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Old 10-18-2015, 05:29 PM   #1
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1972 27' Overlander
Woodburn , Oregon
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Univolt why so heavy ?

I just removed the old univolt in my 1972 overlander and when I went to lift it out it really made me grunt, it must weigh over 60 lbs , I was wondering what's inside one of these old Bruts that make them so heavy ? I'm really curious 🇨🇱
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Old 10-18-2015, 05:32 PM   #2
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Because of the transformer that's in it for conversion
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Old 10-18-2015, 06:31 PM   #3
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Prior to switching power supplies about the only way to convert voltage was with a transformer. In this case a big heavy one.

Electronics changed all of that, but transformer systems are still simple, very reliable and easy to understand. But the old Univolt is simply obsolete as a converter/charger system.
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Old 10-18-2015, 07:19 PM   #4
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Good old solid American made steel and iron. Almost bullet proof and make great boat anchors.
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Old 10-18-2015, 08:34 PM   #5
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The reason it's so heavy is because it's got A LOT of copper for the windings. Take it apart and you'll see. Most of it can be recycled.
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Old 10-18-2015, 09:22 PM   #6
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... wondering outloud why I didn't remove ours when I had the bathroom partially disassembled to replace the shower valve and plumbing ...
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Old 10-18-2015, 09:24 PM   #7
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The size of a transformer is inversely related to the frequency for which it's designed... so a switching mode power supply that runs at 20+khz will have a much smaller transformer than a 60hz model.

In the end, the ferroresonant Univolts are prob. more reliable than the
switching supplies that have replaced them - but the new units are much cheaper, more efficient and quieter. The new systems also provide for temperature adjusted charging voltages, and the three-stage systems won't cook your batteries, either.

- Bart
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Old 10-18-2015, 09:40 PM   #8
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They are far lighter when you let out the "magic smoke"!
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Old 10-18-2015, 10:28 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by barts View Post
The size of a transformer is inversely related to the frequency for which it's designed... so a switching mode power supply that runs at 20+khz will have a much smaller transformer than a 60hz model.

In the end, the ferroresonant Univolts are prob. more reliable than the
switching supplies that have replaced them - but the new units are much cheaper, more efficient and quieter. The new systems also provide for temperature adjusted charging voltages, and the three-stage systems won't cook your batteries, either.

- Bart
It looks like mine must have quit working years ago,some pasr owner cut off its power cord to the Uni volt and wired a small battery charger in its place I'm putting in a 45 amp smart converter in its place with 2 huge 12 volt yellow top batteries
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Old 10-19-2015, 11:01 AM   #10
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1st one I replaced was in my 77 ambassador (in1999) and it was suddenly sooo quiet!
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Old 10-19-2015, 12:13 PM   #11
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I gave mine to a local HAM radio operator. He changed it to an oil filled unit and is happy to give it a new home. I was happy to get the 75 or so lbs out and a new quiet converter in.
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Old 10-19-2015, 03:11 PM   #12
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NRGTRKR: thanks for the confirming word. I still have our bathroom and closet apart for plumbing replacement. Might as well jump into that too!
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Old 10-19-2015, 04:32 PM   #13
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Hahahaa!!!
Anytime ...
I wonder if it will fit through the battery box door if the battery compartment liner is removed?
I like our AS, but wonder about space utilization at times.
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Old 10-19-2015, 04:51 PM   #14
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I believe that the early univolts were ferroresonant, which added to their weight.

Ferroresonant transformers provide a measure of passive voltage regulation, and were a reasonably common design choice before high power MOS devices were available.
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Old 10-19-2015, 07:31 PM   #15
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Boat anchors are always heavy!!
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