a big difference to an analogue clock ! I am fairly sure the motor will be a brushed type AC motor
I think it would use a brush or universal motor, which means that speed is governed by voltage, not line frequency. That may explain why those cheap chicom record players use DC motors, so they can export them anywhere. They are still junk though, better to pick up a 1970s era BSR then one of those.
Chris, I have recently purchased an iconic and much-coveted (US) clock timer for my (UK) darkroom. What is the work-around when appliances *are* frequency sensitive, please? Many thanks.
Sadly there isn’t an easy work around. You may be able to buy a battery 110 volt inverter that has a 60 hz frequency. Or maybe you could change the gears internally or just paint on a new dial calibrated for 50 hz. You can also buy variable frequency output power supplies and I have one of these but it was £750. If your very creative at electronics you could build a 60hz oscillator feed this into a power amplifier and the reverse feed the secondary of a transformer. I once did this for testing some American equipment but it is a lot of work.
@@allthegearnoidea6752 Many thanks for your prompt reply. I'm afraid I'm way out of my depth here, and will probably abandon the whole idea and write my purchase off as an expensive mistake. Atb.
Hi, really useful video, thank you so much. I want to purchase a Japanese kitchen appliance to use in the UK so have been researching on transformers. Regarding the earth situation, do you have any other practical tips to ensure / increase safety when using, seeing that I don't won't really be able to modify it like you did? Many thanks!
Thanks for the message sorry I cannot really advise on the earthing and safety of the equipment it’s a minefield. However I have been happy with the purchase and it works very well. Note it only changes the voltage not the frequency you may want to check the frequency of the Japanese supply it could change the speed of some appliances
I know this is old but, i read somewhere that the 220 plug is wired differently ( no right and left legs ). Since you were in there, can you confirm that? Also, could you tell me which wires?
Sorry I don’t really understand your question regards plugs wired different with regards to what. I’m guessing that the American 220 supplies are derived form across the secondary terminals of a centre tapped transformer and 110 is from the centre tap to the outside leg.
@@shaymus1968 oh I didn’t know that. I have only seen the 110 plugs in hotel rooms etc. i guess the 220 are reserved for higher power applications. I understand your question now,. I think the centre tap was taken to ground but not sure been a while
Very Nice Video Chris And Great Comments About Safety Top Marks !! Thats a Nice Piece Of Gear For All Your American Equipment. It Reminds Me Of a Thing I Did For a Friend About 5 or 6 Years Ago A Guy Called Joe Collins Nice Fella He Used To Review Hi-Fi Gear But Now He Does Things All About Linux Operating Systems Well Joes Scott Amplifer Failed On Him So I Said I Would Send Him One Of My A&R Cambridge A60 Amps ( I have about 5 left) But There Was a Problem He Uses 120v in The States And We Use 230v Here, But The A60 Has a Toroidal Transformer With Taps For 120v On It So I Rewired It For His Voltage And Tested The Amp On My Variac Set To 120v Worked a Treat And Sent It To America As A Present He Was Over The Moon When He Got It ( if i can help some body as i pass along etc !! he,he) Looking Forward To Your Next Video Regards mike.
raceingdemon6464 Thats a very nice gift of an amplifier to a friend. I am much the same if I have spare gear I am glad if I can pass it on to someone. Hopefully you will enjoy the next part of the video doing some testing on the transformer. Funny I never have any idea what people want to watch so I just switch the camera on and film what on the bench. You just made me think I need to rebuild the Quad 303 at some point. I keep looking at Quad mono block valve amps for restoration but not come across anything suitably priced yet. Thanks for watching regards Chris
@@allthegearnoidea6752 The Quad 303 Can Really Sing After You Recap Them There are Pleanty Of People Who Have Refurbed These Very Nice Amps The Oldgit Did The 33 and The 303 Here th-cam.com/video/e095s6TAbcE/w-d-xo.html Yes The Quad 2 Power Amps are a Thing Of Beauty With Those Lovely GEC KT66 Power Tetrodes And Superb Wireing Loom a Friend Of Mine Had a Set With a 22 Preamp Back in The Day When KT66 Valves Were a Lot Cheeper !! Quad 2 Power Mono Blocks Can Be Expensive To Get Now Better To Try and Find a Set Of Non Working Ones And I Can Watch You Work Your Magic Fingers!! Heres a Thing On Quad 2 Power Amps Here th-cam.com/video/2rQ3llxBR6g/w-d-xo.html Regards mike.
