Claude Lyons "Regulac" transformer - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Aaamusements · 28th Dec 2014, 6:02 pm

The charity acquired one of these, I don't really know what the application for such a thing would be?

Spec:
Input: 240 V 50 Hertz
Output: 0-20 Volts 50Amps
1.0 KVA

Nickthedentist · 28th Dec 2014, 6:13 pm

It seems to be a contraption for providing an AC supply, variable from 0V to 20V or so. It contains two devices.

(1) A variable autotransformer (commonly known as a "Variac") which accepts 240V mains and whose output voltage is determined by the position of the handle, from 0V to somewhat over 240V. This part does NOT provide mains isolation, so beware.

(2) A step-down, mains isolating transformer, that accepts an AC voltage of up to 240V or so, and outputs an AC voltage of up to 20V, i.e. it steps down the voltage by a factor of 12. Conversely, the current available will be approx. 12 times greater than at its input.

I'm not sure it would have much use to people as it stands. However, the two components could be potentially useful to people here, as would the case, BUT carriage costs might well be prohibitive.

Claude Lyons were one of the most famous names for this kind of thing.

Nick.

WME_bill · 28th Dec 2014, 8:03 pm

Variac plus transformer giving 20v 50A. Potentially looks useful. Perhaps intended for low voltage lamp dimming in a shop or display unit.
But could you weigh it please and let us know, so that we can get some idea of the cost of carriage.
Though I suspect Nick is correct. Carriage cost could be prohibitive, except for someone living within a car drive distance of Spalding. wme_bill.

Aaamusements · 28th Dec 2014, 8:19 pm

Thanks for the info - I have shipped a lot of heavy stuff in the past so it is doable, however the sudden demise of Citylink is a bit of a blow in terms of choice!

Will update when I get dimensions and a weight.

HamishBoxer · 28th Dec 2014, 8:20 pm

0 to 20 volts at 50 amps is very useful for various jobs and despite not being isolated it is ideal for slowly running up old sets.

Richard · 28th Dec 2014, 8:22 pm

If this is for sale I could put it to very good use, having failed miserably today to lash up a hot wire cutter, haven't got a powerful enough supply....

Richard

Aaamusements · 28th Dec 2014, 8:40 pm

Hi Richard, yes it is for sale. Just about everything I post about is property of a charity that I volunteer for and we need to clear space and get some funds in, hence pretty much everything needs to go - but preferably to a loving home!

I will get back to you as soon as I have a weight and dimensions for a postal quote, unless someone kind is going from this area to your neck of the woods in the near future and would be able to help by transporting it.

Richard · 28th Dec 2014, 9:24 pm

Hi

OK great.
I have found these good: -
www.interparcel.co.uk

Richard

David G4EBT · 28th Dec 2014, 9:37 pm

'My Hermes' rates are:

5 - 10kG: £7.28 if taken to a local drop off shop (there are ten in my village alone). If collected by the courier, it's only 20p extra, but you have to be home to wait until it's collected.

10kg - 15 kg: £9.78 dropped off at a local parcel shop, or £9.98 if collected by the courier.

(Free insurance up to £50.00).

Not too prohibitive, even for quite heavy items, and way below Post Office rates.

(I recently sent a radio transceiver via Parcel Force at the buyer's request and at his cost. £61.00).

I've no experience of other carriers, but everything I've sent via My Hermes including up to 19 Dec has been delivered within 3 days.

You get a quote online, add any extras (sig on delivery, additional insurance etc), and if you're happy, print off the delivery label and pay with either paypal or by card.

No connection with them, other than as a satisfied customer.

HamishBoxer · 28th Dec 2014, 9:55 pm

I will second Interparcel as good.

Aaamusements · 28th Dec 2014, 10:33 pm

Yes I've been one of their regular customers, having had an internet business in the past and still being a regular seller in online auctions.

I thought in the past that Hermes had a lower maximum weight than that, perhaps they've increased it?

Going by those indications I should be able to send it for a tenner, at cost, as long as it's not too far flung a location!

Dickie · 28th Dec 2014, 10:44 pm

Beware "myHermes". They specifically exclude "electrical items" from their compensation scheme so I wouldn't use them for anything valuable. Having said that I've never had a problem with them.

HamishBoxer · 28th Dec 2014, 11:10 pm

Think i could do with it after tonight,see my post re 160M reading.

Brian R Pateman · 29th Dec 2014, 10:07 am

This has developed into a sales thread and a discussion of parcel services.

It is therefore closed as this is not the right place for such discussions.

28th Dec 2014, 6:02 pm	#1
Aaamusements Pentode Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Spalding, Lincolnshire, UK. Posts: 181	Claude Lyons "Regulac" transformer The charity acquired one of these, I don't really know what the application for such a thing would be? Spec: Input: 240 V 50 Hertz Output: 0-20 Volts 50Amps 1.0 KVA Attached Thumbnails

28th Dec 2014, 6:13 pm	#2
Nickthedentist Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oxford, UK. Posts: 17,841	Re: Claude Lyons "Regulac" transformer It seems to be a contraption for providing an AC supply, variable from 0V to 20V or so. It contains two devices. (1) A variable autotransformer (commonly known as a "Variac") which accepts 240V mains and whose output voltage is determined by the position of the handle, from 0V to somewhat over 240V. This part does NOT provide mains isolation, so beware. (2) A step-down, mains isolating transformer, that accepts an AC voltage of up to 240V or so, and outputs an AC voltage of up to 20V, i.e. it steps down the voltage by a factor of 12. Conversely, the current available will be approx. 12 times greater than at its input. I'm not sure it would have much use to people as it stands. However, the two components could be potentially useful to people here, as would the case, BUT carriage costs might well be prohibitive. Claude Lyons were one of the most famous names for this kind of thing. Nick.

