Transformers....smaller, lighter, better... Is it possible?
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Re: Transformers....smaller, lighter, better... Is it possible?
Do switching power supplies have mojo?
Re: Transformers....smaller, lighter, better... Is it possible?
Absolutely notjaysg wrote:Do switching power supplies have mojo?
They work fine for heaters but I would have reservations unless you could reproduce the impedance and sag. Also seems like a lot that can go wrong. First thing in a computer to fail always seems like the power supply.
Re: Transformers....smaller, lighter, better... Is it possible?
I am a Ham Radio Operator and one of the buzz words in transformers is 'Hypersil'. The best amplifiers use a 'Hypersil' transformer; a company called 'Peter Dahl' use to make them for many amps. he has since sold the business to 'DX Engineering'. He sold due to serious health issues, any way here is a small amount of info on Hypersil transformers.
A note about "Hypersil®" transformers. The "Hypersil®" was the trademarked brand name for a high-silicon, grain-orientated steel core transformer, developed and patented by Westinghouse in the 1930's, designed by the legendary inventor Nikola Tesla. The patent expired many years ago so many transformer companies soon began building this design of transformer. Why Hypersil®? Because a Hypersil steel core transformers have a higher magnetic-flux efficiency then a plain iron core, and can be made smaller, but still deliver the same output as the equal iron core transformer.
There is one other type of transformer that is even more efficient than a "Hypersil®", it is known as an "amphorus" steel core. These cores are so efficient, that an extra winding must be made to cancel out the massive "back-pulse" of the collapsing magnetic field when input power is cut to the transformer using this core. Typically, this type core is used in the transformers used in power distribution systems by large electric power companies. Don't look to install one in your home-brew amp, most all of this type units are very large, weighing several tons each, and operating at extremely high voltages used in long distance electrical transmission lines.
So, if you can get Hammond, Mercury Magnetics, etc to make a Hypersil guitar amp transformer it should be smaller and lighter and deliver the same current/voltage.
Dave
A note about "Hypersil®" transformers. The "Hypersil®" was the trademarked brand name for a high-silicon, grain-orientated steel core transformer, developed and patented by Westinghouse in the 1930's, designed by the legendary inventor Nikola Tesla. The patent expired many years ago so many transformer companies soon began building this design of transformer. Why Hypersil®? Because a Hypersil steel core transformers have a higher magnetic-flux efficiency then a plain iron core, and can be made smaller, but still deliver the same output as the equal iron core transformer.
There is one other type of transformer that is even more efficient than a "Hypersil®", it is known as an "amphorus" steel core. These cores are so efficient, that an extra winding must be made to cancel out the massive "back-pulse" of the collapsing magnetic field when input power is cut to the transformer using this core. Typically, this type core is used in the transformers used in power distribution systems by large electric power companies. Don't look to install one in your home-brew amp, most all of this type units are very large, weighing several tons each, and operating at extremely high voltages used in long distance electrical transmission lines.
So, if you can get Hammond, Mercury Magnetics, etc to make a Hypersil guitar amp transformer it should be smaller and lighter and deliver the same current/voltage.
Dave
Instructions...I don't need no stinkin instructions
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David Root
- Posts: 3540
- Joined: Fri Aug 04, 2006 3:00 pm
- Location: Chilliwack BC
Toroids
Someone mentioned toroids. Yes they are smaller for the same DC mA but they cost more.
More importantly, because their diameter is generally at least double their height, they take up too much space on any normal sized knockoff guitar amp chassis when you flat mount them. Ask me how I know this.
I know O'Connor says to mount them vertically using an "L" bracket, but unless it's a half inch thick steel casting I can't see it holding up to any normal road stress.
More importantly, because their diameter is generally at least double their height, they take up too much space on any normal sized knockoff guitar amp chassis when you flat mount them. Ask me how I know this.
I know O'Connor says to mount them vertically using an "L" bracket, but unless it's a half inch thick steel casting I can't see it holding up to any normal road stress.