[AMRadio] Re: T3 Mod Iron Specs

[D. Chester]

>> Anyone know the approximate "designed" frequency range for a T-368
>> modulation transformer?


>> Brian / wa5am

> The frequency range of the standard T-368 mod-transformer is 300 - 3500
> CPS. The mod iron is rated for 250 watts MAX., with a peak working
> voltage of 5000, and max altitude operating range of 10,000 ft. Maximum
> rated carrier power out of a standard T-368 400 Watts AM voice, and AM 
> FSK,
> and 450 watts CW/FSK. NOTE: that is two different ratings for FSK mode.

> Jim> WB2FCN

We all know that a modified T-368 can do much better than that.  It is not 
unusual for a transformer to vastly exceed the nominal frequency response 
given in the specs.  300-3500~  is the minimum guaranteed response, +/- a 
given number of dB's.  If the actual transformer exceeds that, it still 
meets those contracted specs.

I once used an audio driver tranformer, made by Chicago Transformer Co, with 
those same exact specs stamped on the case,  but the thing was actually 
flat from well below 100 Hz to beyond 7 or 8 kHz.  So unless you plan to run 
"communications grade" audio, those specs are meaningless, except for giving 
you an idea of how poor the response might be.  In many cases, I suspect 
the communications-grade transformer comes from the same stock as similar 
transfromers rated for broadcast or other higher audio quality applications, 
and the company simply stamped the minimum ratings spelt out in the 
contract, instead of going to the expense and trouble of modifying an 
existing design to degrade its frequency response down to communications 
grade, unless the customer specifically demanded it.  After all, what would 
be objectionable about shipping out a lower cost product whose quality is 
actually superior to what was called for?

To  determine the real response, you need to test the transformer with a 
signal generator.  Load the secondary with the specified resistive load. 
Put maybe half the specified primary impedance in series with the primary, 
and connect to the generator.  Sweep the frequency response using a scope or 
good audio level meter.  Many VOM's have a calibrated dB scale.  You will 
need a generator capable of delivering enough voltage to get a good reading 
on the scope or meter.  You may be surprised how good the response on that 
transformer is.  IIRC, the BC-610 audio is specified at 100-5000~, and I 
suspect that transformer will turn out at least as good.

>> Let's say your transmitter is limited for 200 to 3000 cycles in the
>> audio section, either by coupling caps, cathode bypass, cathode
>> resistors, plate loading, and any transformers...  what is the result
>> of using an external EQ and audio chain that pumps audio from the mic
>> that is beyond either end of the audio range the transmitter is
>> allowed by design to pass?
>>
>> I think this is a common mistake that a lot of us make that can cause
>> some serious harmonics and other artifacts.

According to the engineering data included in one of my UTC catalogues, they 
recommend that the flat frequency response of an audio transformer should 
extend one octave above and one octave below the intended frequency 
response expected from the amplifier, to  assure that the audio waveform 
coming out of the transformer is close to identical to what is fed into the 
transformer.  Low frequency phase shift may alter the assymetry of the voice 
waveform, and, with a pushpull amplifier, high frequency phase shift may 
result in objectionable distortion caused by one side of the pushpull 
circuit not being exactly 180 degrees out of phase with the other.

You can test the phase shift response of a balanced transformer with an 
oscilloscope.  Feed audio into the transformer with a wide-range audio 
signal generator.  On each balanced primary or secondary winding, connect 
the ground side of the scope to the midtap of the transformer winding, and 
connect one end of the winding to the horizontal input to the scope, and the 
other end to the vertical input.  Adjust both horizontal and vertical gain 
for equal deflection on the scope tube.  If there is no phase shift, you 
should see a straight diagonal line.  If there is phase shift, the diagonal 
line will expand into an elongated oval shape.  In the  worst case, with 90 
degrees of phase shift, the pattern will become a perfect circle.

If it is a pushpull grids to pushpull plates transformer, run the test with 
both windings, by reversing primary and secordary and re-running the  test. 
If there is a balanced 500/600 ohm output with a midtap, run the test with 
that winding as well.  While you may not even use the midtap, the test will 
nevertheless give you an idea of the phase linearity of the transformer.

Throughout the useful frequency range of the transformer, you should see the 
straight diagonal.  At either end of the  response, it will begin to fatten 
out into an oval.  If there is any nonlinearity, which may occur at the 
extreme ends of the response curve, the diagonal line may show curvature or 
zig-zag, or the oval may change into an irregular shape.

I have accumulated a fair number of UTC Linear Standard series audio 
transformers, whose rated specs are typically 20-20,000 Hz, with some better 
than that and some not quite rated that good.  In the vast majority of 
cases, I have detected phase shift above about 11,000 Hz, as well as dips 
and peaks in the response beyond that frequency.  I have some older ones 
that begin to drop off and show erratic response above 6000~.  I have found 
the same thing with broadcast quality Thordarson and Chicago transformers. 
But I have seen some that actually did meet their nominal specs.

The tests I mentioned above are all without any DC through the secondary of 
the transformer. If the T-368 transformer shows disappointing  low frequency 
response or phase shift, you might be able to improve its operation in a 
transmitter by using an adequate modulation reactor and coupling capacitor, 
to take the DC off the secondary.  OTOH, if the tests give good  results, 
the characteristics my degrade considerably when the transformer is run in a 
transmitter with full DC through the secondary.

Don k4kyv