28th Dec 2014, 8:03 pm	#3
WME_bill Octode Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Exeter, Devon, UK. Posts: 1,554	Re: Claude Lyons "Regulac" transformer Variac plus transformer giving 20v 50A. Potentially looks useful. Perhaps intended for low voltage lamp dimming in a shop or display unit. But could you weigh it please and let us know, so that we can get some idea of the cost of carriage. Though I suspect Nick is correct. Carriage cost could be prohibitive, except for someone living within a car drive distance of Spalding. wme_bill.

28th Dec 2014, 8:19 pm	#4
Aaamusements Pentode Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Spalding, Lincolnshire, UK. Posts: 181	Re: Claude Lyons "Regulac" transformer Thanks for the info - I have shipped a lot of heavy stuff in the past so it is doable, however the sudden demise of Citylink is a bit of a blow in terms of choice! Will update when I get dimensions and a weight.

28th Dec 2014, 8:20 pm	#5
HamishBoxer Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: W.Butterwick, near Doncaster UK. Posts: 8,931	Re: Claude Lyons "Regulac" transformer 0 to 20 volts at 50 amps is very useful for various jobs and despite not being isolated it is ideal for slowly running up old sets. __________________ G8JET BVWS Archivist and Member V.M.A.R.S

28th Dec 2014, 8:22 pm	#6
Richard Heptode Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Garnant, near Ammanford, South Wales, UK. Posts: 657	Re: Claude Lyons "Regulac" transformer If this is for sale I could put it to very good use, having failed miserably today to lash up a hot wire cutter, haven't got a powerful enough supply.... Richard __________________ BVWS member.

28th Dec 2014, 8:40 pm	#7
Aaamusements Pentode Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Spalding, Lincolnshire, UK. Posts: 181	Re: Claude Lyons "Regulac" transformer Hi Richard, yes it is for sale. Just about everything I post about is property of a charity that I volunteer for and we need to clear space and get some funds in, hence pretty much everything needs to go - but preferably to a loving home! I will get back to you as soon as I have a weight and dimensions for a postal quote, unless someone kind is going from this area to your neck of the woods in the near future and would be able to help by transporting it.

28th Dec 2014, 9:24 pm	#8
Richard Heptode Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Garnant, near Ammanford, South Wales, UK. Posts: 657	Re: Claude Lyons "Regulac" transformer Hi OK great. I have found these good: - www.interparcel.co.uk Richard __________________ BVWS member.

28th Dec 2014, 9:37 pm	#9
David G4EBT Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Cottingham, East Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 5,760	Re: Claude Lyons "Regulac" transformer 'My Hermes' rates are: 5 - 10kG: £7.28 if taken to a local drop off shop (there are ten in my village alone). If collected by the courier, it's only 20p extra, but you have to be home to wait until it's collected. 10kg - 15 kg: £9.78 dropped off at a local parcel shop, or £9.98 if collected by the courier. (Free insurance up to £50.00). Not too prohibitive, even for quite heavy items, and way below Post Office rates. (I recently sent a radio transceiver via Parcel Force at the buyer's request and at his cost. £61.00). I've no experience of other carriers, but everything I've sent via My Hermes including up to 19 Dec has been delivered within 3 days. You get a quote online, add any extras (sig on delivery, additional insurance etc), and if you're happy, print off the delivery label and pay with either paypal or by card. No connection with them, other than as a satisfied customer. __________________ David. BVWS Member. G-QRP Club member 1339.

28th Dec 2014, 9:55 pm	#10
HamishBoxer Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: W.Butterwick, near Doncaster UK. Posts: 8,931	Re: Claude Lyons "Regulac" transformer I will second Interparcel as good. __________________ G8JET BVWS Archivist and Member V.M.A.R.S

28th Dec 2014, 10:33 pm	#11
Aaamusements Pentode Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Spalding, Lincolnshire, UK. Posts: 181	Re: Claude Lyons "Regulac" transformer Yes I've been one of their regular customers, having had an internet business in the past and still being a regular seller in online auctions. I thought in the past that Hermes had a lower maximum weight than that, perhaps they've increased it? Going by those indications I should be able to send it for a tenner, at cost, as long as it's not too far flung a location!

28th Dec 2014, 10:44 pm	#12
Dickie Octode Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: St. Albans, Hertfordshire, UK. Posts: 1,478	Re: Claude Lyons "Regulac" transformer Beware "myHermes". They specifically exclude "electrical items" from their compensation scheme so I wouldn't use them for anything valuable. Having said that I've never had a problem with them. __________________ Regards, Richard, BVWS member

28th Dec 2014, 11:10 pm	#13
HamishBoxer Dekatron Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: W.Butterwick, near Doncaster UK. Posts: 8,931	Re: Claude Lyons "Regulac" transformer Think i could do with it after tonight,see my post re 160M reading. __________________ G8JET BVWS Archivist and Member V.M.A.R.S

29th Dec 2014, 10:07 am	#14
Brian R Pateman Nonode Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Western Lake District, Cumbria (CA20) - UK Posts: 2,136	Re: Claude Lyons "Regulac" transformer This has developed into a sales thread and a discussion of parcel services. It is therefore closed as this is not the right place for such discussions. __________________ Brian