Using a Transformer..

[Maples]

Hey peoples.. I really think you guys should write a newbie series of articles that cover stuff like picking the right type of amp to build, the different sectors of the amp process and such..

Anyways today I need to know, fairly soon, how to hookup my transformer properly. I have a AVEL 18v+18v TOROIDAL transformer. Ok, so my amp calls for a supply of matching +/- voltages... I am thinking I am going to hook the primary and secondary input to the power cord inversely so I get 18+/- output on the primary and secondary.. Am I correct?

I have a little diagram on the side of the Transformer that I believe is pointing out which wires correspond to primary and secondary, one of the leads leads from each winding has a small black square beside it, does this denote that that wire/lead is positive?

Lastly, I need a 3-Amp fuse for this amp. What would be a simple setup for my fuse, should I get an inline one?

Thank you for your time.

[Maples]

So nobody here knows jack about transformers or fuses eh?

[dhaen]

Transformers are AC devices: AC in, AC out. They just "transform" the voltage to current ratio.
Don't be confused with "wall-warts" etc that people sometimes refer to as "transformers". Most of them are not, but also contain rectfiers and smoothing caps to provide DC.

[mercator]

Hi Maples,
This is a good forum for discussion but not really suited for online tutorials. One site that I find very helpful is Rod Elliotts which, coincidentally, has a very good page concerning your immediate problem.

Check out
Power Supplies

Good Luck,
Dave

[dhaen]

Dave's suggestion is a good one, as is his link.
Nobody will mind if you come back to ask questions or for clarification of any points

[Maples]

I think you guys don't understand what I am asking...

I am basically looking for directives as far as wire connections. I know that transformers output AC current, thats why i have a bridge rectifier...

I am not confused as how to build a power supply, because I am just following a schematic, I don't need to know how to build one at this point. That article you pointed me to says what you should consider when building one and such, it doesn't tell you what exact wires to hook stuff upto which is what I am looking for...

Maybe I should have went with my original plan to guess and check.. educated guesses that is. As dangerous as it may sound I can do it;

If you can help me with me specifc question please do so but don't point me to any vauge articles like I have just been.

EDIT:

Forget it guys, I found the answer I was looking for right here:
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread/t-34176.html

Thats all I wanted to know... How hard was it to understand my question? Oh well... nevermind. Live and learn, then develope your own community.

[mercator]

Maples,
Based on the wording of your question, it sounded to me as if you needed a schematic. The first diagram in Rods article is exactly the schematic you require.

Your last post indicates you want us to tell you which color wire to hook up where. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be a standard for the color codes on transformer wires so it would have been impossible to answer your question as stated.

Good luck with your amp.

Dave

[Maples]

Ok, sorry for the confusion. Thanks

[Jennice]

Maples,

I have some more material in PDF form that may interest you. It covers quite a few aspects of DIY audio.
They've promised a day with thunder around here, so my 'puter is unplugged. I'll plug it back in when I get home from work if the weather has cleared up. Then I'll give you a link to it, or email it to you... whichever you like.

Meanwhile, Rod's articles (westhost... which someone gave a link to previously in this thread) aren't all that bad. Actually he's a rather competent fellow, although he takes some knowledge of the subject for granted.

Anyway... I hope you'll find a project you like to get started with and enjoy.

Jennice

[Maples]

Alright well whenever you do get access that pdf material just PM me, or upload it here to the board in a zip file. However you want to do it.