Re: [Drakelist] AC-4 Load Bank
Hi folks, I've sent out info to half a dozen folks, and the idea of having a load test has come up more than once. Chris, W7JPG, was the most inquisitive, I've cc'd his note below, and my thoughts on the whole thing. --- my reply: Hi Chris, You're right in everything you say. I had stated originally that this unit did not test under load, and that I was thinking of adding some load features. I did not build the unit, it came from a "Collins Guy". I've been thinking about using fixed resistors (large wattage, as you say), probably with a momentary connection, probably thru relays for the HV, just push button switch directly for the bias (low load, maybe 20-30 ma.) and filaments (maybe 3-4 amps). Using, for example, 10 kohms for the HV/LV load, you'd not have to measure current, it'd be the same, in ma., as the indicated voltage divided by 10. Would not be full load, but enough to indicate bad diodes in a doubler ckt, for example. I'd probably use a 50 watt 10k resistor, and for intermittent short duration use that should be OK. I did a little "surfing" ystdy, that can be found in the $5-15 range (Mouser). A small relay could be used to keep the HV off of a switch. Since the volt meter is switched between HV & LV, one resistor could be used for both. I just noticed, the orig. schematic doesn't show a fil. voltage mtr. --- his query: Now, for my question. It looks like your test box measures all voltages under "no load" conditions. Did I miss something? My interest in the thread on "load bank" tests was the practical matter of how someone would set up the proper circuit and components to simulate the load presented to a 516F2 by, let's say, a KWM-2A. The info I found on such a "load bank" for low voltage - high current equipment required a lot of high wattage resistors to dissipate the heat generated for each of the main circuits that would be under a load test: heater, bias, B+ draw. After looking at your fixture, I realized (correct me if I am off base here) that to test a specific power supply (516F2, AC-4, etc.), one would be able to make a comparison check of "no load" voltages against a properly functioning example of these PSU's or a specification that stated the "normal" "no load" voltage levels. So, if a PSU was tested without a load and all the no load voltages were nomimal, what advantage, if any, would a load test provide over a "no load" test? :-0 I would appreciate any comments. 73, Chris W7JPG --- Any other thoughts from list members would be appreciated by all. 73, Al, W8UT www.boatanchors.org www.hammarlund.info "There is nothing -- absolutely nothing -- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats" Ratty, to Mole On 11/27/2012 1:47 PM, Al Parker wrote: Hi folks, I have scanned the article, one small page, written by K0ZQD in V2 Iss. 16 of The Collins Coll's. MMag. It gives the schematic, leaving construction details to the builder. I also have scanned a skem of the p.s. pinouts for the 516F-2, from the same issue. Make your own adapter(s) for various supplies, if wanted. I'll send the scans to those who have/do request it. Mike brings up a good point, as written, the voltages are unloaded, and will be high. I'd like to switch in the load, so a relay for the HV would be advisable for that. As Mike says, use ohms law for resistor sizing, and you'll know, close enuf, what the currents will be. I've used my test rig on a lot of Collins and Drake supplies, it's a quick test, doesn't show ripple, but ckg ESR on the filter caps will tell you what you need to do there (do it before you power up the supply, so the caps don't do any reforming). Al, W8UT On 11/27/2012 1:06 PM, Mike Bryce wrote: There wouldn't be much too it. all you need would be a hand full of resistors, using ohm's law to calculate the values. The values would be calculated at the max current the TRx series would draw. On would need to load the 6.3 v filament down to the same current as the tubes, if you don't the unloaded transformer would produce more voltage than normal since it's not powering the tubes. a couple of cheap LED digital panel mount meter could be used to monitor the voltages, plate, screen, and bias likewise a meter could be used to monitor current on the plate supply. I don't feel it would be necessary to monitor bias current or screen voltage current either. it would be an interesting project, that would make checking the supply quick. A few test points for an 'oscope to monitor ripple would be icing on the cake later mike, wb8vge On Mon, 26 Nov 2012 11:50:11 -0500 Al Parker wrote: hi folks, Some yrs ago there was an article on building a test setup for Collins p.s.'s. I think it was in one of the Collins collector magazines, I can search it out. I came into possession of one of the
Re: [Drakelist] AC-4 Load Bank
