18-12-2011, 09:02 PM
A short update just to show that I haven't gone into hybernation.
Power supply next. The first step was to tack a couple of strips of wood on the bottom. The transformer leads all exit at the bottom so scraping it about on the bench might well damage the cotton/rubber covered wires.
Next, what about connecting the Mains? The original plug is long gone. The 'Socket' consists of two flat blades of different widths. After a bit of cleaning up and straightening it was clear that one was 1/4" and the other a bit bigger. The bigger one goes to the Voltage Selector so, although it doesn't say so on the Diagram, I propose to make that Live. A 0.25"/6mm Faston will fit the small one with a bit of 'easing'. The big one will take the next size up. So, with some Heat Shrink and a mains lead it can be powered up.
Now for the connections and interconnections. So far I'd been working with the Trader Sheet from the BVWS CD. According to that there were a number of different versions, and the information was, to say the least, scanty. That's no big deal 'cause it can all be worked out, but why struggle? I decided I might as well have a look on the VRRF and there was the Manufacturer's data, all 22 pages of it. So for the princely sum of £1.99 I downloaded it. It actually consists of a series of numbered Pye Sheets, each one detailing different aspects of the set, including various modifications. Not to put too fine a point on it it's wonderful. In reality the Trader Sheet is pretty pathetic, although better than nothing. I have to assume that Industrial Espionage was less well developed in the '30s.
Apparently there were two different Capacitor Blocks fitted and this is the later one. Apart from a wire colour, which might simply be due to fading over the years, it all matches - insert big sigh of relief.
So, 'all' I have to do is make a Mains cable, reconnect the wires and fire it up. I've actually got all the parts except the Frame Aerial in the house now so I propose to do the wiring here then I'll have to bite the bullet and transport it all to the garage and start it up with the Variac. One advantage of the Metal Rectifier is that I can do that slowly and hopefully reform the Electrolytics slowly. Some heating will be needed unless there's a sudden thaw, but don't worry David, I'll avoid Extension Leads
Alan
MainsFastons.JPG (Size: 3.35 MB / Downloads: 109)
Power supply next. The first step was to tack a couple of strips of wood on the bottom. The transformer leads all exit at the bottom so scraping it about on the bench might well damage the cotton/rubber covered wires.
Next, what about connecting the Mains? The original plug is long gone. The 'Socket' consists of two flat blades of different widths. After a bit of cleaning up and straightening it was clear that one was 1/4" and the other a bit bigger. The bigger one goes to the Voltage Selector so, although it doesn't say so on the Diagram, I propose to make that Live. A 0.25"/6mm Faston will fit the small one with a bit of 'easing'. The big one will take the next size up. So, with some Heat Shrink and a mains lead it can be powered up.
Now for the connections and interconnections. So far I'd been working with the Trader Sheet from the BVWS CD. According to that there were a number of different versions, and the information was, to say the least, scanty. That's no big deal 'cause it can all be worked out, but why struggle? I decided I might as well have a look on the VRRF and there was the Manufacturer's data, all 22 pages of it. So for the princely sum of £1.99 I downloaded it. It actually consists of a series of numbered Pye Sheets, each one detailing different aspects of the set, including various modifications. Not to put too fine a point on it it's wonderful. In reality the Trader Sheet is pretty pathetic, although better than nothing. I have to assume that Industrial Espionage was less well developed in the '30s.
Apparently there were two different Capacitor Blocks fitted and this is the later one. Apart from a wire colour, which might simply be due to fading over the years, it all matches - insert big sigh of relief.
So, 'all' I have to do is make a Mains cable, reconnect the wires and fire it up. I've actually got all the parts except the Frame Aerial in the house now so I propose to do the wiring here then I'll have to bite the bullet and transport it all to the garage and start it up with the Variac. One advantage of the Metal Rectifier is that I can do that slowly and hopefully reform the Electrolytics slowly. Some heating will be needed unless there's a sudden thaw, but don't worry David, I'll avoid Extension Leads
Alan
MainsFastons.JPG (Size: 3.35 MB / Downloads: 109)
