The Aussie Pinball Arcade

Aussie Pinball Forums => Technical Matters => Pinball Repairs / Problems & Assistance => Topic started by: Crashramp on June 27, 2017, 04:42:46 PM

Title: Step down transformers
Post by: Crashramp on June 27, 2017, 04:42:46 PM: Hi guys,

How many Watt step down transformer do I need for a system 1 machine and does anyone have any recommendations on brand and where to buy? Thanks.
Title: Re: Step down transformers
Post by: McKie1 on June 27, 2017, 08:35:38 PM: Not sure about the amps required but we have bought our step-downs for our consoles from http://www.tortech.com.au
Title: Re: Step down transformers
Post by: Crashramp on June 27, 2017, 09:04:26 PM: Quote from: McKie1 on June 27, 2017, 08:35:38 PM
Not sure about the amps required but we have bought our step-downs for our consoles from http://www.tortech.com.au

Thanks mate, that's the site I've been looking at also. I'm just not sure which size one I need.
Title: Re: Step down transformers
Post by: Retropin on June 27, 2017, 10:00:19 PM: Above the wattage required for the machine.
240V @ 1 amp is 240W
110V @ 2 amps is 220W
Title: Re: Step down transformers
Post by: Crashramp on June 27, 2017, 10:20:39 PM: Quote from: Retropin on June 27, 2017, 10:00:19 PM
Above the wattage required for the machine.
240V @ 1 amp is 240W
110V @ 2 amps is 220W

Thanks Gav, so anything over 240W should do?
Title: Re: Step down transformers
Post by: Austwide on June 27, 2017, 11:12:05 PM: Was Gav saying that machine is 240 watts or giving an example?

If it's not written on the machine dataplate, the input fuse to the transformer and output from the transformer would give a guide.

A 1 A fuse x 240 V= 240 VA
A 10 A fuse x 24 V= 240 VA

VA x power factor (typ 0.9) gives watts.

267 Watt x 0.9 = 240VA

VxIxPF= w

See if anyone can read what their transformer is rated at, if no one can help, use that formula and see how it compares to whats available. Also try to compare sizes. The fuse ratings will be rounded off and may also have a safety margin, so not totally accurate or reliable.
Title: Re: Step down transformers
Post by: Retropin on June 27, 2017, 11:29:58 PM: No - I was giving a example that if you know what the machine requires then rate the stepdown above that. If you know what the line fuse is then rate above that
Title: Re: Step down transformers
Post by: Crashramp on June 27, 2017, 11:49:37 PM: Quote from: Retropin on June 27, 2017, 11:29:58 PM
No - I was giving a example that if you know what the machine requires then rate the stepdown above that. If you know what the line fuse is then rate above that

Ok, thanks
Title: Re: Step down transformers
Post by: Strangeways on June 28, 2017, 09:46:34 AM: I Use a Proflex Step Transformer with two outputs. It is 2000 Watt and does the job nicely.
Title: Re: Step down transformers
Post by: Crashramp on June 28, 2017, 03:20:10 PM: Thanks Nino
Title: Re: Step down transformers
Post by: Brunswick Brawler on June 28, 2017, 08:10:39 PM: If you used the fuse rating to determine the wattage, use the fuse that is on the 240V input of the transformer. If there is no fuse on the 240V input, then you need to multiply the transformer output fuse current rating by the transformer output voltage - but I would guess that there are multiple taps and multiple fuses on the transformer output, if so it gets messy.

WARNING:
Nothing wrong with over specifying the power rating, only a problem when you under specify. If you under specify the transformer power, it will fail or worse catch fire. The fuses would offer no protection for an underrated transformer, as they would be rated for the correct power rating.
Title: Re: Step down transformers
Post by: Crashramp on June 29, 2017, 06:38:29 AM: Thanks for that, I'll check before ordering and make sure there's some redundancy there also.