@Hypatia's Protege So thinking on it more I say using greatest diameter hex coupling possible will minimize backlash effects enough that welding bolt to apposition plate won't be necessary!

Also 2 further simplify construction I say it can be just single-ended after all by having standard bolt extending to apposition plate from one side of coupling with opposite end of coupling resting on inner race of bearing w/ outer race shimmed to opposite apposition plate! Cuz that way readers don't have to mess with taping or LHT fasteners

I like it!

I say using greatest diameter hex coupling possible will minimize backlash effects enough that welding bolt to apposition plate won't be necessary!

it can be just single-ended after all by having standard bolt extending to apposition plate from one side of coupling

I tend to agree but with the following caveats:

-'Bolt head surfaces' are seldom perfectly 'square' (owing to 'doming', embossed characters/ 'hardness lines', etc...)

-Commonly available 'coupling nuts' tend to feature a rather course thread pitch...

with opposite end of coupling resting on inner race of bearing w/ outer race shimmed to opposite apposition plate!

Excellent! As you no-doubt realize said shim need be nothing more 'complex' than a 'flat washer' featuring an arbor diameter greater than the OD of the bearing's inner-race...

Well hey! - Baring 'imponderables' it seems you have found a readily constructed, genuinely high quality '$20 solution'!

Very best regards
HP

 

As you no-doubt realize said shim need be nothing more 'complex' than a 'flat washer' featuring an arbor diameter greater than the OD of the bearing's inner-race...

HP ru sure abt that? Cuz I can grab random handful from bulk bin and thickness can vary by like 50% between washers! So are you saying depth is constant for any single washer?

 

@Hypatia's Protege

So alphaV group had vry good results with press based off my ideas in post 1297! HP I still say having whole alpha team test just press is vry important 2 avoid more trouble cuz 35 is better sample than just 5!

-'Bolt head surfaces' are seldom perfectly 'square' (owing to 'doming', embossed characters/ 'hardness lines', etc...)

HP So just standard hardness bolts with flat head surface were easy 2 find in b&m hardware shops in all 5 (English Language) N. American, and all 7 (English Language) European market areas! Also feedback from some non-English language areas of Asia (including Russia and some former soviet republics), Europe and NE N. America basically confirm they're available wherever hardware shops can be found!

-Commonly available 'coupling nuts' tend to feature a rather course thread pitch...

HP I agree! But since none of us (plus alphaV inspectors) had problems using just two open end wrenches (one to keep head stationary and other to turn coupling) I say control of pressure can be fine enough for even just newbie hands But we can know 4 sure when whole team tackles it! So anyhow I say keeping it simple by not requiring them to tap and die is worth asking them to exercise tiny amount of muscle control

Cuz I can grab random handful from bulk bin and thickness can vary by like 50% between washers! So are you saying depth is constant for any single washer?

HP so I can basically answer my own question! Which is 2 say standard washers are vry easy to check 4 uniform depth just by holding them centered between a pair of 1m long by 5cm wide mechanic's straightedges. So doing that with just small sample bought from bulk (by which I mean abt 50 pieces) I say almost all of them are ok!

So thinking on it more I say using greatest diameter hex coupling possible will minimize backlash effects enough that welding bolt to apposition plate won't be necessary!

So I was right abt not needing 2 weld but I also found out gluing bolt 2 one plate and shim 2 other make things way easier for just two hands 2 manage

So HP please build press I described so u can post pics of it on here for regular alpha team and just visually orientated ppl everywhere! Sry I can't cuz of my _twitchy_ VPN (which is also like a month past its _expiry date_). So HP there's no need 4u2 lecture me abt how dumb u think using vpn for like _casual non-business use_ is cuz I'm NOT complaining! I'm just asking favor!

HP So if press performs well during full team test, I say instead of starting where we left off we need to just clear slate by giving them all new (nos) FBs and running entire optimization test from scratch on January schedule! HP I say fresh start is vry important cuz all that drama, trauma and disruption caused by breakage issues totally clouds picture of overall procedure viability? Anyhow I say what u call 'practice makes perfect effect' is non issue cuz technique in problem area will be from totally different approach! So that way we could focus on smaller still important problems! So o/c it's your call but I say it's totally necessary!

Well hey! - Baring 'imponderables' it seems you have found a readily constructed, genuinely high quality '$20 solution'!

HP I say the sooner we're past physical construction and on to more abstract science and engineering aspects of series the better!

 

HP I still say having whole alpha team test just press is vry important 2 avoid more trouble cuz 35 is better sample than just 5!

--Emphasis Added--

And I still agree!

I say control of pressure can be fine enough for even just newbie hands

Never underestimate the pernicious might of 'newbie hands'!

