Digest for sci.electronics.repair@googlegroups.com - 25 updates in 9 topics

John Robertson <spam@flippers.com>: Apr 04 11:06AM -0700

> for someone. Thanks a bunch for making the offer to contact someone.
> Cheers,
> Eric
 
If you want to come North to Canada and visit my shop I'm sure we can
work something out.
 
Note that unless you are a refugee you do have to go back...
 
John ;-#)#
 
--
(Please post followups or tech inquiries to the USENET newsgroup)
John's Jukes Ltd. 2343 Main St., Vancouver, BC, Canada V5T 3C9
(604)872-5757 or Fax 872-2010 (Pinballs, Jukes, Video Games)
www.flippers.com
"Old pinballers never die, they just flip out."
etpm@whidbey.com: Apr 04 05:47PM -0700

On Tue, 4 Apr 2017 11:06:50 -0700, John Robertson <spam@flippers.com>
wrote:
 
>work something out.
 
>Note that unless you are a refugee you do have to go back...
 
>John ;-#)#
That's a little longer of a drive than I was considering. And I've
heard that the border crossing is even worse than the summer ferry
lines to Whidbey. On the other hand my wife and I like Canada and
Canadians. And Vancouver. Years ago we went to Vancouver to see the
Phantom of the Opera musical. We had booked a room at a small but
pretty swanky hotel. I have forgotten the name though. Anyway, when we
tried to check in our room was occupied. They had goofed but didn't
tell us. They said there was a slight delay in getting the room ready
and asked us to wait in the bar with drinks on the house. After a
couple hours my wife and I were getting impatient. So we asked when
the room would be ready and they explained their goof up. Unable to
find us a room comparable to the one we reserved they instead put us
up in the penthouse. I don't even want to know how much that room was
per night. It was certainly very nice, with a bedroom, two bathrooms,
a living room, a long balcony, and a kitchen. Canadian hospitality,
gotta love it.
Eric
oldschool@tubes.com: Apr 01 11:13AM -0500


>The good capacitor is not labeled like a normal cap, so I dont know what
>value it is. It says K 505J 250. (I am guessing its 250 volt, but I am
>clueless about the uf value).
 
I did figure out one thing on my own (using Google).
 
505J is a Japanese way of marking a cap. In this case, it's 5uf.
So it's a 5uf at 250V cap. I can only guess the "J" means Japan.
 
Why they cant label their caps like normal people, is frustrating, but
that's how they do it. Just more complication for no advantage. Kind of
like metric bolts.... The SAE bolts were just fine, but they had to
complicate matters and force everyone to buy and own TWO sets of tools.
oldschool@tubes.com: Apr 01 05:43AM -0500

I have a "Lights of America" Florescent fixture (4 ft - 2 bulb shop
light).
 
Only one bulb would light. New bulbs did not fix it. Only one side of
the fixture worked. (Always the same side).
 
I finally tore it apart.
 
I have repaired and replaced ballasts in a lot of fixtures, but this one
is unique. Instead of having one ballast for the entire fixture, this
one has thick plastic ends, with one ballast on each end. These ballasts
look more like a small transformer or a choke used in power supplies on
electronics. Across the wires on each ballast is a capacitor and a
resistor. The choke on one end looked ok and that fed the bulb which
worked. As soon as I opened the other end, I found the problem. That
capacitor literally had a hole in it, and there was black burnt markings
around it.
 
The good capacitor is not labeled like a normal cap, so I dont know what
value it is. It says K 505J 250. (I am guessing its 250 volt, but I am
clueless about the uf value).
 
Either way, I am sure that finding a capacitor that will work, would
only be a guess...
 
But I am posting this for another reason. The wires that cross over to
the defective side, are joined in the middle of the fixture with a
sealed plastic box, which can not be opened. I put my VOM across those
wires and there is no reading (on the ohm setting). Is that a fuse, or
what? Like I said, I have never seen this type of setup. Every fixture I
have ever opened just had straight thru wires, or used wirenuts to join
splices.
 
I can only guess that when the cap shorted, it blew the fuses or
whatever is in that thing...
 
Have any of you ever seen this type of setup?
 
