Skip to main content

Does anyone know whether a simple filter circuit can be constructed to smooth chopped sine wave output from modern transformers or a Powermaster?

My modern-era equipment is unaffected by chopped waves. In fact, smoke output is improved.

But...postwar equipment with mechanical E-units and open-frame motors is another matter. Many engines which run smoothly and quietly with pure sine wave power perform terribly with a chopped wave. E-units chatter, and motors run rough and loud. 

I would like to run postwar equipment off my Powermaster, but I can't stand this performance issue. Is there any way to modify the chopped wave in a simple manner?

First video is sine wave power with smooth operation

Second video is chopped sine wave with rough operation

Attachments

Videos (2)
IMG_2376
IMG_2375
Last edited by GregR
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

The NP cap sometimes helps, but truthfully there is not a total cure for the chopped waveform issues short of using a different transformer.  The issue is you're trying to alter the waveform of a high power output, that take high power components.  

The NP cap will knock some of the sharp edges off the chopped waveform, and frequently helps with the issues of older QSI and PS/1 boards not operating correctly with chopped waveforms.  I Don't know how good it's going to be for quieting the motors and E-Units.

It's a bit more complex than that.  You also need a capacitor to eliminate the buzz.  In my bench test with a typical E-Unit and a diode, it took 1000uf to quiet it down.  470uf was close, but there was still a buzz.  I considered a bridge rectifier for about a millisecond, then I realized with the end of the E-Unit coil grounded that can't work, so the diode is it.

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×