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10-18-2015, 05:29 PM
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#1
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3 Rivet Member
1972 27' Overlander
Woodburn
, Oregon
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 131
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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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10-18-2015, 05:32 PM
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#2
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4 Rivet Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 298
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Because of the transformer that's in it for conversion
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10-18-2015, 06:31 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
1974 Argosy 20
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Kooskia
, Idaho
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,591
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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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10-18-2015, 07:19 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi
, Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
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Good old solid American made steel and iron. Almost bullet proof and make great boat anchors.
__________________
MICHAEL
Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
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10-18-2015, 08:34 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
1972 Argosy 20
Snoqualmie
, Washington
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 503
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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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10-18-2015, 09:22 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Mission
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 836
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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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10-18-2015, 09:24 PM
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#7
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Maniacal Engineer
1971 25' Tradewind
Lopez Island
, Washington
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,244
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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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10-18-2015, 09:40 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
1999 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Hillsboro
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,408
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They are far lighter when you let out the "magic smoke"!
__________________
Peace and Blessings..
Channing
WBCCI# 30676
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10-18-2015, 10:28 PM
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#9
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3 Rivet Member
1972 27' Overlander
Woodburn
, Oregon
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 131
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Quote:
Originally Posted by barts
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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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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10-19-2015, 11:01 AM
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#10
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3 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
belen
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 191
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1st one I replaced was in my 77 ambassador (in1999) and it was suddenly sooo quiet!
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10-19-2015, 12:13 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master
1977 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre
Colorado Springs
, Colorado
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 739
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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.
__________________
Royce (K0RKK) 146.460 simplex
Web page https://spearfishcreek.net/
AIR# 3913
'77' Minuet 6 Metre, behind a 2005 stock Jeep Rubicon with Equa-L-Zer hitch.
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10-19-2015, 03:11 PM
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#12
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2 Rivet Member
1974 Argosy 26
Joshua Tree
, California
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 37
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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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10-19-2015, 04:32 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Mission
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 836
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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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10-19-2015, 04:51 PM
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#14
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Wise Elder
2010 30' Classic
Vintage Kin Owner
South of the river
, Minnesota
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,169
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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.
__________________
To learn to see below the surface, you must adjust your altitude
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10-19-2015, 07:31 PM
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#15
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4 Rivet Member
Commercial Member
2009 30' Classic
Melbourne, FL
, Searsport, ME
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 309
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Boat anchors are always heavy!!
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