Date   : Mon, 28 Nov 1983 15:48:53-PST (Mon)
From   : decvax!ittvax!dcdwest!sdcsvax!noscvax!mplvax!cdl@ucb-vax
Subject: Re: Transformers and European Current

A Sola Transformer is a tuned resonant-circuit device.  As such, it
is designed to work over a small range of frequencies, typically
+/- 5% (57-63 Hz).  Over this range, the output voltage will vary
1.5 times as much as the input frequency varies, all other things
being constant.

Running your Solas on nominal 50 Hz, all bets are off.  You are lucky
that they didn't just burn up in a large puff of bad-smelling smoke.
Seriously, Sola does make 50Hz transformers, and possibly you could
re-tune yours by adding capacitance in the appropriate places.

I have used Sola transformers for many years in seagoing applications,
and have muttered about the poor frequency control of the shipboard
power, but at least they try to keep it at 60Hz.

For a concise explanation of the working of these transformers, see
"Electronic Transformers and Circuits," Ruben Lee, Wiley 1955,
pp. 252-3.

               Carl Lowenstein
               Marine Physical Lab., U.C. San Diego
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