[sdiy] Unmarked transformers

[TIm Daugard]

> Call me an old fogey, but..

Okay, paul perry, you are an old fogey. . . (but so am I.)

> there is NO WAY that I would ever connect an
> 'unknown' transformer to the mains. Period.

I have connected unknown transformers to mains, however . . .

1) I'm talking 115V instead of 220
2) I use a remote switch box with a dimmer switch with a long cable to the
transformer
3) I connect a voltmeter to what I believe is the output set to it's highest
setting to start
4) The transfomer is not near anything and often I will put a plastic shield in
front of it
5) I just barely crack the dimmer on to start with while standing
6) I miss the days of working on high powered radars when things burnt quite
often.

Nothing like the smell of burn insulation to make a workshop smell like real.
Often it works and I find a useable transformer. Often I pop the circuit breaker
to my bench and I have a pile of iron I can use to wind my own transformers
(which occasionaly fail the same test.)

So don't try this at home kids unless you are sure of what you are doing. You
may also want a fire extingusher nearby, though usally once the circuit breaker
pops the smoke stops.

Tim Daugard
30.4078N 86.6227W