zapper for sluggish action

[Norman Barrett]

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