Transformers Revisited

[tornadoclaw]

Pachislo's need at least a 6 amp transformer if they have video screens. However, Pachinkos with video seem to be fine with 5 amp transformers, although 6 amps are standard with an Arby pachinko. In the long run, should 5 amp transformers be replaced in all video pachinkos to avoid problems?

[dishpan]

I've been going by the VA ratings printed on the main circuit board in the back of the game. It does vary by machine depending upon amount of electronics on them. I have yet to see one less than 150VA but a lot of the modern ones are rated higher. Yet some of my older non-LCD machines are only powered by a quality 75VA transformer, yet seem to be doing fine.

150VA / 24VDC = 6 Amps

200VA / 24VDC = 8 Amps

[caraudiomw]

wheres a good place to buy a 5 or 6 amp transformer?

[slothappy144]

i think garfield was shipped with a 4a rattling around loose from panchinkocasino. If I keep this one I will probably replace it.

[arbycoffee]

Stealth
http://www.stealthhomeamusement.com

[Chrisdice]

I was talking to Dave at PachinkoPagota about transformers and my Star Wars pachinko. I was asking him if it was normal that the transformer got very hot to the touch. this is the e-mail he sent .....
Chris, a quick reply because we are closed and I am on the road…



We all use the same basic transformers (all pachinko dealers use basically the same one). But, Star Wars uses the MOST amp’s of any game out there. In fact, it often takes time to get the transformer to warm up for the game to function properly, as they pull maximum amps at operating temps. This came out recently this winter, and is a topic on pachitalk. I am thinking the extra heat is because of the Star Wars drawing more amps and is near or at capacity.



Oversize transformers are always a great idea, but there are not any available for much under $100, so all dealers, including us, use the same basic unit. So this is what I am thinking it is off the top of my head. I do know some of the games I have used over the years that the transformers are very “hot” to the touch when under load, but I cannot compare what yours is…you are describing something hotter I am thinking ? But I do know that machine equipment I have built or used over the years (I am an engineer also) that uses transformers can cause burns. These can get very hot. If a transformer is barely drawing amp’s, like an older game with no video that only may be pulling 2 amps (@ 24V = 50 watts), then it will run MUCH cooler…it is all relative to the current draw in amps.





1) Let me come in next week and crank one of ours up, and see how hot it gets. I will run another couple machines to compare against. I may even be able to borrow one of these infrared temp readers to get accurate measurements.


2) If ours are not hot, then I will send you a new transformer.



3) If ours are the same, then it is simply because the transformer is drawing maximum current. In this case, I am wondering how a couple of stick-on heat-sinks that are usually made for CPU’s would work ? They even have those ones with fans on them. I don’t know, this is only an idea. That is why expensive regulated power supplies, like Accopian (Mil-Spec) run finned coolers or fan units on their systems. Cheaper $20 transformers reply on air cooling, not because it works great, but because it is cheaper, so a stick-on aluminum heat sink may not be a bad idea regardless !



Anyway, I am rambling while on the road (not a good idea in traffic) so I will look into it more Tuesday and see what we can come up with.



All the best, and have a fun and SAFE New Years !!!

Does this make sense to you guys? Can this be the reason some of us get the blank screen on start up and some of us don't. The ones of us that don't have an issue, might have a bigger transformer installed?
Anyway just wanted to pass along the info.

[daverob]

][/B]3) If ours are the same, then it is simply because the transformer is drawing maximum current. In this case, I am wondering how a couple of stick-on heat-sinks that are usually made for CPU’s would work ?

This is probably not a good idea, if a transformer is getting too hot, it's because it is delivering more power than it was designed to do. Heatsinks are only really appropriate for devices that are designed to operate with them. ie the core saturation properties of a air cooled transformer will be radically different than that of a liquid cooled transformer.

Can this be the reason some of us get the blank screen on start up and some of us don't.

The blank screen on startup has nothing to do with the transformer. The Lumina frame power supply is regulated (on all outputs apart from the supplies to the motors and lamps), and providing you're getting above 18v AC out of your transformer, the output voltages will be correct. The blank screen on startup issue is due to the SH-3 CPU on the video display board (which runs from a seperate 3.3v supply provided by a DC-DC converter), and there's no way an underrated transformer will affect the supply voltage getting to this chip.

Strictly speaking according to the power rating sticker on the back of Star Wars, it should have a transformer that is rated for 7 amps output, but it will operate fine on a good quality 6 amp transformer.

Even with a 6 amp transformer in normal use it should only get comfortably warm (ie it feels hot but you can hold your hand on it with no discomfort). It may get a little hotter than that after an extended play session (ie 2-3 hours with a fever or two thrown in!).

If it's too hot to touch, try the wet finger test. Lick your finger and touch it on the metal frame of the transformer. If it hisses, then turn it off immediately and don't use it until the transformer is replaced !