So I was right abt not needing 2 weld but I also found out gluing bolt 2 one plate and shim 2 other make things way easier for just two hands 2 manage

And indeed to prevent the bearing/shim 'wandering about' on the plate! -- Then too, care must be taken that the 'press' is at a right angle to the plates/'core rails' such that the direction of all (and I mean all) thrust is parallel to both core 'legs'!

So HP please build press I described so u can post pics of it on here for regular alpha team and just visually orientated ppl everywhere!

I apologize that I'll not likely find the time prior to January -- Please start the alpha35 team on it straightaway (via coordination through JC, Theo, Theresa, Jessica, DXQ or any member of Alpha5) -- As an expedient you may prepare sketches or detailed photographic images for distribution to the team{s} only! Public deposition of images of (as yet) unproven/unperfected devices is to be avoided! - Whereas text may readily be edited (and tends to exhibit a relatively brief 'cache life') -- Images, once 'on the web', tend to persist --I have no desire to find myself in the perpetual position of apologizing for difficulty with our projects owed to ambiguity as regards identity of the 'latest' plans!

HP So if press performs well during full team test, I say instead of starting where we left off we need to just clear slate by giving them all new (nos) FBs and running entire optimization test from scratch on January schedule! HP I say fresh start is vry important cuz all that drama, trauma and disruption caused by breakage issues totally clouds picture of overall procedure viability?

Abso-freaking-lutely! -- Thanks! - I feared we might disagree on that point! - All of which is to say you may fairly regard me as a 'readily proselytized choir' in this regard!

HP I say the sooner we're past physical construction and on to more abstract science and engineering aspects of series the better!

Keep your eyes on the prize! We are getting there! - Albeit slowly but slowly

See y'all in a few weeks

Very best regards
HP

 

HP so like u know it's all in the works 2 have full alpha test of just core extraction early next month! So now everyone following thread knows too!

 

Attn: @Aleph(0)

HP so like u know it's all in the works 2 have full alpha test of just core extraction early next month! So now everyone following thread knows too!

It occurs to me that this is an excellent opportunity to gauge 'reader-availability' of instruments presented in The Addendum ? -- Inasmuch as an accurate assessment requires incentivization of 'frugality' - please set the Medical/Alternate instrument allowance at $2k per participant with the understanding that they may retain any 'balance' following their purchases on the condition that they document same (e.g. via invoices, bills of sale, etc.)...

For all that, please discourage purchase/acquisition of cannulae and their ilk! -- It seems regulations in regard to sale (and, indeed, in some instances, possession) of such items vary widely by locale!

Very best regards
HP

PS
To concerned parties:
Please be advised that my intent with the (above) described 'funding scheme' is not that of compensating the Alpha testers' participation! - But, rather, incentivizing 'thrift' such that we may gain a realistic 'picture' of instrument cost to the 'lay public'/private individuals --- In general - I have no objection to the Alpha team 'profiting' from their services so long as any such profit is neither contingent upon nor 'artificially' productive of favorable reviews...

 

It occurs to me that this is an excellent opportunity to gauge 'reader-availability' of instruments presented in The Addendum ? -- Inasmuch as an accurate assessment requires incentivization of 'frugality' - please set the Medical/Alternate instrument allowance at $2k per participant with the understanding that they may retain any 'balance' following their purchases on the condition that they document same (e.g. via invoices, bills of sale, etc.)...

HP Ok so it's a done deal! Now everything's scheduled 2 start Monday the 8'th. So I added analog micrometer to list too cuz they're way harder 2 find than caliper.

For all that, please discourage purchase/acquisition of cannulae and their ilk! -- It seems regulations in regard to sale (and, indeed, in some instances, possession) of such items vary widely by locale!

HP I say your warning abt knowing local regulations is totally sufficient!

Trocars, Cannulae, Syringes, Hypodermic needles, Catheters and their ilk:

Common non-medical uses include precise application of chemicals, removal of potting oil, etc... Although available from pharmacies at low cost, syringes and (especially) hypodermic needles, owing to their 'popularity' with intravenous substance abusers, will likely be 'age restricted' in many areas -- moreover, the purchaser is advised to voluntarily apprise the pharmacist and/or security/compliance personnel of his/her intent sans prompting --- Be prepared to sign a register and show ID! --- Should pharmacies at your location be subject to regulations or policies preclusive of OTC sales of said items - you might find veterinary grade devices at agricultural supply centers (e.g. 'Mills', etc...) --- But please don't resort to duplicity or otherwise risk getting yourself into 'hot water' or acquiring an undeserved reputation as a 'Hype'!...

HP I say there's no sense in steering everybody clear of vry useful tools just cuz some ppl don't have access 2 them! So for ppl facing stupid 'paraphernalia' laws and like that we can help with legal alternatives for their location! Also I say restrictions are prolly mainly on sharps (so piercing cannulas like hypo needles and like that) so just syringe should be ok unless turkey basters are restricted too! Also I know hypo needles need 2b _snipped_ b4 they can be legally disposed of so that could mean _blunt_ cannulas are unregulated?

