AC to AC/DC buzzbox welder conversion - any of these parts suitable?(pix)

[dave]

I've dismantled what looks to me like a huge (probably 1987 vintage)
standby UPS (uninteruptable power supply). looks like it contains a nice
big rectifier bridge (with four diodes and 2 'unknown' black things on
it). also on the same unit are two small mini-circuit boards, which
serve 'function unknown'. anybody with ANY clues whatsoEVER welcome to
respond becasue I'm in a 'zero visibilty fogbank' here....

here it IS:

http://members.cox.net/dave_c/bridge_rectifier_etc/

also found within same unit a huge transformer, which might become
(after being partially unwound then part REwound) the core transformer
of a 'homebrewed' welding high frequency converter ('later' .
comments appreciated as to wether or not some/any, or none of these
parts could be suitable for purposes intended (mainly the AC to AC/DC
miller thunderbolt220 volt buzzbox conversion purpose), and, if that's
'totally unknown without their specs', what test procedures I could
follow to determine wether or not these parts are
a. in fact still 'good', and/or
b. how their specific capacities,'specs', or ratings can be determined?
(when not found on net)

<please no "just buy a new or used one" replies> after circuit design
etc I intend to house the AC/DC "adapter" in a seperate (probably old
computer) case.

I'm not even sure IF (one of the components pictured) *IS* a bridge
rectifier, jus' for starters :-/

thanks for educating me

box

ps-some of the threads below gave me this hairbrained idea ;-).

http://groups-beta.google.com/group...ds?gvc=2&&_doneTitle=Back&&d#5a2a632e04b91bad
thread: change your AC welder to AC/DC- *how*

http://www.tigdepot.com/products/p35TD-BBTF.htm
Mr Tig-conversion ideas for buzzbox to AC/DC/TIG box....

http://groups-beta.google.com/group...r=recent&&_doneTitle=Back&&d#60dc5125b81d34d7
another thread on AC/DC diodes/chokes and bridges

http://groups-beta.google.com/group..._doneTitle=Back+to+Search&&d#a08e15305e67266e
using SCR to change AC to AC/DC welders...maybe

http://groups-beta.google.com/group..._doneTitle=Back+to+Search&&d#c3c78c25a7372c9b
or maybe use 150 amp diodes in the bridge

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Welding_Projects/message/2927
guy built a BULLETPROOOF bridge rectifier....

and some of the "high frequency unit - build it yourself idea" threads:

http://groups-beta.google.com/group..._doneTitle=Back+to+Search&&d#c71e726748458399
thread re hi frequency DIY

http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Hangar/6160/welder/arcstarter/hf.html
Welding Arc Stabilizer-homemade DIY high-frequency
ADAPTER++++++++++++++++++++++++++

http://www.hotrodders.com/t43272.html
TIG "arc starters"-thread

http://www.electronics-list.com/Top...tage_Generators_Tesla_Coils_Construction.html
tersla coil-Construction, Best Links (tesla coil primary circuits and
"high frequency adapter welder" boxes are VERY similar, components-wise,
according to some threads)

http://www.electrophile.8m.com/bargsors.htm
The Basement-obtaining tesla parts VERY CHEAPLY-how

 

[Tim Williams]

I've dismantled what looks to me like a huge (probably 1987 vintage)
standby UPS (uninteruptable power supply). looks like it contains a nice
big rectifier bridge (with four diodes and 2 'unknown' black things on
it).

The "button" things are TO-3 cased transistors or diodes. Most likely
transistors.

also on the same unit are two small mini-circuit boards, which
serve 'function unknown'.

I don't know what the boards do, but I know I want them >

also found within same unit a huge transformer, which might become
(after being partially unwound then part REwound) the core transformer
of a 'homebrewed' welding high frequency converter ('later' .

The wire looks pretty comparable to what I'd expect a transformer that size
to use for 120 or 240V operation... so you might be able to use it as-is.

b. how their specific capacities,'specs', or ratings can be determined?
(when not found on net)

Depending on how much efficiency (dissipated power, temp rise) you can
tolerate in your transformer, it might be worth a few kVA. Just a photo,
but looks like the core (laminated iron) is at least three or four inches
thick (stack), by about as thick in the center limb (the width where the
wire is wrapped around).
The wire seems to be anything from #8 to #12 AWG on the secondary, with
heavier stuff on the primary. (I'm assuming it was used as an inverter, so
the lower voltage higher current winding is primary.)