I'm only asking this because I am curious. I do not intend to buy a new
ballast, which would probably cost as much or more than a new fixture.
However I may convert this fixture to 4 ft LED replacement bulbs, which
means removing all ballasts and directly wiring the sockets to the AC
line (only one one end of the bulbs). I was kind of thinking of
converting the fixture to LED anyhow, so now I have more reason to do
so.
etpm@whidbey.com: Apr 01 09:42AM -0700

>that's how they do it. Just more complication for no advantage. Kind of
>like metric bolts.... The SAE bolts were just fine, but they had to
>complicate matters and force everyone to buy and own TWO sets of tools.
Be careful you don't bite your tongue while it is firmly planted in
your cheek.
Eric
Fred McKenzie <fmmck@aol.com>: Apr 01 12:45PM -0400

In article <favudct9q3bedocjnhtvmkadilpfg2e0ks@4ax.com>,
> line (only one one end of the bulbs). I was kind of thinking of
> converting the fixture to LED anyhow, so now I have more reason to do
> so.
 
Oldschool-
 
You caught my interest, since I have been slowly changing some old
fluorescent fixtures for LED.
 
I'm thinking your capacitor may use a standard method of marking:
significant digits 5 and 0 followed by 5 zeros, and a J to indicate 5
percent. This is in picofarads, so the result would be 5 microfarads.
I agree that the 250 would be voltage. I would expect such a capacitor
to be non-polarized.
 
I once found a similar fixture, but the two sides were just independent.
Each had an inductor for ballast, but used a starter for each. I think
yours may be the modern equivalent that does not use a starter.
 
My thought would be to replace the entire fixture, not just convert it.
The cost may be similar, but the result may look and work better.
 
Fred
etpm@whidbey.com: Mar 31 05:26PM -0700

On Fri, 31 Mar 2017 14:10:07 -0400, "tom" <tmiller11147@verizon.net>
wrote:
 
 
>Remember that the EPROMS are static sensitive. Use appropriate anti static
>procedures when working with those chips.
 
>Google ESD for more details.
 
I will for sure be taking all precautions regarding ESD.
Eric
etpm@whidbey.com: Mar 31 09:05AM -0700

All that know,
I have a machine tool made in 1985 that has, apparently, a faulty
circuit board. This board has EPROMs on it that I will need to remove
and insert into a replacement board that is coming to me. Aside from
making sure I am grounded to both the board and to the ground itself
are there any other precautions I should take? Also, when the machine
won'y be busy for a week or two I would like to get the EPROMs copied.
I could send them to someone but I am also considering doing the job
myself. I have other EPROMs of the same vintage that I can practice
with if I do the job myself but I don't know if this is something I
should try with the ones I really want back ups of. Any advice?
Thanks,
Eric
etpm@whidbey.com: Mar 31 05:01PM -0700

On Fri, 31 Mar 2017 11:04:32 -0700, John Robertson <spam@flippers.com>
wrote:
 
>to use a Pace or similar desoldering tool that allows you to move the
>leg around while you are sucking the solder out.
 
>John :-#)#
Greetings John,
Fortunately the circuit board shows no corrosion. I do have a tool
made for removing these chips so I'll just give 'em a squirt. let the
stuff work for a bit, and then pull 'em.
Eric
"tom" <tmiller11147@verizon.net>: Mar 30 02:44PM -0400

<stratus46@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:8d119b10-de9e-4659-bc19-9fe19945e8a9@googlegroups.com...
On Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 1:13:56 AM UTC-7, Gareth Magennis wrote:
> Now THAT is an amplifier.
 
> https://www.bluearan.co.uk/index.php?id=PKN3PHASE40K
 
> Gareth.
 
Does it come with a bridge? Usually stories like this involve the sale of a
bridge.
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 
Those are vacuum cleaner watts.
"Gareth Magennis" <soundserviceleeds@outlook.com>: Mar 30 09:38PM +0100

wrote in message
news:493dba44-f20d-46a8-999c-b7ff4a4eeca5@googlegroups.com...
 
On Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 4:13:56 AM UTC-4, Gareth Magennis wrote:
 
> Gareth.
 
 
 
I think you're off by a decimal place unless the exchange rate has changed!
 
 
***********************************************************
 
 
 
 
Oops, so I am. Typo in translation
15 thousand of your US dollars will get you 20kW per side bridged, if you
have an appropriate 3-phase supply.
 
