[Boatanchors] Sola Constant Voltage Transformers

[David C. Hallam]

I gather you are saying they can be a good thing.  But, don't leave it 
connected to the line when not in use.  I was planning to use this one 
on a receiver so I probably should use it with an outlet strip and turn 
off and on at the strip.

I suspected the no load current was high as it get hot even with no load.

David
KW4DH

On 2/21/2013 1:02 PM, Richard Knoppow wrote:
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "David C. Hallam" 
> <dhallam at knology.net>
> To: "Boatanchors-qth" <boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2013 4:50 AM
> Subject: [Boatanchors] Sola Constant Voltage Transformers
>
>
> Does anyone have information about how much current a Sola constant
> voltage transformer draws with no load? I have had several in the past
> and noticed they run quite hot even with no load and generally hum
> rather loudly. I picked up a small one, 250VA, at a ham fest and like my
> previous experience it runs hot although it doesn't hum. I suppose I
> could put an ammeter on it and measure, but thought there might be some
> information some where about it.
>
> David
> KW4DH
>
>     I tested one with a metered GR Variac.  With no load they draw 
> nearly the full rated current from the line. They may actually draw 
> less when there is some load. The ones I have all have warnings 
> stamped on them to avoid touching because of heat. Some are also 
> rather noisy and "sing". While some produce copious power line 
> harmonics the later ones do not.  They are good regulators and very 
> good filters for junk on the power line. Also, a short on the load 
> side shuts them down so they are good protection for at least the line 
> and probably the equipment. For some purposes there is nothing better 
> but they are NOT efficient.
>
>
> -- 
> Richard Knoppow
> Los Angeles
> WB6KBL
> dickburk at ix.netcom.com
>

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