Transformer Wiring

[millsy]

Well have justed started on the Sweethearts resto & want to power up & see what happens.Problem is I havent had to do any work on transformers before & am stuck where this red wire (active) connects to on the transformer also does this transformer need replacing as the both termininal are dangling.Can I wrap some electrical tape around them. If the transformer needs replacing,where do I get one & what do I ask for ?

[ddstoys]

 Im not 100% sure Kev is that a stepdown transformer with the wire missing???    Did the game come with an Aussie power plug?

[Retropin]

Yeh - looks like a step down,... actual transformer for the game is the other one on the right of the pic.

To be on the safe side, id be getting a new on. You cant have 240v terminals dangling, itll spark, short or start a fire...the "she'll be right" is never an option.

Cheapest place to get a stepdown is Ebay.. Jaycar is real expensive for these.. youll need at least 2amps

[MartyJ]

Yeh - looks like a step down,... actual transformer for the game is the other one on the right of the pic.

To be on the safe side, id be getting a new on. You cant have 240v terminals dangling, itll spark, short or start a fire...the "she'll be right" is never an option.

Cheapest place to get a stepdown is Ebay.. Jaycar is real expensive for these.. youll need at least 2amps

If Jaycar have them, try

https://www.soanarplus.com/catalogue_active.jsp?xcid=44&pointerToCurrentItem.category=P5&pointerToCurrentItem.subCategory=TT01&pointerToCurrentItem.subSubCategory=90C

These guys wholesale above Jaycar and similar if not same products but much much cheaper...

[millsy]

Is this how it is supposed to be wired ?
So when I go into Jayco do I ask for a 240v to 115v Stepdown transformer 2 amp.
Thanks Kev

[Retropin]

Yeh, you want a 240 - 110v step down at 2A or bigger depending on how deep your pockets are.

The new one will be slightly different, but basically, the 240v goes in one side and the 110V out the other.
 Earth attaches to the chassis as you have in the pic... doesnt matter what way round brown and blue go ( active and neutral).

The really good thing about having a 3 core flex lead to the game is that you can ensure good earth to all metal parts by running a further earth wire to things like the door etc

[millsy]

2 more silly questions.
120VA , 250VA ,500VA, - are these the amps ? Whats the advantage of having higher amperage ?
Kev

[Retropin]

120VA = 1 Amp

250VA = 2A

500VA = approx 4.5A

The 1A will work but you might find the flippers sluggish and bumpers lack grunt

2A is where you want to be, game will work well

4.5A this will run maybe 3 games well depending on the vintage.
 If the step down is a plug in type then run a multiboard to it and plug 3 games in.. you can have it as external then.

But basically, if its to go inside the machine then 500VA is money down the drain as 2/3rds of that power will not be used..
Just to add VA = WATTS.  In other words Volts X Amps, so a 110V step down at 500VA is 500/ 110 = 4.54A

[millsy]

Thanks Gavin
Well described in laymans term.

[millsy]

Well am in the process of fitting the Stepdown Transformer (Hope its the correct one).  I think Gavin answered this question but need to verify - 240 v in, no problem - 3pin plug goes to 240 powerpoint, 115v out -earth wire (obvious,to earth),2 wires left - one to the main transformer other to fuse holder - question is, can I connect either wire ? 
The white usa to aus adapter and 3 pin plug is my add on ( Hate exposed wires)

[deadlydave]

Hi Millsy

Yes you can connect either wire, no difference.

Cheers
Dave (sparky)