You need to check the power requirements of the coffee maker. For safety I would suggest you need at transformer of 2 x the rating of the coffee maker. The rating will be in either watts or kilowatts. I thought some of your outlets in the USA had 220v which would be close enough for Europe.
@@unclealadar4560 go for something above 2000VA or Watts. It may not be worth your cost as these thing really aren’t designed for powering heavy loads. Maybe stick to a coffee maker designed for the USA. Me best regards Chris
It looks the part but as you said it has safety issues, but heatshrink (love heatshrink) will cover up the bare terminals if need be. I've seen a few c.b power packs, Or regulated 13.8v d.c supplys that have bare switch contacts and often only one line is switched, sometimes the negative lol, i did laugh when i saw that for the first time :-D The earth is the number one thing i always check for, yes i know earth leakage systems in the breaker box will trip, but i want a good earth. It also fixes noise problems and radio interference. Smashing to see you don't have to repair what you bought.... oh no i''m wrong lol. Shame it's an auto, but better than a kick up the jacksie, unless you like that kind of thing :-D
zx8401ztv Yes your right on the Earthing always very suspect. Having said that the safety of much vintage gear is quite dubious at best when it comes to earthing and switching and very common live chassis designs. There nothing wrong with using a auto transformer in this application as the output doesn’t need isolation that’s the job of the equipment plugged into it. Also auto transformers have better voltage regulation because one winding so half the I squared R losses copper losses.
Yes you are right, ive never bothered with auto transformers. Most things i have repaired just have the isolated type. I have thrown together basic power supplys from junk, usually because i needed one. i image you have made some good lashups as well :-D
Andrewausfa Hi Andrew. Yes I would recommend one of these you cannot argue for the price. The transformer is very good quality just check out the dubious earthing. Thanks regards Chris.
Mr E A site transformer is an isolation Transformer and sometimes it’s nice to have the choice. The main reason is that I don’t have a 110 isolation transformer in my workshop and thought it was advantageous to have the correct sockets to fit the USA style plugs. Thanks for watching.
@@allthegearnoidea6752 Ahh so a site transformer with some adaptors to US style would suffice. Good to know. Also the site transformer is a heavy piece of gear 🤯😬
Mr E Yes they are heavy I have one in the garage but didn’t want to be tripping over it in my electronic workshop. Those site transformer can deliver a lot of current I would have some additional fusing on the secondary just a a precaution.
China Engineering? You meant "Can Electrocute", right? The soldered connections should have been proper crimped connectors (you were pointing at the switch by the way). It has been designed and wired cleverly though. The circuitbreakers protect both the input to the transformer and the output depending on the setting of the switch on the back. I was going to comment on how it has been wired as an autotransformer, but as I'm still watching when writing this, you just arrived at that part. :)
MrDubje You May be correct on the CE marking LOL. It’s funny how they do 90 percent of the manufacturing to a good standard and then spoil it with the last 10 percent especially when it would not have costed any more to do it correctly. I don’t think it’s necessarily bad manufacturing they just haven’t caught up with us regarding the electrical standards. Your correct on the earth wires should have been crimped on rather than soldered. Thanks regards Chris.
@@allthegearnoidea6752 Chris, that's exactly what I was trying to point out about the Hantek CC-65 AC/DC current clamp you reviewed recently. I liked the product and purchased one and it had the exact same problem with the battery connector. A simple fix with pliers, but why?
