Noisy Transformer

[JMP]

Just taken delivery of an I500. Upon switching on, the transformer is giving a very loud buzz/hum. A lot noisier than normal. Any ideas what to look for or how to resolve this?

Thanks.

 

[xenon325i]

Rarely anything you can do - the windings are not tight on the ferrite core and are resonating at 50Hz. You could perhaps try wrapping gaffer tape around it or some cable ties to hold it all in but you're probably going to have to live with it.

 

[RudeDogg1]

Or buy a new one? Or can't you buy them

 

[JMP]

Seem to recall a mate struggled to find a replacement... I've managed to reduce the noise by tightening the mounting bolts to the back of the cabinet, still noisiest in the room though. May have to consider anti-vibration washers or padding behind the bracket but if it is the transformer itself as xenon mentioned above, looks like I'm stuffed and time to turn up the volume...

Thanks for the replies.

 

[xenon325i]

Anti-vibration washers will certainly help - the cabinet will act like a "boom box" and resonate. If the coil windings are accessible then smearing over with silicone sealent will help stop the noise too.

 

[replicas]

You will never get totally rid of the hum but either felt pads or rubber washers should help you reduce it by enough to live with.
Got felt pads here if you want any. LMK.

 

[Pudsey pinball]

Correct you will never get rid of hummm it because of the iron/ steel plates that the copper coil sits around,as they get hot and cold over use the plates delaminates and vibrates

 

[replicas]

Correct you will never get rid of hummm it because of the iron/ steel plates that the copper coil sits around,as they get hot and cold over use the plates delaminates and vibrates

Dirty Faced Dave know's what he is talking about.

 

[JT.]

Not sure if it would help, but there's a used Bally transformer on ebay at the moment, assuming this is compatible: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bally-Wil...eo_Games_Coin_Operated_MJ&hash=item56549b700c

 

[RudeDogg1]

I can "borrow" some heavey duty felt from work if you want some?

 

[JMP]

Thanks all for the replies. Went to B&Q this aft, bought four felt feet and some rubber washers, removed the L plate under the transformer, put pads under the brackets and washers under the bolt heads and what a difference ! The earth strip had me troubled for a while though but trust will be fine clamped tight between a transformer bracket and felt pad.... Please tell me if not !

Cheers all.

 

[xenon325i]

Result. Earth strap will be fine as long as it's making contact with the xfrmr shell.

 

[JMP]

Result. Earth strap will be fine as long as it's making contact with the xfrmr shell.

Yes it is, one of the fixing metal brackets. Thanks for confirming.