ISOLATION TRANSFORMER?

[merlin2049er]

Hi,

just wondering if anyone is using an isolation transformer in front of their ST35 amp?

I need to get a power strip or something in front of my amp & equipment.
(oh, and a new pair of speakers, lol).

[TomMcNally]

Why would you need an isolation transformer ? Those are only needed when something is "hot chassis" for safety when servicing it. A "hot chassis" device has one side of the power cord connected right to the chassis. The ST-35 has an isolated power transformer ... the power line doesn't make contact with the chassis at all.

[merlin2049er]

ok, what I meant was something more like this;

http://www.transcendentsound.com/power_supply.htm

[TomMcNally]

Same thing ... it wouldn't benefit an ST-35, or any transformer powered device. The ST-35 has a balanced power input to begin with.

Can you describe the problem you are having ?

... tom

[merlin2049er]

I don't have a problem. I just need a power strip for my audio system, that's all.

[erichayes]

Go to your local Ace or True Value, and get a power strip for six bucks. Stuff flike the Transcendent fall into the Monster Cable, gold clad connector, unidirectional interconnect cable snake oil category. Save your money.

[sorenj07]

Speaking of gold clad connectors, is it worth it to get silver plated ones? I think it's a better conductor but I'd worry about it tarnishing.

[TomMcNally]

I'd stay away from silver ... I have transmitter sites right on the ocean, and within a few miles - and I've had a few instances of stations going off the air due to silver connectors oxidizing, and they were fairly new. Silver turns black and the black stuff is an insulator.

[erichayes]

That's weird, Tom. I live a mile from the Pacific Ocean, and I don't have any problem with silver clad connectors. I wonder if it could be a combinatiin of salt air and high power RF fields?

Good Science Fair project.

[TomMcNally]

Eric -

The center pins on "N" connectors turns black and loses the connection. This has happened on receive circuits a few times, not transmit. I assume since there is no current flowing, it's more apt to happen. Kind of like connectors on phono cartridges. The silver shells of "N" and "BNC" connectors turn black immediately also.

Maybe it's an East Coast thing ?

[EWBrown]

Sounds like you need some of that "Coax seal" (some sort of black rubberized putty) stuff to put over the connectors, it pretty effectively weatherproofs the connectors and remains pliable enough so it can be removed if it becomes necessary to service / change the connectors at a later time. I've had that stuff on connectors for over ten years and definitely helped keep the "weather" out.

/ed B

[TomMcNally]

This is inside climate controlled buildings. We do use the "coax seal" stuff outside, our tower guys call it "taffy"

[EWBrown]

I've heard it referred to as "rubber ducky sh!t" as well... Yellow_Light_Colorz_PDT_04 :o Yellow_Light_Colorz_PDT_09 Yellow_Light_Colorz_PDT_05

/ed B

[erichayes]

"Monkeyshit" on the Left Coast.

[EWBrown]

Then there is the white silicone heatsink "grease" which we used to refer to as "monkey cream" (hint: I slightly cleaned up the terminology, after all, this is a "family" forum)... Addams Family, or Manson Family, perhaps Yellow_Light_Colorz_PDT_08

Or for those in certain parts of the northeast, "monkey spooge",,, Yellow_Light_Colorz_PDT_04 :o Wicked pissah.....

/ed B