PHILIPS GM2317

[NE WAY]

Picked up an interesting 50s Philips GM2317 sinewave generator.

Beautiful large dial, great for my deteriorating eyesight.

I haven’t turned it on just yet, first I need for find a socket that would fit to this antiquated power inlet, I could hardwire it, but would prefer to keep the originality of it. It does look like one of those used on old kettles.

There are a few aged capacitors in it. Is there a procedure on how one could power up old equipment safely? Should I hook it up to my variac and increase the voltage 20V at a time, then let it sit for an hour, then another 20V, until it reach its operation voltage?

 

[rayma]

The Variac should work (after a visual inspection of the interior).

 

[NE WAY]

Thanks Rayma, I had a quick look, everything seems to be in order. There are a few large capacitors in there, should I replace them first before attempting to power it up?

Unlike some old instruments which normally havens circuit diagram, there isn’t one in there.

 

[Tarzan]

Here you go: https://www.rsp-italy.it/Electronics/Instruments/Philips/_contents/Philips GM2317.pdf
Check these caps for leakage. They need to be changed - 99% sure...

 

[Refugee1]

Those electrolytic capacitors with the nipple on the top are usually fine and long lived.
I have got a resistance bridge with the same cabinet and dial and the capacitors were all fine most being Mullard mustard or there brightly coloured precision versions.

 

[rayma]

I'd use the Variac gently and get it up to nominal AC line, then cook it for a few hours.
Good chance it will be ok.

 

[russc]

Not our kettle plugs - they were big, round & had an extra pin with a big spring in the kettle to eject the plug should the kettle boil dry.
Usually into the kitchen sink - not a good idea for a live mains lead, eventually outlawed.

 

[NE WAY]

I'd use the Variac gently and get it up to nominal AC line, then cook it for a few hours.
Good chance it will be ok.

Thanks! How gently? Is Increasing the voltage by 10% every hour consider to be gently? Or should I go even slower?

 

[NE WAY]

Wonder if any of these fits