Hi folks, I have scanned the article, one small page, written by K0ZQD in V2 Iss. 16 of The Collins Coll's. MMag. It gives the schematic, leaving construction details to the builder. I also have scanned a skem of the p.s. pinouts for the 516F-2, from the same issue. Make your own adapter(s) for various supplies, if wanted. I'll send the scans to those who have/do request it. Mike brings up a good point, as written, the voltages are unloaded, and will be high. I'd like to switch in the load, so a relay for the HV would be advisable for that. As Mike says, use ohms law for resistor sizing, and you'll know, close enuf, what the currents will be. I've used my test rig on a lot of Collins and Drake supplies, it's a quick test, doesn't show ripple, but ckg ESR on the filter caps will tell you what you need to do there (do it before you power up the supply, so the caps don't do any reforming). Al, W8UT www.boatanchors.org www.hammarlund.info "There is nothing -- absolutely nothing -- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats" Ratty, to Mole On 11/27/2012 1:06 PM, Mike Bryce wrote: There wouldn't be much too it. all you need would be a hand full of resistors, using ohm's law to calculate the values. The values would be calculated at the max current the TRx series would draw. On would need to load the 6.3 v filament down to the same current as the tubes, if you don't the unloaded transformer would produce more voltage than normal since it's not powering the tubes. a couple of cheap LED digital panel mount meter could be used to monitor the voltages, plate, screen, and bias likewise a meter could be used to monitor current on the plate supply. I don't feel it would be necessary to monitor bias current or screen voltage current either. it would be an interesting project, that would make checking the supply quick. A few test points for an 'oscope to monitor ripple would be icing on the cake later mike, wb8vge On Nov 27, 2012, at 10:21 AM, Eugene Balinski wrote: I would be very interested in seeing the schematic.. 73 Gene K1NR PS I would not mind having one to check my Collins supply either : - ) On Mon, 26 Nov 2012 11:50:11 -0500 Al Parker wrote: hi folks, Some yrs ago there was an article on building a test setup for Collins p.s.'s. I think it was in one of the Collins collector magazines, I can search it out. I came into possession of one of the units, and have made cable adapters for the AC-3/4's, and I think the HP-23's also. It is for voltage only, and did not include a load test, but I have been thinking of adding that to mine. 73, Al, W8UT www.boatanchors.org www.hammarlund.info "There is nothing -- absolutely nothing -- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats" Ratty, to Mole On 11/26/2012 11:30 AM, Hudson, John@CalEMA wrote: That would be a useful test jig. John N. Hudson III, Communications Coordinator 4050 Taylor St, MS 243 San Diego, CA 92110 6192509063 Cell On Nov 24, 2012, at 1:37 PM, "Eugene Balinski" wrote: All, Just wondering if anyone has put together an AC-4 load or test bank ? If so, could you share the plans ? I would like something that would allow one to connect the AC-4. switch on the AC, and measure the various voltage levels on test point, and perhaps even load the supply. Thanks in advance, 73 Gene K1NR - Web mail provided by NuNet, Inc. The Premier National provider. http://www.nni.com/ ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] AC-4 Load Bank
There wouldn't be much too it. all you need would be a hand full of resistors, using ohm's law to calculate the values. The values would be calculated at the max current the TRx series would draw. On would need to load the 6.3 v filament down to the same current as the tubes, if you don't the unloaded transformer would produce more voltage than normal since it's not powering the tubes. a couple of cheap LED digital panel mount meter could be used to monitor the voltages, plate, screen, and bias likewise a meter could be used to monitor current on the plate supply. I don't feel it would be necessary to monitor bias current or screen voltage current either. it would be an interesting project, that would make checking the supply quick. A few test points for an 'oscope to monitor ripple would be icing on the cake later mike, wb8vge On Nov 27, 2012, at 10:21 AM, Eugene Balinski wrote: > I would be very interested in seeing the schematic.. > > 73 > > Gene K1NR > > PS I would not mind having one to check my Collins supply > either : - ) > > > On Mon, 26 Nov 2012 11:50:11 -0500 > Al Parker wrote: >> hi folks, >> Some yrs ago there was an article on building a test >> setup for Collins p.s.'s. I think it was in one of the >> Collins collector magazines, I can search it out. I came >> into possession of one of the units, and have made cable >> adapters for the AC-3/4's, and I think the HP-23's also. >> It is for voltage only, and did not include a load test, >> but I have been thinking of adding that to mine. >> 73, >> >> Al, W8UT >> www.boatanchors.org >> www.hammarlund.info >> >> "There is nothing -- absolutely nothing -- half so much >> worth doing as simply messing about in boats" >> Ratty, to Mole >> >> On 11/26/2012 11:30 AM, Hudson, John@CalEMA wrote: >>> That