[Hallicrafters] Current Limiter question

[Roy Morgan]

On Jun 21, 2008, at 10:04 AM, Charlie wrote:

> I've been looking at the Mouser & Digi-Key catalogs and am a bit  
> confused by the many types and specs for what is called an "inrush  
> current limiter".

Charlie,

These gadgets are in fact good for our old radios.  Very good.

> ... I'm not sure exactly how to determine which ones are the correct  
> types to use.  Has anybody used any of these successfully?   If so,  
> what types /specs have you used?

Briefly:  find a device that has as high a cold resistance as you can  
but which will manage the normal receiver running line current.  From  
the below link, here is the relevant paragraph:

"Pick the right value by first measuring the steady state current of  
your BA. That
is, after it is fully warmed up and all accessories are turned on.   
While you’re at it
, also read your line voltage. Pick a unit that has a MAX steady state  
current of
120 - 130% greater than the current you measured and has the HIGHEST  
no-load
or cold resistance."

Here is the full story:

www.r-390a.net/Y2K-R3/11_Chapt_11.pdf

and by the way, there are extensive comments about the 51S-1!

Jan Skirrow has a very nice web page about this and was one of the  
earliest folks to propose the modification to R-390A's:
  http://skirrow.org/Boatanchors/
The inrush information is under "Articles":
3. Current Inrush Limiters   (see also Other Articles  below)
http://skirrow.org/Boatanchors/TechTalk3.pdf

The "Other articles" includes:
Inrush Current and Voltage Spike Limiters - Exchange of Views

Roy

PS to Charlie:
If you want to order some if these gadgets, I'd be happy to go  
together on it.
That would give me a fine reason to visit you!

Roy Morgan
k1lky at earthlink.net
Lovettsville, VA 20180