 
 
Gareth.
"Gareth Magennis" <soundserviceleeds@outlook.com>: Mar 30 09:13AM +0100

wrote in message news:ud7pdc1irot26c3fsr1snjrdoispide4or@4ax.com...
 
FROM:
https://www.surplussales.com/Microphones-Audio/MicroAudio-7.html
 
Now, ***THIS*** is what I call a SOUND SYSTEM !!!
 
(For STEREO, you'll need 2 of these)
 
Total audio output power (for two amps), 20KW.
Tube filaments operate 6 volts @ 60 amps (each tube)
Weight 5000 lbs
230 or 460 vac, 3 phase MAINS power required to operate.
Speakers *NOT* included.
 
No schematic on website (Damnit).
 
ONLY $50,000 plus S+H.
 
The WL-5736 output tubes can be seen here:
http://lampes-et-tubes.info/tt/tt004.php?l=e
 
Or buy one tube on ebay for $1665.00 plus $50 Shipping.
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Westinghouse-WL-5736-tube-/322227283515#ht_220wt_938
---
 
[Web Quote]
 
(EQP) WEST-FG-10
Westinghouse type FG-10 Audio Amplifier - 10 kw. Accepts 600 ohm input
signal, 10 mW maximum and produces 10 kw output at impedances from 1.6
ohms up. Frequency response 30 - 10,000 Hz @ ą1.5%. Total harmonic
distortion less than 5%. Reduced output available below 30 Hz and up to
20,000 Hz. Multiple tapped output transformer allows a wide range of
output impedances.
 
Uses a McIntosh K-1071, 200 watt amplifier as a driver, feeding four (4)
WL-5736 triodes with plate dissipation of 2500 watts per tube and
maximum DC input power of 4200 watts.
 
Useful for driving vibration testing equipment or other industrial
applications. Single channel, not stereo.
 
Another feature of this unit is that it only requires 23 square feet of
floor space in a 82-1/2" tall cabinet. Condition of unit is excellent.
Probably never used, but 60 years of dust. Manufactured in 1953. Weighs
2,500 lbs. Manual is included. Sold as-is. No warranty expressed or
implied.
 
* Input power: 230 or 460 vac, 3 phase @ 50 Hz or 60 Hz
* Dimensions: 34" x 44" x 82-1/2"H
 
$25,000 each
 
 
 
*********************************************************
 
 
 
 
Pah, you can get 40kW of amp in a 1U box with close to zero distortion for
around $1500.
Now THAT is an amplifier.
 
https://www.bluearan.co.uk/index.php?id=PKN3PHASE40K
 
 
 
Gareth.
Ralph Mowery <rmowery28146@earthlink.net>: Mar 31 01:35PM -0400

In article <fa4tdc53qq04k2jcpv7992i7lrm46nbcvs@4ax.com>,
etpm@whidbey.com says...
> from a device just by downloading and using a text reader to see what
> is there.
> Eric
 
It would be doubtful if you could. The eprom will give a bunch of
hexidecimal numbers. You would need a program that could convert that
to the ladder.
etpm@whidbey.com: Mar 31 05:35PM -0700

On Fri, 31 Mar 2017 11:07:16 -0700, John Robertson <spam@flippers.com>
wrote:
 
>simply pulling the CPU and exercising the motherboard under proper power.
 
>Probably...
 
>John :-#)#
The whole problem is that there is only one company in the Puget Sound
area that I could find that can work on my machine. There used to be
several but so many shops went out of business because of Boeing
boom/bust cycles that CNC services companies also went out of
business. And since I'm on an island that makes service calls even
harder to get.
Eric
etpm@whidbey.com: Mar 31 10:32AM -0700

I would like to read what is in the old EPROMs in my machine. They
contain the ladder programming for the machine. I cannot get a copy of
this ladder from Miyano, who made the lathe and wrote the ladder. Is
there a way to read what is programmed in these EPROMs? I guess I
should ask if there is a way I can read what is in them. I know what a
ladder looks like and can read one but I don't know if one can be read
from a device just by downloading and using a text reader to see what
is there.
Eric
oldschool@tubes.com: Mar 29 10:22PM -0500

On Thu, 02 Mar 2017 09:58:26 -0500, Bob Engelhardt
>Kill-a-watt on the input showed 200w being used, and 54w output. 25%
>more or less. I thought that a SMPS would be way more efficient than that.
 
