We have this adorably cute snowman for our Christmas decorations. It originally had an EL sign saying "LET IT SNOW" plus some light pipe illumination around the hat, eyes, and elsewhere. Second season the driver for the EL broke, replaced a transistor and got another season till it blew again and I left it off as it was a possible fire hazard.

Then I noticed the lamp and 5 RPM motor still worked. As both the lamp and the motor ran off 12 VAC I put a small transformer in to drive them (after replacing the halogen bulb with led). That got us another 5+ years. (I took the sign off as it was melted some.)

Unfortunately, this season the spinny thing stopped so the dazzle lights went static. As I took it apart for another rebuild the transformer made a SNAP and I have to dump it.

The transformer is a Radio Shack 273-1385B, at least 20 years old, probably older. That's the last RS part in my box. A bit sad.

 

RS transformers are grossly overrated. They don’t supply the rated power and they get very hot. Replace it with a Hammond transformer.

 

I still have my TRS-80 Models I and 100, my calculator, and my Micronta logic probe.

As far as components, I've got one of those complex sound generator chips lying around somewhere.

 

Hammond Transformer DigiKey web-page..........

Link fixed.
.
.
.

 

Link in post #4 doesn't work.

Here is a listing of Hammond low voltage transformers.
https://www.hammfg.com/electronics/transformers/power#low-voltage

https://www.hammfg.com/electronics/transformers/power/166

166F12 is 12.6V 300mA

 

Link Fixed.
.
.
.

 

The good news is that HAMMOND transformers will provide performance at least as good as their specifications, and continue to do that for a very long time.

 

Since I have a boatload of 12VDC power supplies on hand from working with strip LEDs I'm re-powering the snowman with one of those.

Apparently 12VDC synchronous motors exist, though I'm presently on my third attempt to get a working unit thru Amazon.