Recent content by kb0nes

THD is likely the single least important measurement made on an audio amp. But it was easy to measure and a great sales tool, lower is always better. It’s like the megapixel count in digital cameras, once it’s good enough, more is just sales fodder. While obsessing about amp THD it’s wise to...

Both are largely just marketing companies today where the name is worth more than anything else. Really seems like these companies were made for one another. McIntosh jumped the price/performance value shark decades ago and they rely on their name and big blue meters to fleece HiFi buyers out...

The GFCI is almost certainly the issue. A permanently installed grounded appliance should never be on a GFCI although unfortunately code may (misguidedly) require it. Odds are there is a tiny amount of insulation leakage, probably in the element, that is tripping the GFCI. I'd bet the range...

Seems like an odd problem being that the breaker is slow to trip. If something was shorted the trip would be instantaneous. Also odd that other surface elements seem to not trip the breaker. There really aren't too many things that can fail in the appliance that cause an increase in current draw...

I wasn't here when the unit was put into service initially. Only thing I have ever checked is measuring the ripple voltage on the supply rails about 15 years ago. Honestly at this point if it blows up it will go to the recycling. It is a bit silly to not be running a more efficient Class D amp...

Most modern electronics that are in good condition and operated as intended can simply run and run. In some cases continuous running will actually extend life over power cycling as startups can be stressful. Of course with many products that tend to have low duty cycles, it makes little sense to...

Excellent work Robert! You have got the process down and the parts turned out great. Bonus points for the great photos and video!

Well if it removes the use of the Polyvinyl Alcohol that may be worthwhile. The general public does seem to like their pre-dosed products. It would be nice if the packaging of those products didn't cause environmental issues

Did you call the company that you purchased the machine from? I think they would be the first call vs calling the manufacturer. A big advantage with Speed Queen machines is they are generally sold by independent servicing dealers vs a big box store where you are on your own. An issue like this...

This sure strikes me as a solution looking for a problem. Really in the grand scheme of things how many homes aren't wired for 240v AC service?? Yes one may have to run a new line to the kitchen and that will cost money, but I'd wager less than the additional costs of putting a big battery in...

Living in Minnesota where winter driving is usually 40% of the year I will state that AWD drive doesn't excuse the use of unsuitable tires. M&S rated tires do have the tread to deal with snow, but they lack a suitable rubber compound to be effective below 40 deg F. Tire manufacturers compete...

Holy Smokes!! Such a wonderful story, a simply amazing restoration and a fabulous post to share it all. Kudos to both Ben and John E for sharing the story and journey of this machine. I will reach out to John as I would like to sometime capture high resolution audio from a cycle to accompany a...

LiFePO4 batteries have the big advantage of safety compared to other Lithium chemistries. They won't overheat or catch fire if you puncture them. That they are available in common voltage configurations in a fully managed package makes them ideal of home or portable power storage. I can no...

LiFePO4 You absolutely need to change over to LiFePO4 batteries from lead-acid. I have used Gel/AGM lead acid batteries for portable power for years and my experience is that they are OK for a short while but they have lots of shortcomings. So two years ago I opened my wallet WIDE and bought...