>Bob
 
I had an older Pentium computer that came with a 100W PS. It worked fien
until I added more RAM and an extra Harddrive. Then it would randomly
crash or just do a reboot for no reason. Shortly afterwards, the PS just
died. I bought a 350W PS and never had another problem with that
computer. It's called RESERVE POWER. Under normal use, it only uses 54W,
but add a few drives and run it real hard, and the power use demand
rises.
 
This is about the same as an audio amplifier. You may have the output
tubes or transistors that will pump out 100W, but if your power supply
cant furnish the reserve power on high demand heavy bass loads, you will
hear a lot of distortion, or lose power, or worse....
Foxs Mercantile <jdangus@att.net>: Mar 29 11:42AM -0500

On 3/29/2017 11:33 AM, Jeff Liebermann wrote:
> If you must use tubes, I could probably design a cascode
> Nuvistor RF probe for the occasion.
 
Duly noted so your ego remains intact this time. ;-)
 
<http://bama.edebris.com/download/ameco/pcl-p/AMECO%20PCL.pdf>
 
 
--
Jeff-1.0
wa6fwi
http://www.foxsmercantile.com
 
---
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
http://www.avg.com
Michael Black <et472@ncf.ca>: Mar 29 01:17PM -0400

oldschool@tubes.com: Mar 29 02:22PM -0500

On Wed, 29 Mar 2017 10:01:16 -0700, Jeff Liebermann <jeffl@cruzio.com>
wrote:
 
><http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=nuvistor>
>Hmmm... LTSpice models available for various Nuvistors.
>Never mind. I don't need yet another project.

For the record, I was ready to buy that kit from qrpkits.com, but found
out they do not recommend it for over 50V. I emailed the vendor and
asked if it could be upgraded for tube circuits. He told me that he can
not recommend that, because it could be a shock hazzard. Although I do
feel competent to make such a modification, I knew that would mean
spending more money, and wasting more time to build a usable probe.
Instead, I found a semi over priced old Eico RF probe (blue one) on
Ebay, and just paid the price. As soon as it comes, I'll be all set....
 
I never heard of using a nuvistor in a probe, but I am sure it's
possible. Seems kind of senseless though, when a simple diode along with
a few other parts will do the trick. Just because I prefer to work on
tubes, dont mean I wont use semi-conductors. For audio, tubes have a
superior sound. For my abilities and test gear, I'll take tubes any day
to work on. But I also do not mind working on older devices that contain
transistors, such as my XAM amp. It's the devices that contain IC chips
I detest. I'm not saying they are bad, and I am well aware my computer
and a lot of other stuff contain them. But I strongly dislike working on
that stuff. That was the main reason I stopped electronics in the late
70's as a hobby, and even more so as a repair business. It's not just
the fact that the stuff is very hard to work on, but also that parts are
far too hard to get.
 
As far as all thge political discussions that evolved in this thread, I
have no further comments. I hate politics. However, I know it all began
when I made a comment about todays youth being fat and lazy. That is my
opinion, and I see it all the time. Some of my very good friends have
kids who are now in their 20's and even their parents (my friends) say
the same thing. I see it all the time. That dont mean I am right, it's
just my opinion, buty I have a right to my opinion, and to express it
based on my "freedom of speech" as well as just saying what I feel. Then
again, there are a few exceptions. I know one young man who is a very
hard worker and he has a good head on his shoulders. But he is one in
100 or 1000. Most of today's youth have no goals. They spend their time
staring at their cellphones, work as little as possible (or not at all),
and eat as much as they can cram down their throats, and it shows!
 
However, none of that has anytrhing to do with the topic of this
newsgroup, aside from the fact that I would likely win a bet if I said
that no one on this group is under the age of 45. Today's youth dont
care to do electronics as a hobby. Nor do they care to do much of
anything that involves using their brains or muscles. But I am not gonna
join them. They can sit in their fancy restaurants and bars spending
their parents money, and talking on a cellphone to the person sitting
next to them. None of which makes any sense to me...... I'm just glad I
was born in the 50's when life still had meaning. My only complaint
about being born at that time is all the aches and pains I feel now!
Getting old sucks! But I doubt I need to explain that to any of you old
farts :)
Jeff Liebermann <jeffl@cruzio.com>: Mar 29 09:44AM -0700

On Wed, 29 Mar 2017 09:23:52 -0700 (PDT), "pfjw@aol.com"
 
>"You are not entitled to your opinion. You are entitled
>to your informed opinion. Nobody is entitled to be ignorant."
>Harlan Ellison
 
I beg to differ. I one did some work in a sausage factory (adjacent
to feed lot) which caused me to loose my taste for sausage. Believe
me, you do not want to know how sausage is made. If the public was
properly informed, the entire sausage industry would collapse. Better
ignorant than informed.
 
