As a broadcast engineer I have seen (or heard) transformers rattle as you've described. My suggestion would be to let it be, especially if it stops after a while. It sounds to me like it rattles when it's cold and stops after it warms up. Does the noise gradually subside or just quit abruptly? It is annoying to listen to the laminations rattle but it would be even more annoying to try to "fix" one problem and create another. Some transformer windings are spaced apart and spacers may loosen some when they're cool and "tighten up" after they warm up. I used to have one that did that and it really bothered me until I talked to the factory guy and he explained what was happening. Even worse than transformer laminations rattling is hearing a bank of SCRs grunting and groaning. (I'll bet some on this list even know which line of transmitters I'm talking about.) Happy Holidays to all!
Steve White, W5SAW Todd, KA1KAQ wrote: > On Wed, Dec 23, 2009 at 10:39 AM, AirRadio <[email protected]> wrote: > >> I have a mains transformer in my latest boatanchor, it is rattling like mad, >> eventually goes away after an hour or so, I thought about dropping it in a >> can of varnish, anyone cured one before, any luck or waste of time? >> > > Sounds like it abates once things settle in thermally.The simple > approach I'd try first Max is to check the tension on any securing > bolts through the transformer laminations or chassis. Sometimes that > takes care of it. Other methods include removing the transformer and > re-sealing the laminations it in hot varnish, or isolating the > transformer from the chassis on rubber bushings. The latter is not a > good idea IMO due to safety concerns with internal shorts which would > otherwise become apparent when the case is grounded to the chassis. > > Gary WZ1M is a member of this list and has a transformer rebuilding > business, so he can certainly provide you with some pointers. I think > Don K4KYV and a few others have successfully dealt with similar > problems with success. It might be as simple as tossing he transformer > in the oven for a while on its own if tightening the bolts doesn't > cure it. > > ~ Todd, KA1KAQ/4 > ______________________________________________________________ > Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net > AMRadio mailing list > Searchable Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ > List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html > List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio > Post: [email protected] > To unsubscribe, send an email to [email protected] with > the word unsubscribe in the message body. > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > > ______________________________________________________________ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list Searchable Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Post: [email protected] To unsubscribe, send an email to [email protected] with the word unsubscribe in the message body. This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
