Looking for cheap trafo.........

[caxxxxxx]

Just wondering if anyone knows a good cheap place to buy new or used toroidal power transformers. I've checked around the internet search engines slightly, but really don't want to go through all 5200 or so websites ( i did go through about 50 of them, the various surplus stores and main ones).

So far, Parts Express has the best one I'm looking for (30-0-30 250VA), but I think $60 shipped is more that I want to give right now, beings I am kind of new to this.

[lawbadman]

Hi caxxxxxx,
I am in the same boat as you. I am in the market for a 30-0-30 500va toroid, the cheapest place that I have found is Partsexpress. Apexjr has some cheap ones but they dont have a huge range, but you can check anyway (thats if you havnt).






Lawrence

[zlast]

For new check out :
http://avellindberg.com/transformers...ange_specs.htm

This is a standard transformer and they sell DIRECT to the public.
You can reach them at
sales@avellindberg.com , they will respond quickly and give you pricing. I was looking for a 1000VA 60-0-60 transformer...the avel Y236959 was $69...about half the cost of other transformers manufacturers.

[Apex Jr]

Lawbadman: Thanks for the mention...
I do have in stock smaller quantities which are not on
my website. one and 2 only. None at the 60Vct but
if you can use 35V - 0 - 35V 300Va each side 600Va
price is $29.95. 115Vac input only Have 30 in stock.

Steve @ Apex Jr.

[Dennis Hui]

Originally posted by caxxxxxx
Just wondering if anyone knows a good cheap place to buy new or used toroidal power transformers. I've checked around the internet search engines slightly, but really don't want to go through all 5200 or so websites ( i did go through about 50 of them, the various surplus stores and main ones).

So far, Parts Express has the best one I'm looking for (30-0-30 250VA), but I think $60 shipped is more that I want to give right now, beings I am kind of new to this.

Hi Caxxxxxx,

I was at a local surplus store earlier today and
saw a few 225VA 2x25VAC toridal transformers
for $10+tax CAD each. Will those work for you?

Cheers,
Dennis

[sam9]

They show upon e-bay from time to time, but you may have to be patient.

[pixpop]

I've had good luck with Toroid Corp kits. They are well priced, and you end up with exactly the voltage and power you need.

I just made a perfect toroid for a class a amp project, using one of their kits. Easy to do, and works great.

[Leslie Horn]

Originally posted by sam9
They show upon e-bay from time to time, but you may have to be patient.

yeah, AnTek has a few on Ebay, but I'd wait for his auctions, as his "buy it now" pricing isn't the cheapest in the world.

- - however, I did purchase a 1000 VA unit from them... via Ebay

[caxxxxxx]

Thanks a million for all the info, guys. Keep it coming. It looks like the trafo really is the most expensive part of an electronics project. I almost wonder if buying a broken down stereo/amp or battery charger, etc. is the way to go.

Anyone have any ideas how to test for max amperage on an unknown trafo without a load?? (my multitester won't do it, will an ammeter?)

[Dennis Hui]

Originally posted by caxxxxxx
I almost wonder if buying a broken down stereo/amp or battery charger, etc. is the way to go.

That would certainly work and you can probably salvage other
parts as well. The downside is that you may not know what
you're getting until you take it apart.

Anyone have any ideas how to test for max amperage on an unknown trafo without a load?? (my multitester won't do it, will an ammeter?)

If it's an unknown toroidal transformer then you can get an
idea by comparing its size and weight with the mechanical
data from places like Plitron and Avel-Lindberg:

http://www.plitron.com/pages/Products/Std/mechanic.htm
http://www.avellindberg.com/transfor...ange_specs.htm


Cheers,
Dennis