DEC Scrounging & SWTPC 6800 Update

From: William Donzelli <william_at_ans.net>
Date: Thu Sep 4 17:07:36 1997

> > I believe the spec for the RA-80 spinup surge current is 40 Amps. While
> > running, it's probably about 7 amps.
> >
> I didn't have ALOT of time to look the machine over but I did look in the
> back of the cabinet containing the TU80 and the RA80 and saw a sticker
> that said "30 amps" which I ASSUMED referred to the RA80.

Generally, you should not have to worry too much about surge currents for
AC motors (DC motors, on the other hand, are another story). The surge
lasts for a fraction of a second, and properly done wiring with breakers
or slow-blow fuses can handle the extra current. The heating effect on the
wires is very minor.

> One other obstacle is that it all has the funky twisty safety
> plugs on the AC cords but it's configured for 125 v etc so I'll replace
> the plugs, like I did on my 34, with high quality normal ones.

Why not just install a normal Twist-Loc? They can be expensive, but I
have had decent luck finding them at hamfests for pocket change.

One note: many Twist-Locs are isolated ground types (look for a little
triangle), so be sure to provide a suitable ground wire - the socket does
not provide the connection.

William Donzelli
william_at_ans.net
Received on Thu Sep 04 1997 - 17:07:36 BST