Evrim Ulu you would probably want something country specific to suit you plug and sockets. I use this in the U.K. www.sitebox.ltd.uk/carroll-and-meynell-isolation-transformer-230230v-3kva-2-x-13a-uk-sockets-cm3000230-oCM3000_230?paid=googlepaidproducts&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyu2Ot9G95gIVxbTtCh2mxwt7EAQYAiABEgKvNvD_BwE
Average Joe a site transformer would have been ok, but I didn’t have one and it’s nice to have the US style sockets so I don’t need to change the plugs etc.
Regarding the earth situation it make you wonder why there aren't more deaths with all the cheap electrical goods being sold direct from china via ebay or amazon
Vintage Steel Garage This product is not so bad and it’s a great built toroidal transformer. To Be honest it’s no more unsafe than the stuff we built in UK in the 50 and 60. I’m just saying it does not comply with the standard I have built much worse in my time. I think you have to be quite unlucky to die from electric shock given the amount I have suffered in the past. It is surprising there is no checks or enforcement when equipment from China is imported.
Sry but i must disappoint you, that transformer is max 400-500VA, i would say around 400(~350w)...i got 1500VA and is more than 2x bigger and heavier than that, never trust chinese numbers! Btw, 1500VA toroidal transformer cost around ~170$!
Toske90 Sorry but you’re incorrect the rating is approximately correct as was proved by the regulation testing in part 2. I think your probably neglecting the efficiency saving in size weight and rating provided as a function of being an auto transformer. Thanks for watching and comments. Regards Chris
@@allthegearnoidea6752 You didn't prove anything in part 2, using 500w load for short time means nothing, i didn't saw you testing it with 1kw long time work... My transformer is the same teroidal, with efficiency over 90%!...
Toske90 your incorrect A poor transform would have shown itself in the regulation test. This was well within the manufacturers specifications. It’s not about how good your transformer is and just because you paid more doesn’t make it better.
@@allthegearnoidea6752 ok than, make a video, use 1kw load on that thing, wanna see smoke and fire...but let it work longer, not 1sec. I didn't say that your transformer is poor, its just over rated, classic chinese marketing...
Very useful bits of kit. I over specced the one I bought because I had no idea about what sort of things I would be testing with it. Great explanations of the differences between a standard transformer and an autotransformer.
George Christofi Yes I thought the one I bought should be ok for running test gear it’s nice having the American style sockets. Hopefully you will enjoy part two. Stuck my neck out with some testing know idea if I did it right so the comments will be interesting which is the best part anyway. Thanks George Regards Chris.
Very informative video. I have this transformer and was using it to step down my Mr Coffee coffee percolator. Did a fine job for about a year then one day suddenly started tripping the circuit breaker, I reset it and tried to use it again when it made a pop sound and a very small amount of smoke appeared from the reset button. It powers up now but with everything I plug into it that I’d used it for previously, now constantly trips the circuit breaker.
I bought a bigger transformer which works fine now but was wondering if the other one is reparable? Wouldn’t attempt it myself but wanted to see if a professional would. Thanks👍
240/120 split 60hz in US. We had 480 3-phase for higher power broadcast transmitters. Like the torus transformer, though I don't care to wind them by hand. There's a project for you Chris.
Danish Native Those toroidal winding machines a really cool. I remember first time I saw one. I don’t think i fancy winding one by hand!
The line voltage in North America is typically around 120 vac, plus or minus 2 volts. In spite of what people believe I think that 110 volts was what was used with the old Edison Dc mains power grids, which are all but non existent today. All of the vintage equipment I have, some of which dates back to the 1920s, have power ratings between 115 and 125 volts, and often 117 volts, not 110. The 115 volt stuff was usually rated for 25 cycle operation, which also works fine on 60 cps, this is equipment with power transformers not AC motors of course.
Autotransformer inside, well since it's a Chicom cheapie I'm not surprised, nor with the grounding issues. This is basically what a Variac is with the exception that it has a wiper for the live connection, which is why it is sometimes a good idea to use one in tandem with an isolation transformer. How much wire it saves it the question, if you intended to power higher current devices through it would mean using a heavier gauge of wire throughout I would think. You can buy proper step up or step down 120-230 volt transformers, Hammond makes them I believe, but they cost more then that thing does.
