Millbank PAC 150 amplifier. - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Techman · 28th Apr 2017, 8:35 pm

Another 'bargain' from the latest local surplus equipment sale!

I know very little about these amplifiers. Someone at the sale seemed to know something about it and said that it had recently been fixed and was working and had been in use at outdoor events as a PA amplifier. This was after I'd bought it and I should have asked a few more questions. It looks to have an output transformer and would seem to be for 'line-out' only and I'm guessing that I can't configure this to run into a standard 200 watt speaker cabinet, unless anyone knows different?

It is obviously intended to be rack mounted with other units and possibly cooling fans, however it's been fitted with a home made perspex top to make it safe for free standing use. I haven't applied any power to it as yet as I thought I'd get a bit more information on it first. I really only bought it for parts, although it would be a shame to break it up, but when told that it was in working order I thought I could make good use of it as I have speakers powerful enough to handle the output - that's if it'll take ordinary speakers?

Radio Wrangler · 28th Apr 2017, 10:10 pm

Note the 24v battery input connector so it could be used in the event of mains supply failure. 24V isn't enough to create that amount of power into normal speaker loads without an output transformer. And output transformers are routine in amps with 100v line outputs.

Also, it may be designed more for speech than music, so the bass end may be a bit lacking.

David

brunel · 28th Apr 2017, 11:09 pm

Can see LoZ marked on terminal block, pic 3

I assume this is for normal speakers.

Also see: https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...d.php?p=756699

Techman · 29th Apr 2017, 12:22 am

Thanks for the replies chaps, I shall investigate further.

Diabolical Artificer · 29th Apr 2017, 5:57 am

It looks a well made amp with the output panel similar to TOA PA amplifiers, see attached. Also a thread here - https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...d.php?p=756699 You have to make sure the link is in the right place.This amp sounds very nice, if yours is like it, you should have a good un.

BTW, what local surplus sale?

Andy.

Radio Wrangler · 29th Apr 2017, 7:14 am

If using the low-z output, you need check because these are sometimes just low power outputs for a local monitor speaker. It may be both scaled and rated to only deliver a fraction of the output power.

David

Edward Huggins · 29th Apr 2017, 10:14 am

These are Mono PA (Public Address) amplifiers. What were you planning to use it for?

28th Apr 2017, 8:35 pm	#1
Techman Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Lincolnshire, UK. Posts: 5,000	Millbank PAC 150 amplifier. Another 'bargain' from the latest local surplus equipment sale! I know very little about these amplifiers. Someone at the sale seemed to know something about it and said that it had recently been fixed and was working and had been in use at outdoor events as a PA amplifier. This was after I'd bought it and I should have asked a few more questions. It looks to have an output transformer and would seem to be for 'line-out' only and I'm guessing that I can't configure this to run into a standard 200 watt speaker cabinet, unless anyone knows different? It is obviously intended to be rack mounted with other units and possibly cooling fans, however it's been fitted with a home made perspex top to make it safe for free standing use. I haven't applied any power to it as yet as I thought I'd get a bit more information on it first. I really only bought it for parts, although it would be a shame to break it up, but when told that it was in working order I thought I could make good use of it as I have speakers powerful enough to handle the output - that's if it'll take ordinary speakers? Attached Thumbnails

28th Apr 2017, 10:10 pm	#2
Radio Wrangler Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Fife, Scotland, UK. Posts: 22,874	Re: Millbank PAC 150 amplifier. Note the 24v battery input connector so it could be used in the event of mains supply failure. 24V isn't enough to create that amount of power into normal speaker loads without an output transformer. And output transformers are routine in amps with 100v line outputs. Also, it may be designed more for speech than music, so the bass end may be a bit lacking. David __________________ Can't afford the volcanic island yet, but the plans for my monorail and the goons' uniforms are done

28th Apr 2017, 11:09 pm	#3
brunel Heptode Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: LEEDS.......North of the River Aire. Posts: 872	Re: Millbank PAC 150 amplifier. Can see LoZ marked on terminal block, pic 3 I assume this is for normal speakers. Also see: https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...d.php?p=756699

29th Apr 2017, 12:22 am	#4
Techman Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Lincolnshire, UK. Posts: 5,000	Re: Millbank PAC 150 amplifier. Thanks for the replies chaps, I shall investigate further.

29th Apr 2017, 7:14 am	#6
Radio Wrangler Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Fife, Scotland, UK. Posts: 22,874	Re: Millbank PAC 150 amplifier. If using the low-z output, you need check because these are sometimes just low power outputs for a local monitor speaker. It may be both scaled and rated to only deliver a fraction of the output power. David __________________ Can't afford the volcanic island yet, but the plans for my monorail and the goons' uniforms are done

29th Apr 2017, 10:14 am	#7
Edward Huggins Dekatron Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Southwold, Suffolk, UK. Posts: 8,327	Re: Millbank PAC 150 amplifier. These are Mono PA (Public Address) amplifiers. What were you planning to use it for? __________________ Edward.