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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: prevostart on March 10, 2011, 08:36:13 pm

Title: How does this work?
Post by: prevostart on March 10, 2011, 08:36:13 pm
When we bought the coach last year I found this in one of the compartments, I called the company and the said that was an older unit and they were the new owners of the company,
 and they didn't know anything about that unit. They said that they would sell me a newer model for the tune of I think $ 500 Bucks. Does anyone know much about this unit, What it does and how does it work?  Just because it's older does that mean it doesn't work well.  I know it is some kind of transformer that regulates the power. 
                                Thanks    Art
Title: Re: How does this work?
Post by: Michelle on March 10, 2011, 08:41:53 pm
Quote from: prevostart –
When we bought the coach last year I found this in one of the compartments, I called the company and the said that was an older unit and they were the new owners of the company,
 and they didn't know anything about that unit. They said that they would sell me a newer model for the tune of I think $ 500 Bucks. Does anyone know much about this unit, What it does and how does it work?  Just because it's older does that mean it doesn't work well.  I know it is some kind of transformer that regulates the power. 
                                Thanks    Art

Art,

The current incarnation is the Hughes Autoformer.

Here's a good explanation:

Autoformer transformer by AEI (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=11671.msg59046#msg59046)

Michelle
Title: Re: How does this work?
Post by: John S on March 10, 2011, 09:16:27 pm
I have one of what you have. I love it. If the power is less than 118 volts it will boost it 10 percent if it is over 119 it lets it pass through unboosted.  It really works. We were at a rally and the power was weak with all the coaches there. I had 126/126 others were disconnecting from power to run their generators.  It was unbelievably hot that day too.  I will say you trade amps for volts but it is nice to have.
Title: Re: How does this work?
Post by: Barry & Cindy on March 11, 2011, 12:18:29 am
Steve & Michelle linked an earlier message that explained how the boost transformer works.

Only that link was to a special message from Ed Schreindorfer who is missed by all who knew him.
This shows how good work lives beyond the grave.
Title: Re: How does this work?
Post by: John S on March 11, 2011, 07:12:21 am
I bought my Hughes Autoformer from Ed when he had on hardwired into his new coach. I thought about that very thing when I saw this post.
Title: Re: How does this work?
Post by: prevostart on March 12, 2011, 12:19:38 pm
I have been reading about the pedestal test box on one of the post (page2) I'm a firm believer in test devices. A couple of day ago I posted about the Hughes Autoformers , I read that when you plug it in, it tells you if the park is wired right ,(ground/Polarity). I took some pictures of some testing devices already in the coach, With the Hughes Autoformers and the other things in the coach do I need a Test Box? And if I do what does the test box do more of ?  I was wondering about the Hughes Autoformers it has a 50amp plug on it , can I use my 30amp adapter on it ? In the coach it tells Volts & Polarity & some other things and next to the TV above it tells AMPs.  I have always been a dry camper, I don't have much experience with plugging in.
                                    Thanks ! I love information.  Thanks again  Art
Title: Re: How does this work?
Post by: John S on March 12, 2011, 07:42:26 pm
Yes you an use it with a 30 amp adapter.  I would also say you should also carry a tester. I use a 50 amp down to 30 down 20 amp and plugged in the tester that way.  It told me everything was working right.  I also know that the autoformer can test the power too.  I put it in the compartment and plug it is there and run and extension cord to the plug in. 
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