Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Other Stuff => Other Topics => Topic started by: rafe on July 24, 2013, 11:16:19 am

Title: Transformer in old Magnifying lamp
Post by: rafe on July 24, 2013, 11:16:19 am

I have an old round flouresent magnifying lamp that cooked it's asbestos and masking tape shrouded transformer yesterday, I use it a lot and would like an easy fix ....does anyone know what the transformer could be replaced with? I have researched a bit and the one being repaired are newer...the asbestos dates it as old....gotta hold down the start button weighted base ...I really don't want to lose this...Great when working on an amp or other small parts Thanks in advance R

Title: Re: Transformer in old Magnifying lamp
Post by: PRR on July 24, 2013, 11:30:04 am

It's not quite a transformer. It is a choke to limit current plus maybe added taps for heaters. The catalog word is usually "ballast".

They are semi-standard generic. Number of tubes. Type of tube start (starter, quick, rapid). Tube wattage. That gets you to a replacement.

1000bulbs (http://1000bulbs.com/category/fluorescent-ballasts/)

HomeDepot (http://www.homedepot.com/Lighting-Fans-Indoor-Lighting-Indoor-Lighting-Accessories-Fluorescent-Lighting-Accessories-Replacement-Ballasts/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbvlr/h_d2/Navigation?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&searchNav=true)

Odds are that the replacement will be transistor instead of iron-based.