B&K Precision Bench Power Supply Model1601 Missing transformer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: HandyRandy84
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 31, 2021, 09:59:12 am
content: I am wanting to restore my model 1601 B&K bench power supply but is missing the main transformer and dont know what to get because this is discontinued. I attached the manual with diagrams and was hoping someone could help me out .

author: t1d
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2021, 11:43:34 am
content: Hi, Randy,I see this is your first post. Welcome to the forum!Getting the manual was a good start, because it does include the schematic, on page 15.Let's see if you can give us some more information, so we will know how to proceed...- What electronics knowledge, skills and experience do you have?- What electronics test and repair equipment do you own, or can you get access to?- Your age and economic resources.Please be detailed and specific. For example, if you own a multimeter, what brand and model is it? Or, maybe you know about wiring a house, but not repairing electronics. Do you know when to and how to discharge capacitors? Can you read a schematic? Are you a youth that is just getting started?Why do we need to know such things? Because, it will clue us in on how to direct you to success.The schematic is hard to read. Please print it out and see if you can get more details about what is written on the transformer. Additionally, please take lots of photos of the inside of the case and post them, here.Here are some of my first thoughts...Not to be negative, but, if the transformer has been removed, it might be one of two things... The transformer was bad, itself. Or, there was something else wrong with the circuit that made it unprofitable to repair the power supply and the transformer was salvaged for other uses.In either regard, finding the exact transformer is going to be difficult, but there may be other solutions. Once we have identified the model number for the transformer, or its characteristics, you can start by looking for it here, in the items for sale, and on Ebay. But, even if you find the transformer, there may be other things that make it impractical to restore the unit.If printing the schematic does not give the needed transformer details...- The manual might include a parts list that will give you the model number of the transformer. Maybe even some of its voltages, too.- The schematic lists the wire colors coming off of the transformer. You may be able to match those colors to any wire stubs remaining on the PCB board and follow the traces out to the test points. The test points may have the voltages printed next to them. You might be able to find the start of the traces by the alphabetic letters listed on the drawing.I am glad you are interesting in saving the unit. Linear power supplies are becoming less available. They have their particular uses and are a great addition to your electronics bench.We look forward to helping you.

author: t1d
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2021, 11:51:27 am
content: Randy,Look at page 16 of the manual. Right hand column, under Miscellaneous... The first three items listed have to do with the transformer. I am not exactly sure what I think the descriptions mean, but it is a start.Grab those numbers and google "B&K Precision" and the part numbers, one at a time. Let us know what you find.