[SPAM?] Re: [Milsurplus] Vibrator question

[Richard Brunner]

Re:
"> To answer your specific questions about using 12 VAC into the transformer 
primary, consider the following:  The transformer is designed to operate at 
a square wave frequency of about 115 Hz.  So it will probably be a little 
short of iron for your 50 Hz.  ....."

Don't be too sure.  Vibrator transformers have more iron in them than 
necessary for operation with a sine wave, and it MAY operate at 50 cycles. 
Try it, you may be surprised.  I have a vibrator supply with the transformer 
rated for 115 cycles operating in a multivibrator circuit (vibrator 
substitute) and it is happily oscillating/flip-flopping at 71.3 cps.

Also, DO replace the buffer capacitor.  This is really mandatory because it 
is the most fallible component in a vibrator supply.  Old time routine was 
to replace the buffer capacitor whenever the vibrator was replaced, whether 
it needed it or not.  When the buffer capacitor fails, meaning shorts, the 
vibrator contacts will fuse on the first start, which is the end of the 
vibrator, and you better have fusing on the input because the ensuing 
current will fry the vibrator transformer.

Richard Brunner, AA1P