information needed on long term storage of vintage radio equipment (Collins S Line)

[Bob Groh WA2CKY]

Just finished reading some information on 'capacitor
reforming' that I found on the Internet so I will venture a
few recommendations:
1.  Bringing up old equipment very slowly on a variac or
similiar is a very good idea and it will not, in itself,
harm anything.

2.  Generally the time mentioned was about 3 hours.  The two
articles I have actually dealt with the capacitors by
themself's. In this case, one recommendation was apply a
variable dc voltage starting at zero volts (make sure
polarity is right!).  Increase the voltage until the leakage
current was about the specified maximum and then let it sit
there until the leakage current has fallen off.  Then
increase the voltage to the spec. leakage limit again, wait
until it fall's off, etc.  Continue until you reach the
rated maximum voltage.  If the leakage current is not
something less than the maximum, then you have a bad cap -
scrap it.

If you are doing this in the radio, then I guess I would
simply bump it 10 VAC at a time and let it sit for about 15
to 30 minutes at each setting.  This would give 3 to 6 hours
total.  More is better.  Keep a close look on everything.
Make sure the radio is cleaned out first, that the line cord
is in good shape, etc.  You might also turn the radio off
after each time period, disconnect the ac, and feel the
transformer and capacitor for any 'excessive' heat.  What's
excessive?  If it feels 'hot' it's probably too warm.

3.  Some sources have also recommended a preliminary drying
out and conditioning of the power transformer.  They suggest
removing the rectifier tube, shorting the rectifier filament
and the high voltage connections and apply 120 VAC through a
series connected light bulb of approximately the same
wattage rating as the unit.  Let it bake for a couple hours,
then increase the light bulb wattage to 2X and let it bake
for a couple more hours. Transformer should be warm but not
hot.  (Antique Wireless Association (AWA), OTB Vol. 24, #1,
June 1983, 'Haste makes waste or Wht is that awful smell',
John Nagle, K4KJ --- available on the web - sorry I don't
have a record of the web address).

I'll see if I can add some more sources when I get the time.

Hope this helps

73
Bob Groh, WA2CKY


MarjoriePistone wrote:
>
> I would like information on preventing damage to and rejuvenate capacitors
> in long term storage unused.
> Xmtr & Rcvrs ( or other components) that have TRANSFORMER INPUTS by plugging
> them into a variac and periodically (slowly) increasing the voltage on them.
> Can that possibly damage the input transformer or other components in the
> system and Can anyone suggest a time/voltage schedule to follow if the above
> procedure is OK? I would appreciate any information.
>
> Thank You
> Bob
>
> Sponsored by the City of Tempe
>
> Listserver Submissions:  heath at listserv.tempe.gov
> Listserver Subscription: listserv at listserv.tempe.gov - "subscribe heath 'name' 'call'"
> Listserver Unsubscribe: listserv at listserv.tempe.gov - -"signoff heath"

Sponsored by the City of Tempe 

Listserver Submissions:  heath at listserv.tempe.gov
Listserver Subscription: listserv at listserv.tempe.gov - "subscribe heath 'name' 'call'"
Listserver Unsubscribe: listserv at listserv.tempe.gov - -"signoff heath"