OlegKostoglatov Thanks for the heads up on North American supply voltages. It should be 230 here but typically 240 for older installations. The product is acceptably constructed except for the dubious earthing. The toroidal is heavy copper and nicely manufactured. Typical saving on cost is 50% much less copper but heavier gauge for full load secondary current. The auto transformer is the correct choice for this application as they have higher efficiency and better voltage regulation. It’s the job of any equipment plugged into it to provide the necessary electrical isolation. I think you will find part two interesting thanks for comments regards Chris.
Correct line voltage is something to pay attention too, I was recently working on what they call a "three way" portable over here, it's like an AC/DC radio but with battery tubes. Anyhow I think the selenium rectifier in it is a bit tired, I had it plugged into a variac, and the set would not work below 115 volts, and it worked best at the full 120 volts. It was one of those radios that uses a 1R5 as a mixer-oscillator, and if they don't see the minimum voltages they want they will simply not work. I am sure that if the power supply in the radio was in good order it would have worked down to 105 or even all the way down to 100 volts though.
Getting back to your new step down transformer, I have noticed that with equipment made in the P.R.C, if it was made by machine, like the torroid autotransformer it's probably fine, as long as they used the correct materials, such as not using steel wire or something. The Chicoms do seem to like their torriods, some have even found those in those so called "HiFi" tube amps with the tubes that don't do anything other then light up. In terms of economy of copper wire a torroid does save some anyhow as they are more efficient then your typical laminated core with "E" and "I"s. I've even heard of people winding replacement oscillator coils for old radios with the smaller kind, with half the turns of a cylindrical core.
It would be nice if you could show the current values and voltages. In the comments it is repeatedly mentioned that short circuits occur and that the end devices are destroyed.
@@infopc-arieh6372 I would suggest you watch part two of the video that measured and demonstrates the voltage and current in very great detail. There is nothing wrong with the outputs from the device. I guarantee that people who have destroyed equipment have connected the transformer wrongly. th-cam.com/video/EllL0lSog10/w-d-xo.htmlsi=CjPpc5Yu9dqDX5IX
i like this transformer but i cant find here round wiring
Thank you for an interesting review and explanation of this product, Chris. I was wondering if you would catch your error, using the handle mounting bolt for a ground connection! A very common error I have seen in residential wiring is to use a mounting screw to ground a metal electrical box. "A problem well stated is a problem half solved." - Charles F. Kettering
David V It’s not uncommon to find unsatisfactory earthing even in U.K. manufactured products especially in older equipment. I am not sure when the regulations came into force regarding earthing studs etc. Thanks regards Chris
50 Hz transformers can work on 60 Hz just fine. However, a 60 Hz transformer will naturally have a lower impedance on 50 Hz, and may burn itself out on the lower frequency.
I ALMOST bought a step up/down unit a lot like that last week ! I forgot to actually bid on the auction.
Defpom's Electronics & Repair The toroidal transformer is good quality and in the end was well rated for the job. I recommend it once you correct the earthing.
@@allthegearnoidea6752 you got to love the toroidal transformer ever tried winding one ?
I have one of those signal tracers, great for tracing through an I.F. stage.
Defpom's Electronics & Repair Hello Scott. Not had chance to try the tracer yet. Making this video has been like killing a vampire it just won’t die! Keep finding stuff to play or comment about!
Thank you. very well explained. Bought me one of these but the 3kva second hand for 10$ The built quality is superior to the one shown here since I believe it is Japanese branded. May modify the earth if necessary as well.
Ok sounds like you got a good deal. A lot of the stuff from China is very good if built down to a price but the quality is very varied. I have used my unit quite a bit but only for small equipment. Thanks for watching and making time to comment it’s always appreciated. Regards Chris
looks a bit overkill but should do the job I need something like this for my food mixer which I got from the USA !
thehappylittlefox aka benji depending on the type of motor it may run slow as USA is 60Hz. Thanks regards Chris
@@allthegearnoidea6752 yes I guess it will I doubt that will make that much difference to a food mixer but it will certainly make a difference to a turntable or tape recorder and a big difference to an analogue clock !
