[ARC5] NC-270 Success

[Joe Connor]

Radio Shack used to sell a 12.6V/3A transformer that was perfect as a bucking transformer, but I don't think they stock it any more. (Now that Radio Shack is pretty much gone, I realize how many parts I used to buy there and how convenient they were). 
Does anyone have another source for an inexpensive bucking transformer?
Joe Connor
 

    On Saturday, December 10, 2016 10:49 AM, Glen Zook via ARC5 <arc5 at mailman.qth.net> wrote:
 
 

 Most, if not all, of the major electric companies in the United States have had, for quite some time, a "target" voltage of 125 VAC +/- 2-volts.  During the warmer months, when there is an additional load due to air conditioning, they run on the "+" side.  That means 127 VAC / 254 VAC.

In this area, Dallas, Texas, area, TXU (now ONCOR) has been running such voltage since the 1970s.  During the over 10-years that I was employed by TXU, I was on the "speakers' bureau" which provided personnel to speak at organizations, clubs, etc.  Although my usual topic was lightning protection / grounding, at every presentation I was asked why light bulbs burned out so fast.  That is, most did not last for more than a few months.

The reason was that the vast majority of light bulbs available from grocery stores, stores like Walmart and Target, home improvement centers, etc., were rated at a maximum of 120-volts and with the 125 VAC +/- 2-volts, the life was greatly reduced.  The answer to the problem was to purchase 130-volt light bulbs that were available at lighting stores and, usually well hidden, at most home improvement centers.

Since many more light bulbs were sold when the rating was 120-volts, the various stores did not want to make purchasing 130-volt bulbs easy because the sales, of light bulbs, would decrease considerably.
 Glen, K9STH 
Website: http://k9sth.net

      From: jeepp <jeepp at comcast.net>
 To: "arc5 at mailman.qth.net" <arc5 at mailman.qth.net> 
 Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2016 5:55 AM
 Subject: Re: [ARC5] NC-270 Success
  
 The thing is, most radios made prior to maybe 1960 run a lot cooler at something between 110-115 VAC.  I use a variac to supply the bunch of older amateur equipment.  I believe that line voltages in many locations has creeped up to between 120v and 125v.  That's pushing the upper limit of the public service spec.  My NC-183D pwr xformer runs very hot at 122v but is barely warm at 110v.  Re-cap and all...
   
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