Electrical Buzzing in '71 Sovereign 31'

HighWay27_CA · 10-04-2009, 11:16 AM

Hey,
Just got a 31 foot 1971 Sovereign and it's in great shape. Only thing is, it seems my battery charger makes a loud buzzing noise, that fills the whole cabin. It is the original charger, and I think it may be kaputt.

Any suggestions on how to trouble shoot this? I have an awesome electrician on hand to install/work on it. Do I need a newer and more up to date charger?

Thanks for all help, I am very new to the Airstream world, but very excited.

garry · 10-04-2009, 01:06 PM

It is most likely a Univolt and they are notorious for overcharging batteries and boiling out the water.

You need to replace it with a converter with a 3 stage charger. When you swap it out save the fuse panel from the Univolt as you will need it with the new converter.

I have (I think) a Progressive Dynamics 9260 a 65 amp with built in battery minder they call a Wizard.

There are many good 3 stage converters on the market.

**Kevin245** · 10-04-2009, 01:13 PM

As garry stated, it is probably the Univolt (assuming your's is original). They are notorious for buzzing, or loud humming. Ours has buzzed for several years in the key of G.

Most of us upgrade to more modern electronics, as the old stuff is known to boil batteries.

Welcome to the group by the way.

Regards,

Kevin

georgezink · 10-04-2009, 03:29 PM

I replaced my old univolt 'cause the buzzing was so loud I couldn't sleep. The folks at Best Converter were a big help. It's an easy change out and they can help you get the right size for your unit.
Welcome to the Forums.........

Lumatic · 10-04-2009, 03:59 PM

The buzz can be cured by taking the Univolt apart and repotting the transformer coils in varnish. But if you are going to go through that, better to replace it with a new 3 stage converter. Or use it for a nice drone for chanting the Airstream mantra Aaah Looo Meeee Nuuummm.

HighWay27_CA · 10-04-2009, 05:37 PM

Thank you all very much!! Right now, I leave a fan on to drown out the sound so I can sleep!

StingrayL82 · 10-04-2009, 08:07 PM

Or you can get in touch with these guys Industrial Electronics Services - Repair, Engineering, Testing | NyCo-Systems and have them rebuild your UniVolt for you. I bought an Iota DLS-45 and it hasn't functioned any better than the original UniVolt, frying two (count em, two) Blue Top Optima batteries.

Mikethefixit · 10-04-2009, 10:27 PM

Mine in the Overlander Humm's also. That's because it don't know the words. ALUM MA NUM. You will get use to it. If it aint broke dont fixit. Check the batteries at least once or twice a month it only takes 5 minutes to pop the caps and add distilled water. I have added only once in a year.
By checking you can tell if its boiling the water and if its boiling the water out it may be time for a change.

**Kevin245** · 10-05-2009, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lumatic

Or use it for a nice drone for chanting the Airstream mantra Aaah Looo Meeee Nuuummm.

[QUOTE=Mikethefixit;755394]Mine in the Overlander Humm's also. That's because it don't know the words. ALUM MA NUM.QUOTE]

Which wording is correct?

Here I've been chanting Ah-Lume-Min-Nem all these years.

nairnchyz · 10-05-2009, 07:05 AM

We have a new Xantrex converter in our '74 A/S as well as a new 12 volt AM, FM, CD radio. When the converter goes into charge mode the radio emits an annoying electronic sound that over rides the AM frequency. When the converter shuts down the AM signal returns.
The PO replaced the AM antenna with a flexible rubber antenna about 16" in height.
How should one trouble shoot this problem?
Does the tip of the antenna need to clear the top of the A/S?
The AM signal in question is strong / 45 miles distant.
Bob

HighWay27_CA · 11-30-2009, 07:24 PM

Hey,
So I just put a Progressive Dynamics Inteli-Power 60 Amp RV Converter/Charger #9260. I worked ok for awhile but not I have lost all my 12v power. Overhead lights, anything like that won't work.

The Univolt is still in there and I checked the fuses, at least the small ones.

Can this unit run AC?? or just DC?

Any experience or help would be soo great..

Miles

TWaugh · 11-30-2009, 08:12 PM

Here's a link to a thread from this past summer.
And R. from Inland RV gives a good explanation of the problem and a solution.

Univolt TU-345A Humming

jacqueg · 11-30-2009, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HighWay27_CA

So I just put a Progressive Dynamics Inteli-Power 60 Amp RV Converter/Charger #9260. I worked ok for awhile but not I have lost all my 12v power. Overhead lights, anything like that won't work.

The Univolt is still in there and I checked the fuses, at least the small ones.

When I bought my 1974 Ambassador, I could only run either AC or DC. But some judicious wiggling of the wires connecting the Univolt to the world fixed that problem.

Well, it was a cheap fix, anyway. (No, my unit doesn't travel.)

HighWay27_CA · 12-01-2009, 10:35 PM

I think I need a new distribution panel for my Univolt... or could one of the 8 fuses inside the Univolt be blown? None on the outside are blown.

ALso, I have to Intellicharger 60amp going, DC... should it be AC?

Can I get a new distribution panel for my Univolt? It's a 1971 Sovereign International Airstream.

Thanks