I am fairly sure the motor will be a brushed type AC motor
I think it would use a brush or universal motor, which means that speed is governed by voltage, not line frequency. That may explain why those cheap chicom record players use DC motors, so they can export them anywhere. They are still junk though, better to pick up a 1970s era BSR then one of those.
@@OlegKostoglatov yes I think so too its a while since I took one of those motors apart and I am pretty sure it will have brushes
Chris, I have recently purchased an iconic and much-coveted (US) clock timer for my (UK) darkroom. What is the work-around when appliances *are* frequency sensitive, please? Many thanks.
Sadly there isn’t an easy work around. You may be able to buy a battery 110 volt inverter that has a 60 hz frequency. Or maybe you could change the gears internally or just paint on a new dial calibrated for 50 hz. You can also buy variable frequency output power supplies and I have one of these but it was £750. If your very creative at electronics you could build a 60hz oscillator feed this into a power amplifier and the reverse feed the secondary of a transformer. I once did this for testing some American equipment but it is a lot of work.
www.kccscientific.com/product/athena-frequency-converter/
@@allthegearnoidea6752 Many thanks for your prompt reply. I'm afraid I'm way out of my depth here, and will probably abandon the whole idea and write my purchase off as an expensive mistake. Atb.
@@russellsprout2223 yep I have that tea shirt but never learn.
Very informative Chris, thanks for sharing your knowledge, regards carl.
boxingday11 Thanks for watching and nice comments regards Chris.
Hi, really useful video, thank you so much. I want to purchase a Japanese kitchen appliance to use in the UK so have been researching on transformers. Regarding the earth situation, do you have any other practical tips to ensure / increase safety when using, seeing that I don't won't really be able to modify it like you did? Many thanks!
Thanks for the message sorry I cannot really advise on the earthing and safety of the equipment it’s a minefield. However I have been happy with the purchase and it works very well. Note it only changes the voltage not the frequency you may want to check the frequency of the Japanese supply it could change the speed of some appliances
I know this is old but, i read somewhere that the 220 plug is wired differently ( no right and left legs ). Since you were in there, can you confirm that? Also, could you tell me which wires?
Sorry I don’t really understand your question regards plugs wired different with regards to what. I’m guessing that the American 220 supplies are derived form across the secondary terminals of a centre tapped transformer and 110 is from the centre tap to the outside leg.
@@allthegearnoidea6752 American plug has 110 to each leg and the neutral in the bottom center.
If the power goes out, in trying to run the well pump on 220 without burning the pump up.
@@shaymus1968 oh I didn’t know that. I have only seen the 110 plugs in hotel rooms etc. i guess the 220 are reserved for higher power applications. I understand your question now,. I think the centre tap was taken to ground but not sure been a while
Very Nice Video Chris And Great Comments About Safety Top Marks !! Thats a Nice Piece Of Gear For All Your American Equipment. It Reminds Me Of a Thing I Did For a Friend About 5 or 6 Years Ago A Guy Called Joe Collins Nice Fella He Used To Review Hi-Fi Gear But Now He Does Things All About Linux Operating Systems Well Joes Scott Amplifer Failed On Him So I Said I Would Send Him One Of My A&R Cambridge A60 Amps ( I have about 5 left) But There Was a Problem He Uses 120v in The States And We Use 230v Here, But The A60 Has a Toroidal Transformer With Taps For 120v On It So I Rewired It For His Voltage And Tested The Amp On My Variac Set To 120v Worked a Treat And Sent It To America As A Present He Was Over The Moon When He Got It ( if i can help some body as i pass along etc !! he,he) Looking Forward To Your Next Video Regards mike.
