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The Coin Return => General Chit Chat => Topic started by: pinballdude on August 06, 2012, 07:31:55 am



Title: Need a transformer
Post by: pinballdude on August 06, 2012, 07:31:55 am
Sorry if this is in the wrong category...where do we put resto/repair posts that are not machine related?
Anyway, I'm looking for a transformer for a light up Coke sign. Takes a F14T12 bulb. Do hardware stores carry such?
One other thing. Anyone know what kind of nut holds the hands on a PAM style clock. I have one with the nut missing.
Thanks.


Title: Re: Need a transformer
Post by: Kilroy on August 06, 2012, 07:46:28 am
Not sure of the transformer, but the nuts you can get at Wayne's Neon clocks

http://www.waynesneonclocks.com/




Title: Re: Need a transformer
Post by: collecture on August 06, 2012, 10:24:11 am
Your local Ace Hardware should have a transformer.
At the very least, a local electric shop will have one that will work.


Title: Re: Need a transformer
Post by: pinballdude on August 06, 2012, 12:13:02 pm
Thanks for the help.
When I looked up BALLAST on ebay, it showed ones that are too long.
So I thought it looks like a transformer. So maybe I described it wrong.
Anyway, I'm convincing myself it is a ballast. Its just a little black box.
Will try my local True Value hardware later.
Tried new bulb and starter and that did not fix the problem. So
I took it apart and the smell sez burned out ballast!
Terry


Title: Re: Need a transformer
Post by: David D on August 06, 2012, 09:26:06 pm
I've bought them at Home Depot in the past.


Title: Re: Need a transformer
Post by: cola62 on August 08, 2012, 11:30:11 am
Try robertsondirect.com  they made most of the original ballasts that you find in the old clocks.  I buy all my replacment ballasts from them and their prices are fair.  I collect advertising clocks so I usually buy three or four at a time to have on hand.  Just be sure you know what type of bulb you are trying to light. (Linear or circular and wattage ect.)


Title: Re: Need a transformer
Post by: Ken R on August 10, 2012, 09:32:41 pm
Interesting you guys have been talking about these old ballasts.  I have a 1960s Pepsi sign that has three lights in it, two that run on a small transformer and the larger bulb requires the ballast.  The problem I have run into is that in order to keep it as original as possible, I would have to have the older ballast that requires the starter to be used for the bulb, whereas the new ballasts no longer have the starter in the circuit like the older ones did.  I have been unsuccessful in finding an older ballast for a single bulb.  I'll check out the site recommended to see what they have.  If you have any other recommendations, please let me know.  Thanks!!

Ken


Title: Re: Need a transformer
Post by: cola62 on August 13, 2012, 11:00:40 am
Yes, I always replace with a similar ballast to the original and replace the starter also usually an (FS-2). You should not have a problem finding an exact replacement.


Title: Re: Need a transformer
Post by: Ken R on August 13, 2012, 06:00:35 pm
If you know of a place to find one, please let me know!  :hopefull:


Title: Re: Need a transformer
Post by: cola62 on August 14, 2012, 01:15:26 pm
robertsondirect.com


Title: Re: Need a transformer
Post by: Ken R on August 14, 2012, 08:47:47 pm
Cool, thanks!  I'll give it a try!