converting tron

[guddler]

I've said it before and I'll say it again...

Running a 60Hz only ballast at 50Hz may well work (clearly it does) but it runs HOT and they can AND DO catch fire. I've seen it with my own eyes three times now.

Everyone should make their own choice on this one and do what they like but if a cab does significant fire damage to your house then just remember you were told it could happen.

 

[Equites]

I've said it before and I'll say it again...

Running a 60Hz only ballast at 50Hz may well work (clearly it does) but it runs HOT and they can AND DO catch fire. I've seen it with my own eyes three times now.

Everyone should make their own choice on this one and do what they like but if a cab does significant fire damage to your house then just remember you were told it could happen.

This, it can and does happen.

 

[Judder]

Agreed - updated my post to have the correct and safe information only

 

[Purity]

Almost a certainty that any Tron imported from US is using 60Hz ballast. But UK mains is 50Hz. I think this means that the 60Hz ballast will draw more current. If so, 4 x 60Hz ballast may well be what's blowing the fuses.

So .... replace with 110/120V 50Hz ballast.

Link

Nice one man, I've been looking for one of these!!!!

Group order

 

[Judder]

Nice one man, I've been looking for one of these!!!!

Group order

Anyone actually got one of these that has any sort of manufacturer label on it?

I've looked at Robertson ballasts and Philips Advance ballasts and although the same shape, none seem to have a 50Hz 110V

Just might be easier to source from the UK rather than Gemany...

 

[Purity]

Anyone actually got one of these that has any sort of manufacturer label on it?

I've looked at Robertson ballasts and Philips Advance ballasts and although the same shape, none seem to have a 50Hz 110V

Just might be easier to source from the UK rather than Gemany...

That would be good, but I just don't think you will find any. These are the perfect size for what I'm looking for

 

[Judder]

So..

I've been having a bit of a chat with Geoff, a very helpful guy who has been a Juke Box repairer and importer for 40+ years as to what they do with imported US juke boxes and 50Hz ballasts.

I asked him if he sold 50Hz 110/120V ballasts but he doesn't either FYI

His experience has shown that it's the actual voltage that the unit runs at that affects the heat when running 60Hz ballasts on a 50Hz power system

"To run 60 hz wound components on our 50 Hz mains and reduce the heat
output of the component reduce your step-down voltage as your step-down is
probably giving 115volts or even more.
Ballasts in particular are sensitive to excessive volts as they normally
run quite warm. Flo lights will work down to about 90/95 volts."

http://www.thejukeboxman.com/hot_tips.html

Basically his experience is that if you can run at up to 110V they get hot but don't get too warm.

This might explain why our Tron which runs off an external step-down converter seems to run fine, whereas the Defender which has an internally adjusted transformer does get very hot and start smelling when it is running.

NB Do still buy the CORRECT 50Hz 110/120V ballasts - this is just a bit of research I was doing for my own interest.

Judder2014-09-23 16:58:30

 

[edwoodjnr]

Thanks Judder

So it sounds like the 500W Airlink transformer that outputs 120VAC is going to be too much for the ballasts. I do have another of these running in an Atari cab (probably with original ballasts) that seems fine.

So far Tron is still not blowing fuses since I sorted the possible short on the rectifier diodes. I will fit the new ballasts when they arrive on order from Germany. Next on my list will be to reduce the speaker hum in attract mode....I can see that the 12v line from the MCR board screwed to the switcher is over 13v that could be the problem.....

 

[Judder]

So it sounds like the 500W Airlink transformer that outputs 120VAC is going to be too much for the ballasts.

Sounds like it - I have a 110V running on our Tron which I've not had any 'hot' ballast issues with - it's over kill in the Wattage but definitely does the trick

So far Tron is still not blowing fuses since I sorted the possible short on the rectifier diodes.

Awesome progress

Next on my list will be to reduce the speaker hum in attract mode....I can see that the 12v line from the MCR board screwed to the switcher is over 13v that could be the problem.....

I'm pretty sure that's a known problem with using linear power supplies - have a Google around for MCR linear hum and see what you find

Glad to see your making progress

 

[Judder]

after winning contacted shipping company (The British shop ) gave them size of machine and its location (zip code) they gave me a price to ship usually between £600-£650 once agreed takes about 6 weeks and its delivered to my door

Got any contact details for the shipping company you used - might have just accidentally picked myself up another machine from the US

 

[edwoodjnr]

I know that Thomas on DLF still has room on container #6 for delivery to Bremen as another option.

 

[Judder]

I know that Thomas on DLF still has room on container #6 for delivery to Bremen as another option.

Thanks Gavin - have you got a link handy to his profile and/or thread?

 

[edwoodjnr]

His member name is L0v3 here at UKVAC and Love on DLF (dragonslairfans.com).

There is also a container that another member is organising for delivery to France on DLF too. You can check both threads out in the Buy/Sell/Trade forum section. (sorry I can't post a link as DLF is blocked in work but UKVAC is ok

)

 

[edwoodjnr]

My replacement ballasts arrived from Germany, I will cut the wires and connect with a connection block and let you know how I get on.edwoodjnr2014-09-26 14:05:59

 

[leslie]

Re contact details for the British Shop are tel-01895 444877 (Malcolm) hope this helps if your not sorted.

 

[edwoodjnr]

Arghh, I fitted a new 50hz ballast to the flourescent light behind the translite and it came on no problem. After about 2 minutes with the other lights disconnected the 3A fuse blew again.

I disconnected this fitting and swapped the ballast on the marquee light and again it came on no problem. Again after 2 minutes the fuse blew.

Without any lights connected it plays fine. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to check next (and a cheap source for more 3A slow blow fuses - cost me £20 for 20 from Mouser)

 

[Equites]

Does anyone have any suggestions on what to check next (and a cheap source for more 3A slow blow fuses - cost me £20 for 20 from Mouser)

Dude - get yourself down to Maplins;

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/315a-time-delay-glass-31mm-fuse-10-pack-gl96e

 

[ZedEx48K]

Does anyone have any suggestions on what to check next (and a cheap source for more 3A slow blow fuses - cost me £20 for 20 from Mouser)

Dude - get yourself down to Maplins;

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/315a-time-delay-glass-31mm-fuse-10-pack-gl96e

F**k me! Maplin in cheaper than somewhere else shocker!

 

[Judder]

Been there brother... £3.19 is a much nicer feeling and Maplin is literally around the corner from our office

I have the blown ones kicking around my desk for a reminder of the 'dark times'

(and if they don't have the slow blow, then the quick blow ones are good for testing)

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/315a-quickblow-glass-31mm-fuse-10-pack-gl79l

 

[edwoodjnr]

Does anyone have any suggestions on what to check next (and a cheap source for more 3A slow blow fuses - cost me £20 for 20 from Mouser)

Dude - get yourself down to Maplins;

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/315a-time-delay-glass-31mm-fuse-10-pack-gl96e

Thanks Nad for the link, if will be good for my wallet but I am not any further in fixing Tron. I have fitted all 4 50hz ballasts and each one individually turns on fine and then the fuse blows. I guess I will have to play it unlit for now.