Evening all....I'm back!

Just spent the past half hour working on X-Files.

I noticed a small transformer right up the back of the cabinet that South Park didn't have. A two wire connector coming from the transformer was plugged into this and wires from this transformer fed up into the head. I assume this connects to the fluoro.

Tonight, I unplugged the three connectors coming out of the transformer and the single connector at the front where the power goes in is the only thing connected. I tried a number of different fuses, with various results, but all resulting in a crackling sound and me quickly turning the machine off after around 3 seconds.

1 amp slow blow - fuse blew as soon as I turned the machine on.
3 amp slow blow - fuse didn't blow, but once I heard that familiar crackling sound, turned machine off.
5 amp slow blow - fuse didn't blow, but heard a hum, then crackling sound and turned machine off pronto.

I haven't checked the bridge rectifiers yet, but as nothing is plugged in, I'm guessing that these aren't the cause of the fault. Could the line filter have died?

Cheers!
Adam.