Seeburg 100 music wallbox-transformer clarification

I have purchased A Seeburg 100 music wallbox to set up in my pinball games room using the Data Sync "Player System for Wallbox Selectors". I understand this will require a transformer to provide power to the wallbox and Data Sync have nominated Radio Shack transformer 273 1512. On the other hand it appears that some Seeburg wallboxes were equipped with a transformer-is this correct pls? Also the Radio Shack 273 1512 transformer appears difficult to obtain whereas 273 1512B is readily available-would this transformer be suitable. I would appreciate any help that can be provided as I am a non techo located in Australia. Thks.

Use the Radio Shack number provided (not familiar with the 2nd number ?)--Yes-- all Seeburgs have what "looks like" a transformer inside--it is NOT a transformer, but an autoformer, and it is supplying the lamp voltage--but it must be fed with the external transformer indicated by Data Sync.
You might want to contact Erwin Boot, at, Flamsrecs--listed above in the "stickies", he MAY have an original transformer ? ---Ron Rich

Thks so much Ron for your most responsive & informative reply. Wayne

A 2 amp 25vac tran is marginal but Ok if only one or two boxes are connected and #47 lamps are used for illumination. I suggest adding a 2-1/2 amp Slo-Blo fuse to the secondary.

These boxes draw approx 3 amp when sending. I have a little over 90 of the 200s in service. They are connected to original trans and fused at 4 amp-slow.

Rob/NYC

Thks Rob. I only propose running one 100 wallbox from the transformer. When you refer to original transformer I take it these were not supplied with the original wallbox but available as an extra?? Thks Wayne

On Seeburgs made in the 50's-early 60s the transformer for the first 6 boxes was on the selection/control unit in the machine along with a stepper. Wurlitzer was similar along with some late 50s AMI models. In the early 60s steppers and PSU's became optional.

"Boosters" for each 6 additional boxes were available. Although the electrical codes allowed that Class-2 wiring could be used (no conduit or BX) this limited the current to a little over 3 amps -even though the trans were 10 amp capacity. I have several installations with 8 connected to one transformer.

I use #47 lamps in all cases because they are cheaper and seem to last longer than the spec'd 51 & 55. A 47 uses approx 150ma compared to the 450-500ma of a 55 so current and heat are reduced.

For home use the transformer prescribed is "ok" but I'd add the fuse for safety of the external wiring.

BTW: Rowe/AMI uses 28vac for their remote selectors.

Rob

Tremendous advice Rob-thks so much-Wayne

Guyz,
"Specs." for wallbox transformers were first written in the 30's, or 40's (by Seeburg--I think). They called for a "nominal 25vac" supply at 110 vac input. In "those days", many, if not most, locations were lucky if they had 110 volts at there input line. I have a 1966 Seeburg made transformer on my bench I use for "testing"--at the locally supplied rate of 124.6 volts, it reads 31 vac output.
I usually lug it int my adjustable voltage supply to get the output down to 25 --
As for a fuse, for one wallbox, IMHO, a one amp fast blow, installed in the secondary, will protect you from a short--this is MY opinion--not legal advise, which I am not qualified to, (nor do I ever), give ! Ron Rich

Jameco Electronics sells their part number 221365 power transformer which is 24 volts center tapped at 4 amps:

http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores ... llDownView

Hey Ken,
This gent is "down under"--doubt if he wants to, or needs to, deal with Jameco ( a great place to deal with--about 15 miles from my house)! Ron Rich

For info Ron I am awaiting clarification from Erwin on the availability of a suitable transformer and I have corresponded with Ken-a fellow pinballer!. Acquiring from the US is no problem for me.In fact most all of my pinball needs (including the last 5 machines) I have accessed from the US. I have found it the most responsive & effective manner of acquisition notwithstanding the shipping cost. The wallbox I have just purchased from a guy in Florida. I also note there are some original Seeburg transformers listed on ebay: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/231249092168 ... 1423.l2649 Is there any advantage in using an original (assuming it is serviceable) or is aftermarket a better proposition? Again thks so much to all for your help-Wayne

Those listed on E-bay are the --wallbox light transformers-- they are the same as what you have inside your unit. Do not order them.

Also, Australia is 220/50 So make sure whatever tran you order is compatible.

Rob/NYC

Thks Rob for that advice. Erwin Boot Flamrecs has been in touch with me and suggested I access our local electronics retailer Jaycar at which I have identified the following transformer 240VAC to 24VAC 3 amp: http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MM2012 Would you mind confirming that one is ok? Thks & rgds Wayne

That one should be fine.

Rob

Hi Wayne,
As Rob said--that will work just fine--FYI, once again, the one you see on "eBay" is NOT a wallbox supply transformer. It is the Autoformer that was located inside of every wallbox Seeburg mad, till the late 1960's. You should have this inside your wallbox, if the system is original. Ron Rich