Re: [Drakelist] Yet another AC-4 rebuild (now :-) completed

[Ron]

FWIW, I found 3 computer switch strips over the past couple years at garage 
sales and thrift stores.  I didn't pay over $2.50 for any one of them.  BTW you 
would be surprised the radio equipment you can find in these places as well.

--- On Tue, 1/10/12, Garey Barrell  wrote:

> From: Garey Barrell 
> Subject: Re: [Drakelist] Yet another AC-4 rebuild (now :-) completed
> To: "Mark Pilant" 
> Cc: "'drakelist'" 
> Date: Tuesday, January 10, 2012, 9:47 PM
> Mark -
> 
> Here's a suitable one.   Rated at 15A, so
> should handle a couple of T-4X and a receiver or two 
> without problems.
> 
> <http://www.amazon.com/Eliminator-E107/dp/B000OMXZ3I/ref=pd_cp_e_2>
> 
> Lots more out there, 'computer power center'.
> 
> 73, Garey - K4OAH
> Glen Allen, VA
> 
> Drake 2-B, 2-C/2-NT, 4-A, 4-B, C-Line
> and TR-4/C Service Supplement CDs
> 
> 
> 
> Mark Pilant wrote:
> > Hi Garey.
> >
> >
> >
> > I like the idea of individually switched
> outlets.  But I haven't seen
> > any that weren't network/LAN controlled.  A
> little to pricey for me
> > at home.  (Although I have used them plenty at
> work.)
> >
> > 73
> >
> > - Mark  N1VQW
> >
> > _
> 
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Re: [Drakelist] Yet another AC-4 rebuild (now :-) completed

[Garey Barrell]

Mark -

Here's a suitable one.   Rated at 15A, so should handle a couple of T-4X and a receiver or two 
without problems.




Lots more out there, 'computer power center'.

73, Garey - K4OAH
Glen Allen, VA

Drake 2-B, 2-C/2-NT, 4-A, 4-B, C-Line
and TR-4/C Service Supplement CDs



Mark Pilant wrote:

Hi Garey.



I like the idea of individually switched outlets.  But I haven't seen
any that weren't network/LAN controlled.  A little to pricey for me
at home.  (Although I have used them plenty at work.)

73

- Mark  N1VQW

_


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Re: [Drakelist] Yet another AC-4 rebuild (now :-) completed

[Ken Winterling]

Here are a couple examples that may also give you some ideas.
http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/28-11161
http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/28-11585

Ken
WA2LBI



On Tue, Jan 10, 2012 at 19:28, Garey Barrell  wrote:

> Mark -
>
> Here's a suitable one.   Rated at 15A, so should handle a couple of T-4X
> and a receiver or two without problems.
>
> Lots more out there, 'computer power center'.
>
>
> 73, Garey - K4OAH
> Glen Allen, VA
>
> Drake 2-B, 2-C/2-NT, 4-A, 4-B, C-Line
> and TR-4/C Service Supplement CDs
> 
>
>
> Mark Pilant wrote:
>
>> Hi Garey.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> I like the idea of individually switched outlets.  But I haven't seen
>> any that weren't network/LAN controlled.  A little to pricey for me
>> at home.  (Although I have used them plenty at work.)
>>
>> 73
>>
>> - Mark  N1VQW
>>
>> _
>>
>
> __**_
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> Drakelist@zerobeat.net
> http://mailman.zerobeat.net/**mailman/listinfo/drakelist
>
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Re: [Drakelist] Yet another AC-4 rebuild (now :-) completed

[Garey Barrell]

Mark -

Here's a suitable one.   Rated at 15A, so should handle a couple of T-4X and a receiver or two 
without problems.


Lots more out there, 'computer power center'.

73, Garey - K4OAH
Glen Allen, VA

Drake 2-B, 2-C/2-NT, 4-A, 4-B, C-Line
and TR-4/C Service Supplement CDs



Mark Pilant wrote:

Hi Garey.



I like the idea of individually switched outlets.  But I haven't seen
any that weren't network/LAN controlled.  A little to pricey for me
at home.  (Although I have used them plenty at work.)

73

- Mark  N1VQW

_


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Re: [Drakelist] Yet another AC-4 rebuild (now :-) completed

[Mark Pilant]

Hi Garey.

> Absolutely NO denigration of your modification.  Well thought and
> and perfectly executed.

None take.  And thank you :-) :-)

> Re #1 below, I'm not sure what 'script'  is supposed to be??

Me and my fumble fingers.  (I was working on a SQL script when I
posted the Drake message. :-)

I like the idea of individually switched outlets.  But I haven't seen
any that weren't network/LAN controlled.  A little to pricey for me
at home.  (Although I have used them plenty at work.)

73

- Mark  N1VQW

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Re: [Drakelist] Yet another AC-4 rebuild (now :-) completed

[Garey Barrell]

Mark -

Absolutely NO denigration of your modification.  Well thought and and perfectly 
executed.

