Transformer problem

trombone · 15th May 2006, 03:14 AM

Probably a stupid question. I have a transformer that seems to be failing. That is, its voltage output, AC and DC, is lower than normal. I find no cause (which doesn't mean I've thought of everything) other than it's failing. But I always thought transformers either work or they don't. I wasn't aware they could weaken gradually. Or am I way off base here?

Assuming it is, does anyone have an idea where to get another one. It's 10 volts and 10 amps. A high current filament supply transformer.

ray_moth · 15th May 2006, 07:41 AM

Quote:

That is, its voltage output, AC and DC, is lower than normal.

Not sure what you mean by this - what DC output? Are you rectifying the heater supply? If so, it might help to describe the circuit you're using.

trombone · 15th May 2006, 09:01 AM

Yes, it's a heater circuit on a tube preamp. The Transformer feeds a voltage regultor. Usually the DC off the rectifier and going to the regulator is around 10 volts. The regulator drops it to 6.1. Now the DC going off to the regulator is about 6.4, which does not supply enough drop voltage.

The AC voltage on the bridge seems low, too. About 10. I think it was higher once.

I'm still trying to see if something is wrong in the circuit that I missed, but I'm running out of possibiities. I haven't found a short, the input cap is okay, etc. but my question was basically about the transformer itself. I had always thought they worked or they didn't. I wasn't aware that they could weaken gradually--if they can.

Craig405 · 15th May 2006, 09:11 AM

Hi,

Transformers dont degrade over time, but they can overheat and possibly short out secondary windings causing the voltage output to change.

If you remove all load from you transformer you should get about 11/12v at a guess, just a bit higher than the rating of 10v. If thias is the case which it probably will be the transformer is fine and you may just be drawing more current than you were before when the voltage was higher.

Regards
Craig

cliffforrest · 15th May 2006, 09:29 AM

your (bridge? - you don't say!) rectifier may have failed and you are only getting 1/2wave rectification.

Any chance of 'scoping it?

EC8010 · 15th May 2006, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Craig405
Transformers don't degrade over time,

Their cores can degrade - it doesn't lower the output voltage, but the consequent core saturation causes plenty of leakage flux.

Craig405 · 15th May 2006, 11:09 AM

I stand corrected.... learn somthing new every post

EC8010 · 15th May 2006, 12:36 PM

I couldn't believe it the first time I saw it causing hum bars (induction directly into the neck of the CRT) but a search coil and replacement of the transformer proved the point. Since then, I check transformers with the search coil...

ray_moth · 15th May 2006, 12:45 PM

Is it possible the primary of your tranny isn't getting its full voltage: either because the mains voltage is low or because there is too much resistance somewhere in the feed to the primary?

trombone · 15th May 2006, 01:41 PM

The post advising me to check the transformer without a load wins. I thought I had done this, but I hadn't. Transformer is good.

Now all I have to do is figure out what the blank is wrong with this regulator. It's been a problem for a long time.

Thanks, all.

15th May 2006, 03:14 AM	#1
trombone diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Boston, MA	Transformer problem Probably a stupid question. I have a transformer that seems to be failing. That is, its voltage output, AC and DC, is lower than normal. I find no cause (which doesn't mean I've thought of everything) other than it's failing. But I always thought transformers either work or they don't. I wasn't aware they could weaken gradually. Or am I way off base here? Assuming it is, does anyone have an idea where to get another one. It's 10 volts and 10 amps. A high current filament supply transformer. __________________ Trombone

15th May 2006, 09:01 AM	#3
trombone diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Boston, MA	Yes, it's a heater circuit on a tube preamp. The Transformer feeds a voltage regultor. Usually the DC off the rectifier and going to the regulator is around 10 volts. The regulator drops it to 6.1. Now the DC going off to the regulator is about 6.4, which does not supply enough drop voltage. The AC voltage on the bridge seems low, too. About 10. I think it was higher once. I'm still trying to see if something is wrong in the circuit that I missed, but I'm running out of possibiities. I haven't found a short, the input cap is okay, etc. but my question was basically about the transformer itself. I had always thought they worked or they didn't. I wasn't aware that they could weaken gradually--if they can. __________________ Trombone

15th May 2006, 12:36 PM	#8
EC8010 diyAudio Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Near London. UK	I couldn't believe it the first time I saw it causing hum bars (induction directly into the neck of the CRT) but a search coil and replacement of the transformer proved the point. Since then, I check transformers with the search coil... __________________ The loudspeaker: The only commercial Hi-Fi item where a disproportionate part of the budget isn't spent on the box. And the one where it would make a difference...

15th May 2006, 01:41 PM	#10
trombone diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Boston, MA	The post advising me to check the transformer without a load wins. I thought I had done this, but I hadn't. Transformer is good. Now all I have to do is figure out what the blank is wrong with this regulator. It's been a problem for a long time. Thanks, all. __________________ Trombone

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


	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

15th May 2006, 09:11 AM	#4
Craig405 diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Sussex	Hi, Transformers dont degrade over time, but they can overheat and possibly short out secondary windings causing the voltage output to change. If you remove all load from you transformer you should get about 11/12v at a guess, just a bit higher than the rating of 10v. If thias is the case which it probably will be the transformer is fine and you may just be drawing more current than you were before when the voltage was higher. Regards Craig

15th May 2006, 09:29 AM	#5
cliffforrest diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: UK	your (bridge? - you don't say!) rectifier may have failed and you are only getting 1/2wave rectification. Any chance of 'scoping it?

15th May 2006, 11:09 AM	#7
Craig405 diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Sussex	I stand corrected.... learn somthing new every post

15th May 2006, 12:45 PM	#9
ray_moth diyAudio Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Jakarta	Is it possible the primary of your tranny isn't getting its full voltage: either because the mains voltage is low or because there is too much resistance somewhere in the feed to the primary?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Transformer problem...	5150ed	Chip Amps	19	28th June 2008 02:25 PM
EI transformer in case problem	jaycee	Solid State	10	1st May 2007 03:43 PM
Serious transformer problem	Nixie	Power Supplies	50	20th October 2006 11:27 PM
Transformer problem	Semir	Power Supplies	3	2nd January 2005 11:36 PM
Transformer problem	deepanger	Solid State	18	5th February 2003 05:48 PM

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