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10-04-2009, 11:16 AM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member
1971 31' Sovereign
Topanga
, California
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 11
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Electrical Buzzing in '71 Sovereign 31'
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.
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10-04-2009, 01:06 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
1969 31' Sovereign
Broken Arrow
, Oklahoma
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,455
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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.
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10-04-2009, 01:13 PM
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#3
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Moderator
Vintage Kin Owner
...
, ...
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,696
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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
__________________
"One of the best lessons I've learned is that you don't worry about criticism from people you wouldn't seek advice from."
William C. Swinney
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10-04-2009, 03:29 PM
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#4
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3 Rivet Member
1977 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre
Cape Coral
, Florida
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 152
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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.........
__________________
flcracker
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10-04-2009, 03:59 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
1971 25' Tradewind
1993 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Estancia
, New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,743
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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.
__________________
Sail on silver girl. Sail on by. Your time has come to shine.
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10-04-2009, 05:37 PM
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#6
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1 Rivet Member
1971 31' Sovereign
Topanga
, California
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 11
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Thank you all very much!! Right now, I leave a fan on to drown out the sound so I can sleep!
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10-04-2009, 08:07 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
San Angelo
, Texas
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 1,254
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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.
__________________
Frederic
1971 Sovereign International - SOLD
2004 F-350 King Ranch
AIR # 8239
EX-WBCCI # 8371
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10-04-2009, 10:27 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
1977 27' Overlander
Trotwood
, Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,153
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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.
__________________
Roger & MaryLou
___________________
F350 CREWCAB SW LONG BED
7.3 liter Power Stroke Diesel
1977 27ft OVERLANDER
KA8LMQ
AIR # 22336 TAC- OH-7
May your roads be straight and smooth and may you always have a tailwind!
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10-05-2009, 05:21 AM
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#9
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Moderator
Vintage Kin Owner
...
, ...
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,696
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Now I'm Perplexed...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lumatic
Or use it for a nice drone for chanting the Airstream mantra Aaah Looo Meeee Nuuummm.
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[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.
__________________
"One of the best lessons I've learned is that you don't worry about criticism from people you wouldn't seek advice from."
William C. Swinney
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10-05-2009, 07:05 AM
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#10
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3 Rivet Member
Roblin
, MB.
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 113
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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
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11-30-2009, 07:24 PM
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#11
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1 Rivet Member
1971 31' Sovereign
Topanga
, California
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 11
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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
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11-30-2009, 08:12 PM
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#12
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4 Rivet Member
1969 25' Tradewind
1971 18' Caravel
Berkeley Springs
, West Virginia
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 423
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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.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449...ing-52564.html
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11-30-2009, 11:28 PM
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#13
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1 Rivet Member
1974 29' Ambassador
1971 31' Sovereign
Klickitat
, Washington
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 16
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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.
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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.)
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12-01-2009, 10:35 PM
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#14
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1 Rivet Member
1971 31' Sovereign
Topanga
, California
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 11
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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
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