In general - I have no objection to the Alpha team 'profiting' from their services so long as any such profit is neither contingent upon nor 'artificially' productive of favorable reviews...

HP I totally agree!

 

@Hypatia's Protege sry but here's major problem that needs 2b addressed asap! So I say b4 anything else we totally need 2 fix links 2 posts broken by renumbering cuz of deleted intervening posts! Cuz JC, TV and I are getting tons of complaints abt that from members of alpha team and I say they have good point cuz I know it would big time p!ss me off too!

So I say for now plz change all tutorial references 2 point to tutorial in your blog HERE! Also I say u should put version with just links to pics in blog too for benefit of ppl w/ BW issues!

So that's most important for testing but since a lot of ppl say they just like reading through thread I say we need 2 make effort to fix all broken links 2 posts on here! So also when removing old versions of tutorial and like that from thread we need to just clear text and put link 2 current document so that way it's not causing renumbering!

So 4 now I'll put note on post 1 but I say we need 2 do proper fix asap!

 

HP one more thing! Plz link Tutorial volume 2 from end of vol 1 in blog! Tnx!

 

It occurs to me that this is an excellent opportunity to gauge 'reader-availability' of instruments presented in The Addendum ?

HP just bringing u up 2 date for when ur back on here:
So 2 save time we've jumped gun on addendum tool availability survey so I'm very happy 2 say ppl are reporting excellent experience with Sklar as source for the surgical instruments! So I say that's auspicious start cuz most industry suppliers are total d!c%s abt small quantity sales 2 private buyers! So major tnxs Sklar!

HP now here's problem! Even though VPN is still working like 6 weeks after it was supposed to end pre-Quantum support, it's getting harder and harder 2 use cuz I have 2 keep changing between US, Germany, Hong Kong and Romania server just 2 stay connected! So also JC says he has same problem just testing 2 google So Options are update to Quantum (which IMO is out of question cuz of _web extensions_ BS) or use Chrome browser which I say is worse! So anyhow I'm looking for another VPN in meantime but I might have 2 hold my nose and temporarily use Quantum browser on win7 system but I hate that cuz apart from fact of Quantum being spyware that doesn't even support 99% of privacy plugins, Quantum browser version of Zenmate (which is Leaseweb plugin) only has one gratis server location (which, like I said, I insist on non-registration cuz of no real anonymous payment method). So means my IP will be same range as every other free Leaseweb user on web Which isn't really a security problem but it can mean I'll be automatically _block banned_ from sites who have problems with ANY free Leaseweb users at all!

I say it's total hypocrisy for Leaseweb (who call themselves like _privacy warriors_) to not have anonymous payment method for service! Cuz I say they made free service totally useless 2 encourage ppl 2 sign up! So I don't have problem with them making profit but NO WAY am I giving them my name and banking or cc info and PULEZE! Don't you dare start abt PayPal or bitcoin!

 

HP one more thing! Plz link Tutorial volume 2 from end of vol 1 in blog! Tnx!

Done! -- I apologize that's all I've time for prior to (hopefully) next week - at which time I'll fully respond to your messages....

Best regards
HP

 

Done! -- I apologize that's all I've time for prior to (hopefully) next week - at which time I'll fully respond to your messages....

Best regards
HP

HP tnx! But plz don't worry! I totally understand ur2 busy for now! I'm just giving updates and pulling tasks together to a coherent list for when we can be back to project!

 

So just to update:

It looks like HP won't have time for at least another week But when she returns to regular posting on here she plans presentation of low power LOPT test driver and construction mini-tutorial for balanced HV meter!

So anyhow I can absolutely say we've solved problem of disassembling LOPTs w/o breaking cores! So HP also plans to post illustrated details of super simple press on here (which I'm very proud to say I designed from like $20 of new commonly available hardware).

Also, members of Alpha team! When you need to contact HP, TV, JC, BB or LH please just E them at their HOME addys cuz disposable addys are unreliable and sending to me to forward just causes delay cuz believe it or not I have life to! Anyhow being totally serious thanks for your very hard work, (BRUTAL) honesty and totally superhuman patience!

 

HP Just as _heads up_ some ppl are concerned abt flyback you are using as example throughout most of tutorial cuz early wax insulated full voltage RCA doughnut FBs had common problem of burning out cuz of arcing and insulation failure! So I did research on that and consensus of ppl on reputable vintage radio forums is problem was just that wax melted off xfmr over time and arc was from HV winding to coaxial aux windings which are removed as part of rebuild anyhow!