raceingdemon6464 Thats a very nice gift of an amplifier to a friend. I am much the same if I have spare gear I am glad if I can pass it on to someone. Hopefully you will enjoy the next part of the video doing some testing on the transformer. Funny I never have any idea what people want to watch so I just switch the camera on and film what on the bench. You just made me think I need to rebuild the Quad 303 at some point. I keep looking at Quad mono block valve amps for restoration but not come across anything suitably priced yet. Thanks for watching regards Chris
@@allthegearnoidea6752 The Quad 303 Can Really Sing After You Recap Them There are Pleanty Of People Who Have Refurbed These Very Nice Amps The Oldgit Did The 33 and The 303 Here th-cam.com/video/e095s6TAbcE/w-d-xo.html Yes The Quad 2 Power Amps are a Thing Of Beauty With Those Lovely GEC KT66 Power Tetrodes And Superb Wireing Loom a Friend Of Mine Had a Set With a 22 Preamp Back in The Day When KT66 Valves Were a Lot Cheeper !! Quad 2 Power Mono Blocks Can Be Expensive To Get Now Better To Try and Find a Set Of Non Working Ones And I Can Watch You Work Your Magic Fingers!! Heres a Thing On Quad 2 Power Amps Here th-cam.com/video/2rQ3llxBR6g/w-d-xo.html Regards mike.
Help. A coffee machine from Europe will work from this device in the USA?
You need to check the power requirements of the coffee maker. For safety I would suggest you need at transformer of 2 x the rating of the coffee maker. The rating will be in either watts or kilowatts. I thought some of your outlets in the USA had 220v which would be close enough for Europe.
@@allthegearnoidea6752 thank you! The power of the coffee maker is 1500w
@@unclealadar4560 go for something above 2000VA or Watts. It may not be worth your cost as these thing really aren’t designed for powering heavy loads. Maybe stick to a coffee maker designed for the USA. Me best regards Chris
It looks the part but as you said it has safety issues, but heatshrink (love heatshrink) will cover up the bare terminals if need be.
I've seen a few c.b power packs, Or regulated 13.8v d.c supplys that have bare switch contacts and often only one line is switched, sometimes the negative lol, i did laugh when i saw that for the first time :-D
The earth is the number one thing i always check for, yes i know earth leakage systems in the breaker box will trip, but i want a good earth.
It also fixes noise problems and radio interference.
Smashing to see you don't have to repair what you bought.... oh no i''m wrong lol.
Shame it's an auto, but better than a kick up the jacksie, unless you like that kind of thing :-D
zx8401ztv Yes your right on the Earthing always very suspect. Having said that the safety of much vintage gear is quite dubious at best when it comes to earthing and switching and very common live chassis designs. There nothing wrong with using a auto transformer in this application as the output doesn’t need isolation that’s the job of the equipment plugged into it. Also auto transformers have better voltage regulation because one winding so half the I squared R losses copper losses.
Yes you are right, ive never bothered with auto transformers.
Most things i have repaired just have the isolated type.
I have thrown together basic power supplys from junk, usually because i needed one.
i image you have made some good lashups as well :-D
zx8401ztv Building really shit power supplies is all part of the fun I have built some howlers in my day.
Some good information in here Chris. I was thinking of getting an autotransformer much like that one for some US stuff I have. Regards - Andrew
Andrewausfa Hi Andrew. Yes I would recommend one of these you cannot argue for the price. The transformer is very good quality just check out the dubious earthing. Thanks regards Chris.
Could i use this to the philippines which has 220v? I have a smoker i bought from US which has 120v? It has the 3 prong plug
Donn Diego Figueroa what is the amp or wattage rating of your smoker?
Any reason why a yellow site transformer couldn't be used ?
Mr E A site transformer is an isolation Transformer and sometimes it’s nice to have the choice. The main reason is that I don’t have a 110 isolation transformer in my workshop and thought it was advantageous to have the correct sockets to fit the USA style plugs. Thanks for watching.
@@allthegearnoidea6752 Ahh so a site transformer with some adaptors to US style would suffice. Good to know. Also the site transformer is a heavy piece of gear 🤯😬
Mr E Yes they are heavy I have one in the garage but didn’t want to be tripping over it in my electronic workshop. Those site transformer can deliver a lot of current I would have some additional fusing on the secondary just a a precaution.
