Restarting Boat Anchors

[Rinkie & Ron Pollack]

The problem with using a Variac to reform caps is that with tube rectifiers,
low filament voltage does not give enough output dc to reform the caps.  I
use an old Heathkit capacitor checker in the leakage function.  It supplies
voltage in varying steps at limited current, and uses a "magic eye" tube to
detect leakage.  Connect the clip probes to the filter cap. Start at a low
voltage, and increase until leakage is indicated.  Then just leave it
connected to the capacitor until the eye opens (usually within 30 minutes).
Then increase the voltage and repeat until rated voltage indicates no
leakage.  This dispenses with all the Variacs, meters, current limiting,
etc. as it's all built in!
Ron K2RP

-----Original Message-----
From: Boat Anchor Owners and Collectors List
[mailto:BOATANCHORS at LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV]On Behalf Of Collins
Sent: Friday, June 29, 2007 8:08 PM
To: BOATANCHORS at LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV
Subject: Restarting Boat Anchors


All,
  Looking for advise for returning some swam equipment to service. This
equipment was purchased from the daughter of a SK out of a storage unit and
I have no idea how long it has been stored. I have done a quick visual and
no broken tubes or leaking caps. I once read about using a variactor to
reform the caps, but didn't give it much of a read at the time. The specific
equipment is listed below:

  Mark II Amp
  500CX SS16 special
  500
  600T
  600R

  73,
  KL5Z
  Jeff


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