Generally buzzing is a bad thing, right?

ChopperCharles · 19th June 2008, 04:09 PM

I have an old solid state radio... I plug it in and I get a faint buzzing through the wooden case from the transformer area.... even with the radio OFF!!!

If I turn the radio on the buzzing stays, but the radio plays clear and perfect with no hum or distortion.

The whole buzzing when not turned on thing has me kinda freaked though... any idea what this could be?

Charles.

Netlist · 19th June 2008, 08:09 PM

Not with mains fully disconnected I may hope?

/Hugo

Netlist · 19th June 2008, 08:15 PM

Sorry, right. You said plugged in but turned off.
Strange, I would think of a standby transformer under power.
Does the unit have a St-by function?

/Hugo

nigelwright7557 · 19th June 2008, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ChopperCharles
I have an old solid state radio... I plug it in and I get a faint buzzing through the wooden case from the transformer area.... even with the radio OFF!!!

If I turn the radio on the buzzing stays, but the radio plays clear and perfect with no hum or distortion.

The whole buzzing when not turned on thing has me kinda freaked though... any idea what this could be?

Charles.

It just sounds like the transformer laminations buzzing.

ionomolo · 20th June 2008, 02:48 PM

I agree. The transformer acts as a loudspeaker. It creates a magnetic field proportional to the ac voltage applied and the laminations or something arround the transformer moves pulled by that field.

ChopperCharles · 20th June 2008, 03:41 PM

So, not something to worry about then? Or something that will burn my house down if I leave it plugged in?

Charles.

Netlist · 20th June 2008, 05:35 PM

Still a mystery to me as if I understand it correctly, OFF is off which means the mains switch is open.
In a safe design, the mains switch is located before the transformer.

/Hugo

poynton · 20th June 2008, 05:36 PM

woodworm ??

PMA · 20th June 2008, 06:41 PM

TV set nearby?

Spiny · 20th June 2008, 08:14 PM

a lot of ss battery/mains radios had (and have - I have a CD combo with this) a single on off switch after the mains supply which switched the power. so as long as the radio was plugged in the transformer was powered.

the buzz is probably loose laminations, open the case and paint with varnish with a bit of luck this should stick the loose parts together.

I consider this to be a dangerous practice but it obviously passes safety standards as these things are still on sale, proberly considered like a wall wart in this regard

19th June 2008, 04:09 PM	#1
ChopperCharles diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2008	Generally buzzing is a bad thing, right? I have an old solid state radio... I plug it in and I get a faint buzzing through the wooden case from the transformer area.... even with the radio OFF!!! If I turn the radio on the buzzing stays, but the radio plays clear and perfect with no hum or distortion. The whole buzzing when not turned on thing has me kinda freaked though... any idea what this could be? Charles.

20th June 2008, 05:36 PM	#8
poynton Magneto the Gravity Man diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: A life on the ocean waves when I'm not at home in N. Wales (but I'm not Welsh so no sheep jokes!)	woodworm ?? __________________ If it ain't broke, break it !! Then fix it again. It's called DIY !

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Buzzing Pre-amp	stevebell	Solid State	10	12th June 2008 03:26 PM
Calculations of bass-reflex enclosures - generally !!!	Notax	Multi-Way	50	6th March 2007 12:13 AM
buzzing ST-70...plea for help	ultrachrome	Tubes / Valves	15	19th November 2004 06:13 AM
It's generally accepted that the max spacing between drivers is...	454Casull	Multi-Way	7	28th July 2004 01:30 PM
Buzzing in A40	NickC	Pass Labs	9	25th August 2003 11:42 AM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

19th June 2008, 08:09 PM	#2
Netlist diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003	Not with mains fully disconnected I may hope? /Hugo

19th June 2008, 08:15 PM	#3
Netlist diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003	Sorry, right. You said plugged in but turned off. Strange, I would think of a standby transformer under power. Does the unit have a St-by function? /Hugo

20th June 2008, 02:48 PM	#5
ionomolo diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Los Angeles	I agree. The transformer acts as a loudspeaker. It creates a magnetic field proportional to the ac voltage applied and the laminations or something arround the transformer moves pulled by that field.

20th June 2008, 03:41 PM	#6
ChopperCharles diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2008	So, not something to worry about then? Or something that will burn my house down if I leave it plugged in? Charles.

20th June 2008, 05:35 PM	#7
Netlist diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003	Still a mystery to me as if I understand it correctly, OFF is off which means the mains switch is open. In a safe design, the mains switch is located before the transformer. /Hugo

20th June 2008, 06:41 PM	#9
PMA diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Prague, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka	TV set nearby?

20th June 2008, 08:14 PM	#10
Spiny diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2008	a lot of ss battery/mains radios had (and have - I have a CD combo with this) a single on off switch after the mains supply which switched the power. so as long as the radio was plugged in the transformer was powered. the buzz is probably loose laminations, open the case and paint with varnish with a bit of luck this should stick the loose parts together. I consider this to be a dangerous practice but it obviously passes safety standards as these things are still on sale, proberly considered like a wall wart in this regard

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)