China Engineering? You meant "Can Electrocute", right? The soldered connections should have been proper crimped connectors (you were pointing at the switch by the way). It has been designed and wired cleverly though. The circuitbreakers protect both the input to the transformer and the output depending on the setting of the switch on the back. I was going to comment on how it has been wired as an autotransformer, but as I'm still watching when writing this, you just arrived at that part. :)
MrDubje You May be correct on the CE marking LOL. It’s funny how they do 90 percent of the manufacturing to a good standard and then spoil it with the last 10 percent especially when it would not have costed any more to do it correctly. I don’t think it’s necessarily bad manufacturing they just haven’t caught up with us regarding the electrical standards. Your correct on the earth wires should have been crimped on rather than soldered. Thanks regards Chris.
@@allthegearnoidea6752 Chris, that's exactly what I was trying to point out about the Hantek CC-65 AC/DC current clamp you reviewed recently. I liked the product and purchased one and it had the exact same problem with the battery connector. A simple fix with pliers, but why?
David V I use the Hantek one in part two of the video. I also bought the bigger one think it may be 300 amp for measuring the trunk cranking current
Soldering does have advantages, it would certainly be beneficial to tin the ends before crimping them, I always did with stranded wire anyhow.
Hey there, thanks for the video, would you mind recommending an isolation transformer for 220 volts?
Evrim Ulu you would probably want something country specific to suit you plug and sockets. I use this in the U.K. www.sitebox.ltd.uk/carroll-and-meynell-isolation-transformer-230230v-3kva-2-x-13a-uk-sockets-cm3000230-oCM3000_230?paid=googlepaidproducts&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyu2Ot9G95gIVxbTtCh2mxwt7EAQYAiABEgKvNvD_BwE
I just use a site 110v transformer, far from ideal but I have one.
Average Joe a site transformer would have been ok, but I didn’t have one and it’s nice to have the US style sockets so I don’t need to change the plugs etc.
Perhaps the chap that designed this had a girlfriend named Ann, hence the manufacture's name is pronounced "Love you Ann"?
I like your thinking!
@@allthegearnoidea6752 try putting lvyuan into google translate in English and have it translated into Chinese or Japanese and click the audio icon !
I think the second part after the LV is pronounced Yoo-onn, like that toilet paper they use for money.
@@allthegearnoidea6752 That's the trick that I'm gonna use to member the name of this thing
Regarding the earth situation it make you wonder why there aren't more deaths with all the cheap electrical goods being sold direct from china via ebay or amazon
Vintage Steel Garage This product is not so bad and it’s a great built toroidal transformer. To Be honest it’s no more unsafe than the stuff we built in UK in the 50 and 60. I’m just saying it does not comply with the standard I have built much worse in my time. I think you have to be quite unlucky to die from electric shock given the amount I have suffered in the past. It is surprising there is no checks or enforcement when equipment from China is imported.
Sry but i must disappoint you, that transformer is max 400-500VA, i would say around 400(~350w)...i got 1500VA and is more than 2x bigger and heavier than that, never trust chinese numbers!
Btw, 1500VA toroidal transformer cost around ~170$!
Toske90 Sorry but you’re incorrect the rating is approximately correct as was proved by the regulation testing in part 2. I think your probably neglecting the efficiency saving in size weight and rating provided as a function of being an auto transformer. Thanks for watching and comments. Regards Chris
@@allthegearnoidea6752 You didn't prove anything in part 2, using 500w load for short time means nothing, i didn't saw you testing it with 1kw long time work... My transformer is the same teroidal, with efficiency over 90%!...
Toske90 your incorrect A poor transform would have shown itself in the regulation test. This was well within the manufacturers specifications. It’s not about how good your transformer is and just because you paid more doesn’t make it better.
@@allthegearnoidea6752 ok than, make a video, use 1kw load on that thing, wanna see smoke and fire...but let it work longer, not 1sec. I didn't say that your transformer is poor, its just over rated, classic chinese marketing...
@@allexking why don’t you demonstrate yours ?