I have a 29 LTD Classic, I was experimenting with an old tip120 variable power mod I found on the web.
Upon powering up the radio not keying it, I quickly observed smoke, I unplugged it and looked around to see if anything had blown I didn't see anything so I started feeling parts with a finger tip.
The modulation transformer was smoking hot, : ) I powered the radio up once more to confirm that's where the smoke was coming from.. Yup, it got hot again quick.
I unplugged the radio, removed the mod and replaced the driver & final.
Powered it up, no smoke. Radio throws a carrier and has forward swing under modulation.
My question: Any way to test the transformer to see if it's 100% GOOD still?
Is there a tolerance like a specified ohm measurement somewhere?
I'd like to see if any of the varnish melted completely between two windings and created a "semi-short" whereby changing the characteristics of the transformer but not failing completely, is there any way to test this?
Like I said the radio works, the part does not heat up, although I seem to be making a little less avg wattage, perhaps that's due me changing the driver and final. For some reason seeing a little of that magic smoke released has me worried, I'm hoping my fear is unfounded, but it seems the radio is making less power. Maybe it's Placebo effect?
