Gap in Transformer Lams - OCD Check

[HiGHFLYiN9s]

Just wanted to quickly check in to see if the larger than usual gap in the lams (circled in the photo) would be of any concern on this output transformer. Thanks for any input.

 

[HollowState]

I say no assuming it was made like that. You're not supposed to take them apart or disturb the gap setting though as it will alter it's performance. I've seen uneven gaps before like that.

 

[trobbins]

That's a specially made variation in gap to give lower distortion during the magnetic flux swing - a form of swinging choke effect - sort of like spread spectrum reduction technique for emi reduction ;-)

 

[HiGHFLYiN9s]

That's a specially made variation in gap to give lower distortion during the magnetic flux swing - a form of swinging choke effect - sort of like spread spectrum reduction technique for emi reduction ;-)

Haha I like that answer.

I got two of these outputs, one looks perfectly fine.

 

[TonyTecson]

imho, no cause for concern....

 

[smoking-amp]

Obviously a cosmetic defect. Probably not much affect on the performance.

"That's a specially made variation in gap to give lower distortion during the magnetic flux swing - a form of swinging choke effect - sort of like spread spectrum reduction technique for emi reduction"

Interesting idea though, skew the gap to smear out the permeability peak into a flat plateau. Even better if the DC field could be eliminated. Could also just angle the flat mating ends of the laminations slightly to get the same distributed effect within each lamination.

 

[trobbins]

Even better to keep the bevelled edges on the "inside" of the lamination, so that the external leakage under low flux swing is contained with the core 'perimeter'.

They have done a fair bit of that with customer ferrite cores of all sorts.

I even saw an organ tone generator ferrite coreset that had a non-consentric centre pole that changed the amount of overlap with the other half core as the core was rotated - to make the tuning of the inductance easier (supposedly!).

 

[hungdn]

I think you could measure the inductance of primary coil of both tranny. If they are equal, then nothing to worry about

 

[TonyTecson]

I remember in one of the training materials BudP gave me, Loctite glue was used to keep the gap from moving......

 

[M Gregg]

I've seen them like that before,

I would be surprised if you could hear any difference..However it can be anoying to look at..I would fill it with epoxy.....put the gap towards the back of the amp.

Regards
M. Gregg

 

[TonyTecson]

that's a good plan.....