Model creation - comments for different fields

To help creators of models how to fill in different fields which are not clear without instruction, we state some rules here.
For thousands of members who upload and about 30 admins who control (two of them), some quality is only possible with some rules.
 

Field: Voltage
(careful, the word Volt is automatically added, last must be a number)

We have a selection box for the type of power supply (s) and an entry field.  In combination with one another, they can hold accurate information.  It gives us many ways to describe the power supply (s).

Gradually we have expanded the entry field.  I've expanded it now from 48 to 100 characters. The Reason: For the United States (and elsewhere), we should be able to distinguish the frequencies. Also, one can enter longer descriptions, such as “Storage Battery”.  For models in non-German speaking countries, we prefer the description in English!  Using the appropriate language of the market-state is also possible.

Principle:  We do not need to update the existing models. At the end there is automatically the expression “volt”. Blank space between expressions!

1.      Easy entry. No sign: Examples: 115 or when known (eg diagram) 115 = 105 to 125
      (instead of today's 105 - 125)

Frequencies: specify if possible as 25 to 60 cycles (highest frequency is always 60, since only the lower frequency is the limiting factor (lower frequencies require a larger transformer).  Example 25 to 60 or 50 to 60 cycles 115   Exception:  When there are different model numbers for the models with different transformers, then separate models should be used with the single frequency range.

Several transformers are possible: either transformer 110 or 220 Example: Either transformer: 25 to 60 cycles 110 volt or 50 to 60 cycles 110 volt or 50 cycles 220 (89 characters).

 

2.      Use of the dash - and semicolon ; characters

-Dash – Describes the voltage range. New Method = to. For example: 110 - 240, better 110 to 240

; Semicolon indicates several possible settings for a single voltage source.  For example: 110; 145; 200; 240. With transformers with multiple taps, state the number of taps.  For example: 110 to 240 - or if known: > 2 taps: 110 to 240, better  4 taps: 110, 145, 200, 240

Variation:  Some manufacturers (eg Philips) have transformers with tap ranges that join seamlessly together. For example: 5 taps: 100 to 130, 130 to 160, 160 to 190, 190 to 220, 220 to 250

3.       Use of the &. 

This means requires several voltages to operate:  For example 2 & 90 (or if known: 2 & 2 x 45)

If possible, take into account the bias cell, eg 1.5   If possible, specify the composition of power sources, eg 2 x 4.5 or 6 x AA 1.5

3 Examples for 9 volt: 1 x 9 / 2 x 4.5 / 6 x AAA 1.5

The codes to use for the battery type: A, AA, AAA, C, D, lantern (= 6 V with spring top).

See also Wikipedia.

4.      Use of the slash /.

This means other power supply options. This is clearly not for beginners, so we prefer to use either 2 & 90 or AC 110.  For example: Either 1.5 & 2 x 45 or AC 105 to 125 or DC 105 to 125

Adapters: or external DC

Example: Either external DC or 6 x AA 1.5

 

5.      The word “Volt” follows automatically, therefore the last information entered should be a number
      and there should not be a dot at the end.

 

Here is a table that summarizes the new methods with examples:

This is the result of a personal discussion with John Kusching, USA, when visiting me in Switzerland. He is one of the most active members at Radiomuseum.org and had then created more than 1500 new models.

To thank the Author because you find the post helpful or well done.

Exceptions and details:

It is good to always give details and reasons - too much is here better than too few - or even wrong!

Single Voltage: If the from-to voltage is known, we add it too - like 50-60 Hz, 115 = 105 to 125.
Multiple Voltages (Transformer tab settings): Specially in Europe an AC model normally uses a transformer with different possible input voltages like 110 - 250 volt. If known we give the different voltages:
110-250 = 6 taps: 110, 125, 150, 200, 225 or 250. In Canada etc. you would put the cycles in front if it is also for 50 Hz (50-60 Hz).

Some manufacturers would use single voltages - also on schematics but in fact the set was made to operate within a range of voltages - for example from 110 to 117 or 120 volts within specification. But even then the set can be run on 105 volts or 125 volts, but is not anymore within specification: Parts may suffer ...

Where known, for instance by SAMS schematics, we state the given voltage and voltage range. In times where there are many proposals pending we should refrain changing such single items or giving multiple voltages when there is a range which in fact does not matter! 

Added March27, 2017 by EE:
If we find a different single voltage on the chassis than on the schematic, we do it like this:
50/60 Hz, label 115, schematic 117 = 105-125

as you see it on the model General Electric Phono-Mic Preamplifier UPX-003B.

To thank the Author because you find the post helpful or well done.

Or member Thomas Albrecht (Dr., physicist) wrote this in an eMail:

"One thing which I will add is that the difference between "today's higher line voltage" and the voltage ranges seen in the early days is not as significant as often discussed.  There have been many enlightening discussions on ARF on this topic, with Alan Douglas (before he passed away) often pointing out that there were big regional differences in AC voltage within the US in the 1920s and 30s, with the top end of the range generally being 125 volts.  When a range was specified, it usually went up to 120 or 125 volts.  

To thank the Author because you find the post helpful or well done.