- LinuxCNC
- General LinuxCNC Questions
- Using transformer with 3 28.5V secondary windings to supply 57VAC/80VDC
Using transformer with 3 28.5V secondary windings to supply 57VAC/80VDC
- tommylight
-
Topic Author
- Away
- Moderator
-
Less
More
- Posts: 21306
- Thank you received: 7276
24 Feb 2025 17:18 #322508
by tommylight
Using transformer with 3 28.5V secondary windings to supply 57VAC/80VDC was created by tommylight
I am sure i answered this on the other topic.
But since internet has become a cesspool of bad information, you have every right to doubt me.
Just in case:
-normal metal core transformers can withstand a lot of overload, granted they do not exceed the isolation melting temperature
-stepper drives do not pull 5A from the transformer for a 5A motor, and yes the motor gets 5A easily but the drive might pull a single amp from the transformer. This is an EXAMPLE!!!
-the above depends hugely on the motor and drive voltage
-etc
But since internet has become a cesspool of bad information, you have every right to doubt me.
Just in case:
-normal metal core transformers can withstand a lot of overload, granted they do not exceed the isolation melting temperature
-stepper drives do not pull 5A from the transformer for a 5A motor, and yes the motor gets 5A easily but the drive might pull a single amp from the transformer. This is an EXAMPLE!!!
-the above depends hugely on the motor and drive voltage
-etc
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Hastrh2o
- Offline
- Junior Member
-
Less
More
- Posts: 30
- Thank you received: 6
24 Feb 2025 18:20 #322512
by Hastrh2o
Replied by Hastrh2o on topic Using transformer with 3 28.5V secondary windings to supply 57VAC/80VDC
You just have to respect the max current of the transformer ! Tommy say metal core transformers can withstand a lot of overload, he's right, but I would think a toroidal one is not this type, and you could have magnetic saturation.
If you don't know your load current, just put a fuse to protect the output and you will see.
If you don't know your load current, just put a fuse to protect the output and you will see.
The following user(s) said Thank You: tommylight
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- tommylight
-
Topic Author
- Away
- Moderator
-
Less
More
- Posts: 21306
- Thank you received: 7276
24 Feb 2025 19:29 #322522
by tommylight
Replied by tommylight on topic Using transformer with 3 28.5V secondary windings to supply 57VAC/80VDC
Saturation takes a lot of overload, and you find out after 30 seconds to 1 minute that is it overloaded to much as it starts smoking, a lot.
And yes, toroidal transformers are metal core, wound in a doughnut shape, while normal transformers have E and I sections alternatively pushed inside. Microwave transformers usually have all the E on one side and all the I on the other side welded together, but that is not the best way for efficiency, they are on for several minutes at a time so not important.
And yes, toroidal transformers are metal core, wound in a doughnut shape, while normal transformers have E and I sections alternatively pushed inside. Microwave transformers usually have all the E on one side and all the I on the other side welded together, but that is not the best way for efficiency, they are on for several minutes at a time so not important.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Hastrh2o
- Offline
- Junior Member
-
Less
More
- Posts: 30
- Thank you received: 6
25 Feb 2025 08:18 - 25 Feb 2025 10:34 #322564
by Hastrh2o
Replied by Hastrh2o on topic Using transformer with 3 28.5V secondary windings to supply 57VAC/80VDC
I was wrong with saturation. I'm used to small ferrite toroidal transformers wich are sensible to saturation, but your is surely iron core. Like Tommy said, the limit is the temperature.
And even with ferrite, it's only one magnetic circuit, so saturation would only appear when the total windings current exceed the maximum of the transformer.
We don't care of unbalanced current between windings.
Tommy advice is to overload it and check the temperature, I agree it works, put the right fuse after test on the output and then. Are you even sure you will overload it ? Maybe not !
I would although consider to change it because I think it's a small one (you don't say how many amps you have), and I have many unused transformers. Maybe you don't. Have a look around you, it's easy to find some...
Doing a power supply.. For me no, if you put the three in series you will have 90VAC, better to use directly 120VAC or 240VAC in this case.
But once again, I assume your transformer is a small one (300VA ?), it's not the same if it's a 2kVA one, but in this case you wouldn't need to worry for the third driver.