would be a useful test jig. >>> >>> >>> John N. Hudson III, Communications Coordinator >>> 4050 Taylor St, MS 243 >>> San Diego, CA 92110 >>> 6192509063 Cell >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> On Nov 24, 2012, at 1:37 PM, "Eugene Balinski" >> wrote: >>> All, Just wondering if anyone has put together an AC-4 >> load or test bank ? If so, could you share the plans ? I would like something that would allow one to connect >> the AC-4. switch on the AC, and measure the various >> voltage levels on test point, and perhaps even load the >> supply. Thanks in advance, 73 Gene K1NR > > - > Web mail provided by NuNet, Inc. The Premier National provider. > http://www.nni.com/ > > ___ > Drakelist mailing list > Drakelist@zerobeat.net > http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist > ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] AC-4 Load Bank
I would be very interested in seeing the schematic.. 73 Gene K1NR PS I would not mind having one to check my Collins supply either : - ) On Mon, 26 Nov 2012 11:50:11 -0500 Al Parker wrote: > hi folks, > Some yrs ago there was an article on building a test > setup for Collins p.s.'s. I think it was in one of the > Collins collector magazines, I can search it out. I came > into possession of one of the units, and have made cable > adapters for the AC-3/4's, and I think the HP-23's also. > It is for voltage only, and did not include a load test, > but I have been thinking of adding that to mine. > 73, > > Al, W8UT > www.boatanchors.org > www.hammarlund.info > > "There is nothing -- absolutely nothing -- half so much > worth doing as simply messing about in boats" > Ratty, to Mole > > On 11/26/2012 11:30 AM, Hudson, John@CalEMA wrote: > > That would be a useful test jig. > > > > > > John N. Hudson III, Communications Coordinator > > 4050 Taylor St, MS 243 > > San Diego, CA 92110 > > 6192509063 Cell > > > > > > > > > > On Nov 24, 2012, at 1:37 PM, "Eugene Balinski" > wrote: > > > >> All, > >> > >>Just wondering if anyone has put together an AC-4 > load > >> or test bank ? If so, could you share the plans ? > >> > >> I would like something that would allow one to connect > the > >> AC-4. switch on the AC, and measure the various > voltage > >> levels on test point, and perhaps even load the > supply. > >> > >> Thanks in advance, > >> > >> 73 Gene K1NR - Web mail provided by NuNet, Inc. The Premier National provider. http://www.nni.com/ ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] AC-4 Load Bank
hi folks, Some yrs ago there was an article on building a test setup for Collins p.s.'s. I think it was in one of the Collins collector magazines, I can search it out. I came into possession of one of the units, and have made cable adapters for the AC-3/4's, and I think the HP-23's also. It is for voltage only, and did not include a load test, but I have been thinking of adding that to mine. 73, Al, W8UT www.boatanchors.org www.hammarlund.info "There is nothing -- absolutely nothing -- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats" Ratty, to Mole On 11/26/2012 11:30 AM, Hudson, John@CalEMA wrote: That would be a useful test jig. John N. Hudson III, Communications Coordinator 4050 Taylor St, MS 243 San Diego, CA 92110 6192509063 Cell On Nov 24, 2012, at 1:37 PM, "Eugene Balinski" wrote: All, Just wondering if anyone has put together an AC-4 load or test bank ? If so, could you share the plans ? I would like something that would allow one to connect the AC-4. switch on the AC, and measure the various voltage levels on test point, and perhaps even load the supply. Thanks in advance, 73 Gene K1NR ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
Re: [Drakelist] AC-4 Load Bank
That would be a useful test jig. John N. Hudson III, Communications Coordinator 4050 Taylor St, MS 243 San Diego, CA 92110 6192509063 Cell On Nov 24, 2012, at 1:37 PM, "Eugene Balinski" wrote: > All, > > Just wondering if anyone has put together an AC-4 load > or test bank ? If so, could you share the plans ? > > I would like something that would allow one to connect the > AC-4. switch on the AC, and measure the various voltage > levels on test point, and perhaps even load the supply. > > Thanks in advance, > > 73 Gene K1NR > - > Web mail provided by NuNet, Inc. The Premier National provider. > http://www.nni.com/ > > ___ > Drakelist mailing list > Drakelist@zerobeat.net > http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist > ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
[Drakelist] AC-4 Load Bank
All, Just wondering if anyone has put together an AC-4 load or test bank ? If so, could you share the plans ? I would like something that would allow one to connect the AC-4. switch on the AC, and measure the various voltage levels on test point, and perhaps even load the supply. Thanks in advance, 73 Gene K1NR - Web mail provided by NuNet, Inc. The Premier National provider. http://www.nni.com/ ___ Drakelist mailing list Drakelist@zerobeat.net http://mailman.zerobeat.net/mailman/listinfo/drakelist
