Re: [VACList] Univolt

[Jim Dunmyer <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bob,
  The old UniVolts weighed near 30#, I think. Seems like 150# when 
you're trying to wrestle it out of some of the cubbyholes that A/S 
installed them in. (like in our '68 G.T.)

Now, you should be aware that A/S used a number of different 
converter/chargers that they branded "UniVolt". The one that came in our 
'68 didn't hum to amount to anything, just like yours. It had a 
transformer and a PCB with a Triac or SCR inside. The circuit board had 
several electronic components (transistors, etc.) that controlled the 
Triac/SCR. When that one crapped out, sending over 16 volts to the 
battery (you could HEAR it 'cooking'!), I replaced it with a newer one 
that my buddy gave me. It was totally different inside, with a 
transformer, 3 big capacitors, and a pair of diodes. I repaired it by 
soldering a wire onto the capacitors where the connection had come 
un-done, and it worked for nearly a full season. Humming like hell; I 
hated the thing. I tried to convince my wife that it was part of "the 
Airstream mystique", but she didn't buy it. It also crapped out, so I 
replaced it with the converter that was in the Avion when I bought it.

  The Avion got the StatPower converter/charger that I had bought for 
the A/S. IT got nearly no use at all during the summer, as I had 
installed solar panels right from the git-go. It failed about 3 weeks 
into a Winter trip, so I replaced it with the Inteli-Power that's still 
there.

Glad to hear that yours is still working.

                                 <<Jim>>