I'm not even sure IF (one of the components pictured) *IS* a bridge
rectifier, jus' for starters :-/

Tere's gotta be a diode somewhere in there, for charging the batteries.

Tim

 

[Ignoramus28403]

I've dismantled what looks to me like a huge (probably 1987 vintage)
standby UPS (uninteruptable power supply). looks like it contains a nice
big rectifier bridge (with four diodes and 2 'unknown' black things on
it). also on the same unit are two small mini-circuit boards, which
serve 'function unknown'. anybody with ANY clues whatsoEVER welcome to
respond becasue I'm in a 'zero visibilty fogbank' here....

here it IS:

http://members.cox.net/dave_c/bridge_rectifier_etc/

Can you make some larger scale photos of the entire unit?

I recently demolished a huge UPS also, and took out 8 very large high
voltage capacitors, and sold that on ebay for about $75 net.

also found within same unit a huge transformer, which might become
(after being partially unwound then part REwound) the core transformer
of a 'homebrewed' welding high frequency converter ('later' .

I have one also, please take it from me if you want to.

comments appreciated as to wether or not some/any, or none of these
parts could be suitable for purposes intended (mainly the AC to AC/DC
miller thunderbolt220 volt buzzbox conversion purpose), and, if that's
'totally unknown without their specs', what test procedures I could
follow to determine wether or not these parts are
a. in fact still 'good', and/or
b. how their specific capacities,'specs', or ratings can be determined?
(when not found on net)

I concluded that it was not really worth the time to make a welder out
of this.

I'm not even sure IF (one of the components pictured) *IS* a bridge
rectifier, jus' for starters :-/

thanks for educating me

box

ps-some of the threads below gave me this hairbrained idea ;-).

http://groups-beta.google.com/group...ds?gvc=2&&_doneTitle=Back&&d#5a2a632e04b91bad

I did not see a bridge rectifier on any of your pictures, but it
probably is in the UPS. It may be controlled (turned on and off)by
some little wires, so, you may need some figuring out.

By the way, I have a 100A 600V 1-3 phase rectifier, that I will list
on ebay soon.

i

 

[Ignoramus28403]

By the way, look for a large heatsink. Your rectifier is likely to be
on it.

i

Can you make some larger scale photos of the entire unit?

I recently demolished a huge UPS also, and took out 8 very large high
voltage capacitors, and sold that on ebay for about $75 net.


I have one also, please take it from me if you want to.


I concluded that it was not really worth the time to make a welder out
of this.


I did not see a bridge rectifier on any of your pictures, but it
probably is in the UPS. It may be controlled (turned on and off)by
some little wires, so, you may need some figuring out.

By the way, I have a 100A 600V 1-3 phase rectifier, that I will list
on ebay soon.

i

--

 

[Dave August]

Dave,

To answer a few of your questions,

Yes the 'Silver thingie' and the 'blue thingie' are both medium sized caps.

No those are not rectifiers they are NPN Darlington transistors. I googled
the part number "PTC10021" which is printed on them and got several good
hits
go here for full specs...
http://www.americanmicrosemi.com/products/specs/PTC10021.phtml
FYI googeling part numbers is a good way to get info, you just have to wade
through places that want to charge for spec sheets.
The black 'thingies' next to them are heat sensors.

It looks like the only rectifiers are the ones on the mini circuit boards,
you are right the round things is a cap, and the long dark thing is a
resistor, but the other the long yellow thing is another cap... if you can
read the part number on the rectifiers you can probably google up their
rating but they look kinda wimpy to me.

I'd say there isn't much for you to use here.

Please take this the right way, I don't mean to flame you, but if you don't
know parts like this by sight I'd be worried about you trying to build
anything as highpower as a welder...

Dave August

 

[Watson A.Name - \Watt Sun, the Dark Remover\]

[snip]

thanks for educating me

box

ps-some of the threads below gave me this hairbrained idea ;-).

BTW, it's harebrained.

 

[carl mciver]

in message |
| | [snip]
|
| > thanks for educating me
| >
| > box
| >
| > ps-some of the threads below gave me this hairbrained idea ;-).
|
| BTW, it's harebrained.

Are you sure? The meds I've been taking lately...... Definitely fuzzy
in there!

 

[[email protected]]

dave wrote:
<snipped>
There is no bridge rectifier visible. Nice caps - you'll find
the specs written on the side.

I'm puzzled as to how you're going to build the thing.
Can you follow the threads you cited to put the thing
together?

Ed