And even with ferrite, it's only one magnetic circuit, so saturation would only appear when the total windings current exceed the maximum of the transformer.
We don't care of unbalanced current between windings.
Tommy advice is to overload it and check the temperature, I agree it works, put the right fuse after test on the output and then. Are you even sure you will overload it ? Maybe not !
I would although consider to change it because I think it's a small one (you don't say how many amps you have), and I have many unused transformers. Maybe you don't. Have a look around you, it's easy to find some...
Doing a power supply.. For me no, if you put the three in series you will have 90VAC, better to use directly 120VAC or 240VAC in this case.
But once again, I assume your transformer is a small one (300VA ?), it's not the same if it's a 2kVA one, but in this case you wouldn't need to worry for the third driver.
Last edit: 25 Feb 2025 10:34 by Hastrh2o.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Hastrh2o
- Offline
- Junior Member
-
Less
More
- Posts: 30
- Thank you received: 6
25 Feb 2025 15:24 - 25 Feb 2025 15:26 #322600
by Hastrh2o
Replied by Hastrh2o on topic Using transformer with 3 28.5V secondary windings to supply 57VAC/80VDC
If you can measure the temperature of your transformer, put a load, and check the temperature. As Tommy said, that's the unique concern. So, until 60°C, you are fine. Insulation can go above, but I'm not sure what would be safe for the insulation. I think I drove motors until 80°C, maybe 100°C, without damage but it's not a good idea at all, you will heat the cabinet and can hurt someone if touching it.
The sticker may be gone... It although may be printed on the side.
The sticker may be gone... It although may be printed on the side.
Last edit: 25 Feb 2025 15:26 by Hastrh2o.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- tommylight
-
Topic Author
- Away
- Moderator
-
Less
More
- Posts: 21306
- Thank you received: 7276
25 Feb 2025 16:13 #322609
by tommylight
Replied by tommylight on topic Using transformer with 3 28.5V secondary windings to supply 57VAC/80VDC
Start wiring stuff, make things move, stop worrying to much.
I do not recall the exact amperage, but i do recall it was more than enough for what you need.
I do not recall the exact amperage, but i do recall it was more than enough for what you need.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- tommylight
-
Topic Author
- Away
- Moderator
-
Less
More
- Posts: 21306
- Thank you received: 7276
25 Feb 2025 17:13 #322613
by tommylight
Replied by tommylight on topic Using transformer with 3 28.5V secondary windings to supply 57VAC/80VDC
Maybe i was not "tactful" enough:
-no need to be sorry at all
-i was trying to give you a push to move forward
-when you start wiring stuff it will be stressful, but when you see things move you will be very happy
-when you see the machine actually working, oh what a joy !
-no need to be sorry at all
-i was trying to give you a push to move forward
-when you start wiring stuff it will be stressful, but when you see things move you will be very happy
-when you see the machine actually working, oh what a joy !
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Hastrh2o
- Offline
- Junior Member
-
Less
More
- Posts: 30
- Thank you received: 6
25 Feb 2025 18:42 #322619
by Hastrh2o
Replied by Hastrh2o on topic Using transformer with 3 28.5V secondary windings to supply 57VAC/80VDC
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Hastrh2o
- Offline
- Junior Member
-
Less
More
- Posts: 30
- Thank you received: 6
26 Feb 2025 20:42 - 26 Feb 2025 20:43 #322742
by Hastrh2o
Replied by Hastrh2o on topic Using transformer with 3 28.5V secondary windings to supply 57VAC/80VDC
I think you blow the current sensing resistor. There is no current limiting resistor in today's stepper drivers.
In normal operation, it's impossible, the board will measure the current, and open the transistor when it reach the maximum.
Either the current sensing is dead, either the power stage is damaged, and can't stop the current (a damaged mosfet is always closed). It's more probably the power stage.
In normal operation, it's impossible, the board will measure the current, and open the transistor when it reach the maximum.
Either the current sensing is dead, either the power stage is damaged, and can't stop the current (a damaged mosfet is always closed). It's more probably the power stage.
Last edit: 26 Feb 2025 20:43 by Hastrh2o.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- LinuxCNC
- General LinuxCNC Questions
- Using transformer with 3 28.5V secondary windings to supply 57VAC/80VDC
Time to create page: 0.191 seconds