Hi Norm, You are right, two amps is sufficient. The higher the current the quicker it works. Too high current could certainly char the bird's eye in a short time. A two amp would be better for beginners although I suppose it could burn out the transformer easier if overloaded too long. I was going to check Radio Shack today; I'm glad to hear that they have transformers of that sort. Thanks for the info. Bud At 01:10 AM 11/29/00 -0600, you wrote: >Hi Bud and all, > >The biggest objection I have seen to the use of a "zapper" is charred >birdseyes. >The zappers that I have seen are as you have stated filament transformers and >in my opinion are much too large for the job. >My zapper uses a 12 volt transformer from Radio Shack rated at 2 amps. This >is enough to heat the center pin and free it up. Obviously this would >damage the >transformer if it was held on too long but you do not need to do that. A >second >or two is all that is needed. > >Norm Barrett >Memphis Chapter P.T.G. > > >Bud Schwab wrote: > > > Hi Susan, > > > > I got an inquiry from Dan Hallett today and I am sending along the answer I > > sent to him. I'll contact you guys tomorrow when I find out a few things > > as to availability of parts. I guess I don't have your email address so I > > can just send it to the list. > > > > Hi Dan, > > > > The basic part of the zapper is a transformer that delivers a low voltage > > at a fairly high current. I used to use what's called a filament > > transformer that was used in radios when they had tubes. I am going to > > Radio Shack tomorrow and I'll find out what is available for that purpose, > > or there are radio supply stores here in the Los Angeles area. You just > > run two wires from the two low voltage side of the transformer and put some > > type of metal strip at the end to contact the centerpin. I will write > > again in a day or so when I find out where you can get the material and let > > you know. I hope that's clear enough. I never saw any of Mehaffey's > > zappers so I don't know how they looked, but you can get a box to mount the > > transformer with a jack to plug the wires in. There are many physical > > possibillities as to how it could be constructed. Please let me know if > > you have further questions. > > > > Bud Bud Schwab W 6 Z Y P Malibu, california
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