powering up is it a bad idea? - Videokarma.org TV - Video

Donny · #1 03-25-2005, 08:14 PM

the wires look ok,nothing smells burnt,so I'm thinking put a cord on it and try it out btw the radio is the damaged one from epay.

outlawmws · #2 03-25-2005, 08:25 PM

Set up a dim bulb tester to cut the power down and allow the caps a chance to reform.

That is simply a light bulb in series with the radio to act as a limit resistor. start with like a 25 watt bulb, go to 60 or so, then 100. It's a cheap thing to rig, and will give the radio a fighting chance. (I know that sounds backwards, but thats the way it works out.)

Fisherdude · #3 03-25-2005, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donny

the wires look ok,nothing smells burnt,so I'm thinking put a cord on it and try it out btw the radio is the damaged one from epay.

The burning smells start AFTER you plug it in!!

Not worth the risk. Take outlawms' advice, or else buy a variac off ebay.

Or, just replace all the capacitors before you plug it in.

Donny · #4 03-26-2005, 06:36 AM

yeah a light bulb set up and maybe a switch for fast cut off is a good idea

xwarp · #5 04-08-2005, 09:57 AM

use the dim bulb setup and turn it on if you must.

this is what i do:

plug the radio in with a 100 watt bulb just long enough to see if it gets any reception. if there is reception, then i start a complete recap. i wait for the reception so that i can repair any oscillator problems with the recap.

#6 04-12-2005, 11:46 PM

I just purchased my first variac. It is a panel mount one without the case. It only has the five connectors on the front and no schematic. I got it cheap, so I would like to use it. Any suggestions out there??? Basically it looks like a large variable resistor!

I heard that I need an "isolation transformer" as well.

xwarp · #7 04-13-2005, 11:35 AM

if it is a "powerstat" brand autotransformer type 21, this connections will be this:

for counter clockwise knob rotation:

terminal 4,5 = voltage input

terminal 1, 3 = voltage output

for clockwise knob rotation:

terminal 1,2 = voltage input

terminal 3,4 = voltage output

bill

edit: yes, an isolation transformer is good too.

#8 04-14-2005, 10:59 AM

Yup! That's it. Thank you very much for the helpfull info on the terminals! I just purchased the transformer for $10 so I should have it up and running in no time. Yes, it is a powerstat and is rated for up to 3 amps. I figure that that should be ample for a tube radio or a small TV.

Man! Doing this stuff is GREAT!