It's like that in many areas, where carnal knowledge of the internal
workings and operations can be seriously repulsive. If you knew the
details of the private lives of historical figures, public
personalities, politicians, and actors, you would probably be
disappointed. Just meeting some of these in person can produce a
similar reaction. Better to believe the myth than to be disappointed
by the truth.
 
 
--
Jeff Liebermann jeffl@cruzio.com
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558
oldschool@tubes.com: Mar 29 10:09PM -0500

On Wed, 29 Mar 2017 12:54:10 -0700 (PDT), "pfjw@aol.com" <pfjw@aol.com>
wrote:
 
 
>A little bit of education does appear to help, however.
 
>Peter Wieck
>Melrose Park, PA
 
 
I fully agree about the parents. But these days, you cant lift a finger
or you'll be charged with abuse. An old spanking stick still has it's
place. I know I got that stick several times and it was far from abuse.
It just made me think....
 
But it does go beyond the parents. There is a lot to blame on the
schools. From what I hear, most of them no longer have shop classes or
anything like that. Heck, when I was in HS, I took every shop class they
had. Wood shop, metal shop, motor shop, electronics shop, and more....
but I guess that stuff is "too dangerous" for kids these days. So,
instead of cutting off a finger on a table saw, the kids lose their
limbs from diabetes due to their obesity.... Or lose their lives from
drug abuse because they are so damn bored....
 
I never had any children, so I cant brag about them.... Glad yours
turned out good! But I will brag that my four legged kids are really
good! (And I do have a REAL kid, a pet goat) :)
"David Farber" <farberbear.unspam@aol.com>: Apr 01 04:37PM -0700

My dishwasher isn't draining. The drain lines are clean. I removed the drain
pump motor and the first thing I noticed was that when you begin to turn it
by hand, there is a lot of resistance from what feels like a magnetic force.
Then when you continue turning it by hand and overcome the magnetic
resistance, it pops into its next neutral position, sort of like when you
turn a crankshaft on a gas engine by hand and the resistance of the lifters
gives way on the other side of the cam lobe. When I powered it up on the
bench, the motor shakes quite a bit. What would cause a failure like this?
 
Thanks for your replies.
--
David Farber
Los Osos, CA
thekmanrocks@gmail.com: Apr 04 10:26AM -0700

pf: fixya = USELESS
oldschool@tubes.com: Apr 04 02:54PM -0400

On Tue, 4 Apr 2017 07:32:51 -0700 (PDT), "pfjw@aol.com" <pfjw@aol.com>
wrote:
 
>port it. It just may not be where you expect it to be.
 
>Peter Wieck
>Melrose Park, PA
 
I know how to use Google and it took me more than a minute (on dialup),
but I was already at these and many more sites that google came up with.
NONE of the above produced any manual. I spent well over 2 hours prior
to posting this question, using google to no avail.
 
The manualsonline.com does have some links to actual Radio Shack manuals
though, but not this one
 
repeater-builder.com is one of the more useful sites, but ONLY for 2-way
radios, ham gear, and scanners.
However, I did learn soemthing from this site. That is the fact that
Radio Shack went bankrupt (which I knew), in 2015. They are now owned by
Sprint.
 
But the real answer to my question is:
Manuals are no longer available on the public Radio Shack web site.
(I know they were available in they past).
oldschool@tubes.com: Apr 04 02:59PM -0400

On Tue, 4 Apr 2017 07:34:46 -0700 (PDT), "pfjw@aol.com" <pfjw@aol.com>
wrote:
 
 
>http://www.fixya.com/support/t23778838-archer_15_1263_users_manual
 
>Peter Wieck
>Melrose Park, PA
 
 
Did you actually look at this RUBBISH site?
* No you didn't.....
 
I learned years ago, to stay away from this site. All it is, is a
catchall for anything containing "archer". There is archery, some other
stuff that contains that word, and nothing useful.
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