Re #1 below, I'm not sure what 'script'  is supposed to be??

The multi-switch computer 'Power Center' helps with the multi-station setup.  A single strip is a 
little cumbersome for more than one station.  One approach would be to have one strip for receivers, 
and another for just transmitters.  Your relay is simpler!  :-)


Thanks for sharing and documenting!!

73, Garey - K4OAH
Glen Allen, VA

Drake 2-B, 2-C/2-NT, 4-A, 4-B, C-Line
and TR-4/C Service Supplement CDs



Mark Pilant wrote:

Hi Bob/Garey.

I've used the switched strip as well.  Unfortunately I find there
are two problems:

   1)   Finding a place where the script can be conveniently
switched on and off.
   2)   There are usually more things plugged in which would be
switched than I would like.  Which would probably lead
to an over abundance of switched strips :-)

So I opted to do the relay.  Relatively cheap from DigiKey (under
$10; without S&H) especially if ordering other parts.  Best of all
it is easily reversible if I ever want/need to.

73

- Mark  N1VQW




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Re: [Drakelist] Yet another AC-4 rebuild (now :-) completed

[Mark Pilant]

Hi Bob/Garey.

I've used the switched strip as well.  Unfortunately I find there
are two problems:

   1)   Finding a place where the script can be conveniently
switched on and off.
   2)   There are usually more things plugged in which would be
switched than I would like.  Which would probably lead
to an over abundance of switched strips :-)

So I opted to do the relay.  Relatively cheap from DigiKey (under
$10; without S&H) especially if ordering other parts.  Best of all
it is easily reversible if I ever want/need to.

73

- Mark  N1VQW

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Re: [Drakelist] Yet another AC-4 rebuild (now :-) completed

[Garey Barrell]

Bob -

Yeah, but I spend a LOT more time listening than I do transmitting.  The receiver(s) are on just 
about all day, the transmitter only for an hour or so.  So individual control is still useful.  It's 
not 'carrying the current' that kills the contacts, as long as they are properly rated.  One problem 
comes at 'turn on' when the contacts happen to close at the peak of the AC waveform.   AND when the 
contacts open, the power transformer primary inductance tries to keep current flowing by 'kicking 
back' it's stored charge.


The handiest controller that I have found is for computer users (almost as important to us hams as 
the audio guys!)  This is a strip with six individually switched outlets.  A flat box designed to 
sit under a CRT monitor with the switches (with lights!) across the front, and AC sockets across the 
back.


Certainly your technique applies after the switch 'dies' especially in the 'open' position.  This is 
usually the result of a mechanical failure.  More common failure mode is the 'Off' situation, which 
often results in contacts welded together, eliminating the need for the jumper wire!!  :-)


73, Garey - K4OAH
Glen Allen, VA

Drake 2-B, 2-C/2-NT, 4-A, 4-B, C-Line
and TR-4/C Service Supplement CDs



Bob Spooner wrote:

Using a switched outlet strip with equipment having a separate power supply
you can go even further by bypassing the power switch entirely and hard
wiring the supply on. Then the contacts don't have to carry the startup
surge even while closed.

73,
Bob AD3K



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Re: [Drakelist] Yet another AC-4 rebuild (now :-) completed

[Bob Spooner]

Using a switched outlet strip with equipment having a separate power supply
you can go even further by bypassing the power switch entirely and hard
wiring the supply on. Then the contacts don't have to carry the startup
surge even while closed.

73,
Bob AD3K

-Original Message-
From: drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net [mailto:drakelist-boun...@zerobeat.net]
On Behalf Of Garey Barrell
Sent: Sunday, January 08, 2012 11:14 PM
To: Kris Merschrod
Cc: drakelist
Subject: Re: [Drakelist] Yet another AC-4 rebuild (now :-) completed

Excellent job.  The relay is certainly an effective way to protect that
switch.   However ...

A simple power strip with enough outlets for a single station solves the AC
switch problem.  The key is to switch the equipment on  -OR-  off  _only_
when the power strip switch is OFF.

None of our boatanchor equipment has an easily power switch, most are on the
back of a potentiometer.  I don't use ANY boatanchor power switches 'hot'
any more.