So I say it would still be good idea to suggest silicone potted flybacks as most desirable (which are way more available NOS types anyhow) and also to advise operational test of used transformers and at least test inductance of NOS FBs before going to all the trouble of rebuilding!

Which leads to something some of them just don't get and I'm totally bored of trying to explain to them which is that RESISTANCE TEST CAN'T PRACTICALLY DETECT SHORTED WINDING! HP seriously! I've tried every way to explain it but some ppl just don't get that even a few hundred shorted turns won't noticeably change DC resistance but even one shorted turn is a totally shorted secondary!

HP I know you won't like this but I say ppl who don't understand basic electrical, electronic and magnetic principles shouldn't be considered part of target readership! It's not being like you say _exclusive_ just practical cuz we can't teach them everything abt everything! So I totally understand how ppl can be very knowledgeable in an area but have like _block_ on certain points! So I say they won't get left behind cuz of our policy of helping ppl out when they have questions or get stuck. But when they get belligerent that's totally it for me! So it's like me with Ltspice! I learned a lot from ppl on here once I shed the tude So anyhow plz try to explain it to ppl on list I emailed you cuz I'm seriously out of ideas of how to bring them around and you totally have more patience than me! HP also if you do get through to them I say you should post explanation on here and tutorial cuz believe it or not it's more common misconception than you think!

HP I also say LCR meter should be listed as required equipment!

So anyhow here's pic of winding Assy from RCA xfmr in tutorial just for reference.

 

HP I also say LCR meter should be listed as required equipment!

Aleph, check this post. Not sure if it's relevant here, but I thought you might like to know.

 

Aleph, check this post. Not sure if it's relevant here, but I thought you might like to know.

Cmartinez thanks! That's a great price and Peak has proven quality (I know cuz I have some of their semiconductor testers)!

Cmartinez one thing abt the LCR meter though, is it possible to select impedance form (series or parallel) and frequency (even choice of like 120Hz and 1kHz is ok) for arbitrary measurement on the LCR45? So a fixed Freq at 1kHz would be ok for purpose but form conversion is prolly asking too much from matho-phobic newbies

 

HP I say if you don't get back on here soon you'll be wearing Santa hat in July!

 

is it possible to select impedance form (series or parallel) and frequency (even choice of like 120Hz and 1kHz is ok) for arbitrary measurement on the LCR45?

I think so, this thing can perform tests at 1 kHz, 15 Khz, and 200 kHz ... but I'm not sure about the series/parallel option.

Perhaps you should check for yourself. Here's a link to its user guide.

 

I'm not sure about the series/parallel option.

Here's a link to its user guide.

Cmartinez I say issue of parallel vs series equivalence is basically moot cuz of availability of polar (vector) impedance display format! So I just contacted HP and she totally agrees that we'll be suggesting LCR45 as LCR meter for projects!

Now here's note for anybody doubtful cuz of low price: I can totally vouch that Peak/Atlas instruments are top notch quality worth way more than cost! Also I say that LCR45's selection of test frequencies are awesome for LCR tester costing < $1K! Cuz all else I've seen w/o continuous Freq selection are just like 120Hz and 1kHz So 1kHz, 15kHz and 200kHz gives way more versatility and better _picture_ of component!

Now I'm going to say something! Presentation of component impedance in complex (rectangular and polar/vector) format is totally in keeping with our like _prime directive_ of treating readers with respect owed students and fellow researchers (which they are) instead of like rote _kit builders_ and numpties!

So huge thanks, Cmartinez!

PS Alpha crew! At HP's request JC is ordering LCR45s for team so you can all be ready when we get to driver circuits and like that! So plz contact him (Jason) or TV (Theodora) for yours PRIOR to Sunday the 28'th, Tnx!

Important note to Mods: Just so you know, JC and TV are totally cool with using their first names on here cuz we do it on other forums too cuz some ppl on team might not know them by UNs or initials

 

@Hypatia's Protege

Just so you know I'm trying to help JC get back on here cuz VPN is jerking him around big time too!

So anyhow another issue we need to address is how to make connection to tower connector type flybacks? Cuz three _precocious_ alpha testers totally toasted their flybacks cuz of arcing straight through 40kV insulation on HV line connected to FB tower and burned out HV winding cuz of arc striking tire! HP before you start, I KNOW we're not responsible for disappointment of ppl who _jump gun_! So I'm just saying it's good PR to address it now since it needs to be eventually addressed anyhow!

So FWIW my solution is just like 60mm PTFE tube with lead suspended in center by electronic grade RTV and compression spring at lower end? JC says to just use wax but I say it needs better thermal property than that?

So Alpha testers this is NOT suggestion! Cuz for safety and integrity we can't support or encourage like _independent research_ yet! So for now please stick to _syllabus_! But plz don't worry cuz based on HP's assurance we'll replace damaged flybacks when testing resumes so plz just be patient! Tnx!