Transformer case cracked - are there generic replacements available?

victorludorum · October 2023

I have a wall wart for a preamp for my record player and that plastic case has fallen apart. I had a quick search on ebay for a generic transformer case, but nothing obvious came up. Do these things even exist?

jasonbone75 · October 2023

Unlikely to find that methinks. You would have more success just finding an equal or higher spec new replacement.

ICBM · October 2023

RS used to sell them about 20 years ago, although I haven't looked recently - but as jasonbone75 said, it's probably easier just to replace it with a new one of the same spec, unless it's something really unusual.

What's the spec (or what is the preamp)?

Stratavarious · October 2023

The preamp should have supply and polarity details printed on it to source a replacement.

Safer probably too.

victorludorum · October 2023

It's a Pro-Ject Phono Box,16v, 50hz, 200Ma

Stratavarious · October 2023

There seem to be spare PSUs out there,

https://joeaudio.co.uk/products/copy-of-demo-pro-ject-turntable-1?variant=43132913385686&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gclid=CjwKCAjwvfmoBhAwEiwAG2tqzABmphG9ciPlfxHDEMjajQgoagKYFq5YIzJCEpuYgVdm0A0gZ5yGZRoCU9YQAvD_BwE

check model if compatible… suspect plenty of replacements from HiFi suppliers. My son uses Project preamp.

ICBM · October 2023

Stratavarious said:

There seem to be spare PSUs out there,

https://joeaudio.co.uk/products/copy-of-demo-pro-ject-turntable-1?variant=43132913385686&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gclid=CjwKCAjwvfmoBhAwEiwAG2tqzABmphG9ciPlfxHDEMjajQgoagKYFq5YIzJCEpuYgVdm0A0gZ5yGZRoCU9YQAvD_BwE

check model if compatible… suspect plenty of replacements from HiFi suppliers. My son uses Project preamp.

The important thing is that it's 16V *AC* - most wall-wart type power supplies are DC output. (In spite of the Americans calling them "AC adaptors", which can make searching difficult...)

If the old one is 200mA and the new one is 500mA that's fine, the preamp will only draw as much as it needs - the 500mA capacity is just a maximum. (Edit - ) It draws 40mA according to the preamp spec.

victorludorum · October 2023

Couldn't I just make a simple housing for it and wire it up to a plug?

ICBM · October 2023

victorludorum said:

Couldn't I just make a simple housing for it and wire it up to a plug?

Yes, you could. Whether it's worth the bother when you can buy a new one that will do the job for not much more than the cost of the parts to do that is debatable. But certainly possible, if you're practical and can do it yourself, and aren't fussed about whether it's safety tested - which will only be an issue if you ever sell it - as long as you've built it properly.

Danny1969 · October 2023

A lot of these things are AC, as it's very easy to get a dual DC supply from a single AC supply which is ideal for audio circuits .. more headroom and cuts out a lot of coupling caps.

Most AC supplies though will be a simple transformer in a box and it's rated voltage is when it's loaded as intended ... the open circuit or light load voltage will be higher so needs to be roughly right.

You can buy a box from Rapid or CPC ...basically 2 halfs that screw together .. then just cut 2 holes in it for the Mains in and low voltage out.

victorludorum · October 2023

There's nothing to the transformer. It's just 2 wires in and 2 out.

Emp_Fab · October 2023

victorludorum · October 2023

It's beyond the gaffa tape, sadly. The plastic seems to have broken down entirely, so the prongs have gone too.

Emp_Fab · October 2023

In that case, I would be questioning the integrity of the insulation on the electrics. Buy a new one.

Danny1969 · October 2023

You could rehouse in something like this .. holes already cut

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32585916453.html

Image: https://images.mr-resistor.co.uk/products/7230/image/transformer-enclosure-black-2000-0.jpg

victorludorum · October 2023

Cheers for all the input, chaps :-)

Howdy, Stranger!

Categories

In this Discussion

Become a Subscriber!

Transformer case cracked - are there generic replacements available?

Comments