[Heathkit] SB-200 @ 50 Hz

[manualman at juno.com]

While all this info is great fodder for a cocktail party (although we
stretched it all the way to 400 Hz transformers), the real question was
why didn't Heathkit specify 50/60 Hz for the SB-200 in their manual. My
answer is, it probably was just an oversight since they did specify it in
SB-201 (same power transformer, same fan) and many of their other
AC-powered "SB" accessories. The SB-200 has been used both domestically
and internationally for the last 40 plus years. It there was a problem
using it at 50 Hz we would have heard about it by now.

Hopefully this will satisify Chuck's original question.

Pete, wa2cwa

On Mon, 29 Feb 2016 11:19:58 -0600 Lee <L at w0vt.us> writes:
> A 50 hz transformer will work on 60 hz but not well the other way 
> around.  The lower the frequency, the more iron is required.  A lot 
> of 
> aircraft use 400 hz transformers as they need less iron thus are 
> lighter 
> in weight.
> Lee, w0vt
> 
> On 2/29/2016 8:41 AM, Ken wrote:
> > The "mass" of the transformer can make a big difference.  Compare 
> a 
> > 400 Hz transformer to a
> >  60 Hz transformer.
> >
> > Ken
> >
> >
> > Interesting, on page 4 of the SB-201 manual under Introduction, it 
> says
> > 50/60 Hz, yet on page 44, under Power Source, it just says 60 Hz.
> >
> > Personally, I don't see where 50 or 60 hertz would make that big 
> of a
> > difference relative to the power transformer. The fan motors in 
> both
> > amplifiers also use the same part number AC fan.
> >
> > Pete, wa2cwa
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > On 02/28/2016 11:32 PM, Ken wrote:
> >> Interesting, on page 4 of the SB-201 manual, it specifies "120 
> VAC or 
> >> 240 VAC 50/60 Hz lines."  They both use the same 54-151 Power 
> >> Transformer.
> >>
> >> On 02/28/2016 09:14 PM, manualman at juno.com wrote:
> >>> See page 43 of the SB-200 manual under POWER SOURCE. Clearly 
> says 120
> >>> volt or 240 volt  AC 60 cps.
> >>>
> >>> Pete, wa2cwa
> >>>
> >>> On Sun, 28 Feb 2016 19:11:43 -0700 wa7zze at gmail.com writes:
> >>>> The consensus seems to be that the SB-200 would not do well at 
> 50 Hz.
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> It is odd that all the other SB accessories (610, 620, et al) 
> were
> >>>> specifically rated for "50/60 Hz" operation. Even the HP-23 
> power
> >>>> supplies.
> >>>>
> >>>> That the 200 would not run at 50 Hz is incongruous. I heard 
> from
> >>>> Heinz (in Germany) who said the 200 was sold there and was 
> very
> >>>> popular, but I'm not sure if it was a special European version 
> or
> >>>> not.
> >>>>
> >>>> I need to dig into this a little more just to satisfy my 
> curiosity.
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> Thanks to all who responded.
> >>>>
> >>>> Best,
> >>>>
> >>>> Chuck / WA7ZZE