73, Garey - K4OAH
Glen Allen, VA

Drake 2-B, 2-C/2-NT, 4-A, 4-B, C-Line
and TR-4/C Service Supplement CDs



Kris Merschrod wrote:
> Mark,  that is a nice description of the AC-4 rebuild.  Thank you for
sharing it with us.
>
> I have done a few of them but using Mike's (Solar) approach.  I 
> confess that I did not strip it all down and scrube the chassis!  Very
good idea to use new bushing etc.
>
> I have gambled on the old switches holding out - so far so good.
>
> Kris KM2KM
> - Original Message - From: "Mark Pilant" 
> To: "drakelist" 
> Sent: Sunday, January 08, 2012 11:05 AM
> Subject: Re: [Drakelist] Yet another AC-4 rebuild (now :-) completed
>
>
>> OK, now the rebuild is really complete.  Yesterday I added the relay 
>> to take the load off the On/Off switch.  Here are pictures and a 
>> description of what I did:
>>
>> http://www.n1vqw.net/ac4rebuild/#phase2
>>
>> Before the addition of the relay, I measured a current draw of about
>> 325 mA with the power supply unloaded.  This would also be the 
>> current on the On/Off switch contacts.  Since this was on an unloaded 
>> power supply, I would expect this to rise when transmitting.
>>
>> After the addition of the relay, this current (from the relay coil) 
>> seen by the switch contacts dropped to just a bit over 10 mA.  This 
>> is a substantial drop, and should make the switch contacts last much 
>> longer.
>>
>> Oh yes, comments, corrections, and suggestions welcome.
>>
>> 73
>>
>> - Mark  N1VQW
>

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Re: [Drakelist] Yet another AC-4 rebuild (now :-) completed

[Garey Barrell]

Excellent job.  The relay is certainly an effective way to protect that switch. 
  However ...

A simple power strip with enough outlets for a single station solves the AC switch problem.  The key 
is to switch the equipment on  -OR-  off  _only_ when the power strip switch is OFF.


None of our boatanchor equipment has an easily power switch, most are on the back of a 
potentiometer.  I don't use ANY boatanchor power switches 'hot' any more.


73, Garey - K4OAH
Glen Allen, VA

Drake 2-B, 2-C/2-NT, 4-A, 4-B, C-Line
and TR-4/C Service Supplement CDs



Kris Merschrod wrote:

Mark,  that is a nice description of the AC-4 rebuild.  Thank you for sharing 
it with us.

I have done a few of them but using Mike's (Solar) approach.  I confess that I did not strip it 
all down and scrube the chassis!  Very good idea to use new bushing etc.


I have gambled on the old switches holding out - so far so good.

Kris KM2KM
- Original Message - From: "Mark Pilant" 
To: "drakelist" 
Sent: Sunday, January 08, 2012 11:05 AM
Subject: Re: [Drakelist] Yet another AC-4 rebuild (now :-) completed



OK, now the rebuild is really complete.  Yesterday I added the relay
to take the load off the On/Off switch.  Here are pictures and a
description of what I did:

http://www.n1vqw.net/ac4rebuild/#phase2

Before the addition of the relay, I measured a current draw of about
325 mA with the power supply unloaded.  This would also be the current
on the On/Off switch contacts.  Since this was on an unloaded power
supply, I would expect this to rise when transmitting.

After the addition of the relay, this current (from the relay coil)
seen by the switch contacts dropped to just a bit over 10 mA.  This is
a substantial drop, and should make the switch contacts last much
longer.

Oh yes, comments, corrections, and suggestions welcome.

73

- Mark  N1VQW




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Re: [Drakelist] Yet another AC-4 rebuild (now :-) completed

[Kris Merschrod]

Mark,  that is a nice description of the AC-4 rebuild.  Thank you for 
sharing it with us.


I have done a few of them but using Mike's (Solar) approach.  I confess that 
I did not strip it all down and scrube the chassis!  Very good idea to use 
new bushing etc.


I have gambled on the old switches holding out - so far so good.

Kris KM2KM
- Original Message - 
From: "Mark Pilant" 

To: "drakelist" 
Sent: Sunday, January 08, 2012 11:05 AM
Subject: Re: [Drakelist] Yet another AC-4 rebuild (now :-) completed



OK, now the rebuild is really complete.  Yesterday I added the relay
to take the load off the On/Off switch.  Here are pictures and a
description of what I did:

http://www.n1vqw.net/ac4rebuild/#phase2

Before the addition of the relay, I measured a current draw of about
325 mA with the power supply unloaded.  This would also be the current
on the On/Off switch contacts.  Since this was on an unloaded power
supply, I would expect this to rise when transmitting.

After the addition of the relay, this current (from the relay coil)
seen by the switch contacts dropped to just a bit over 10 mA.  This is
a substantial drop, and should make the switch contacts last much
longer.

Oh yes, comments, corrections, and suggestions welcome.

73

- Mark  N1VQW

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Re: [Drakelist] Yet another AC-4 rebuild (now :-) completed

[Mark Pilant]

OK, now the rebuild is really complete.  Yesterday I added the relay
to take the load off the On/Off switch.  Here are pictures and a
description of what I did:

http://www.n1vqw.net/ac4rebuild/#phase2

Before the addition of the relay, I measured a current draw of about
325 mA with the power supply unloaded.  This would also be the current
on the On/Off switch contacts.  Since this was on an unloaded power
supply, I would expect this to rise when transmitting.

After the addition of the relay, this current (from the relay coil)
seen by the switch contacts dropped to just a bit over 10 mA.  This is
a substantial drop, and should make the switch contacts last much
longer.

Oh yes, comments, corrections, and suggestions welcome.

73

- Mark  N1VQW

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