Yep, here in south Texas it gets hot. So since we got indoor plumbing now, we cleaned up the old outhouse and made sure it was dry, the old platform makes a good place to set the big on while it bakes.
Just had to say it!! John, WA5BXO -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Todd, KA1KAQ Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2006 9:12 AM To: Discussion of AM Radio in the Amateur Service Subject: Re: [AMRadio] Seeking advice on testing modulation transformers > So how would you dry out old transformers? Well, being single is really great in cases like this or baking painted items. I have an old General Motors Electric range in the kitchen that doubles as a radio assistant for such things. I remove all but one rack and set it to 120 degrees (which is proably closer to 150, electric ranges being what they are) and bake away. If it's a painted item, I crack the front double doors just a bit to help it outgas. For transformers, I keep it closed for a while to let the heat build up and penetrate the iron, then crack the doors. Times vary. Painted things, 20 minutes to an hour; iron, 30 minutes to several hours, depending how large it is and where it's been stored. The trick to baking until you get a handle on how your range works is to keep watch to make sure it doesn't so hot as to melt any potting compound. I try err on the side of caution by keeping the heat lower and increasing if needed. The downside is, you need to bake it longer. Upside is, no tar ooze. I've heard from guys in TX, AZ and other hot places that they just sit their iron in the sun on a hot summers day and let it cook away. Not sure how that would work in FL due to the humidity. Of course, it won't be as easy to pull off using the range when married. I think you got hitched last year IIRC? My time is coming one month from today. She's okay with my radios, but I think it will require a 220 outlet in the garage with a old electric range devoted to just such things. I'll let you know when something is hooked up and you can tool over to my place. We'll probably be up north of Tampa in Pasco county somewhere. ______________________________________________________________ AMRadio mailing list List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Partner Website: http://www.amfone.net Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.html Post: mailto:[email protected]
