Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Power supply question.....

In a message dated 23-Apr-02 04:58:42 Central Daylight Time, asdf@...
writes:

> My question is, can one use any
> combination of connection without being a problem?

Wow, a "loaded" question! It depends on the combinations, of course!

If I read your description of your transformer's secondary correctly, it is
NOT a "Center Tap", but a tap near one end of the winding! If the voltage
between the ENDS of a winding are 32 VAC, then the voltage between the "CT"
and EITHER end will be 16 VAC!

Can you see the "magnet wire" in the transformer that connects to these
terminals, or are the connections to the "outside world" made to insulated
"hook-up wire", so the joints are hidden? If you can actually see the ends
of the magnet-wire soldered to terminals to which you connect your circuitry
or voltmeter, is the wire-size (diameter) the same on the "end connections",
and there are TWO wires to the "CT"? Reason I am asking this is that I
imagine you might have different windings or some such. A "CT" is NOT a C
enter-Tap if the voltage is not "same" to EITHER "end terminal".

You can use a "rectifier bridge" (or four suitably-large silicon diodes) and
ONLY the "end terminals" to give you "full-wave DC". Or, you can connect a
(real, actual) "CT" to ground, and then use a single silicon-diode in series
with EACH end-terminal, their cathodes connected, providing +, also full-wave
DC. There are disadvantages and ADvantages to each method. You kinda hafta
"know a bit of whatcha DOIN' with this" to go on!

Lotsa luck! Jan Rowland, Old Troll


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