I just noticed my Galaxy has two transformers.  From the manual cab diagrams, it looks like it should just have one.  

So.... why would another one be there?  I'm guessing that it helps regulate voltage when the original transformer gets a little wonky?

Any insight would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Daniel

Is it an isolation transformer?

Gottlieb System 1's have 2 transformers for different voltages.

It's likely an Ontario Hydro isolation transformer.

Is the factory power cord plugged into the 2nd transformer? If so, unplug the factory plug, remove the transformer, pitch it in the river and plug the machine in using the original cord.

Post a photo, if you'd like.

Quoted from cooke

It's likely an Ontario Hydro isolation transformer.

Is the factory power cord plugged into the 2nd transformer? If so, unplug the factory plug, remove the transformer, pitch it in the river and plug the machine in using the original cord.

Post a photo, if you'd like.

It definitely is an Ontario Hydro transformer, with the power cord plugged in and another power cord coming out to be plugged into the wall.

So what's the purpose of it?  It hums a little bit when it's plugged in but switched off, and it's a little warm to touch even when the machine's off.
Daniel

Quoted from McMean

So what's the purpose of it?  It hums a little bit when it's plugged in but switched off, and it's a little warm to touch even when the machine's off.

Socialist tax grab?  Ontario is the only place that did this (that I know of).  Even Clay makes fun of it on one of this TOP tapes when he was restoring a game that came from Ontario.

Like cooke said... take it out and discard it.

The transformer is 'on' all the time because it's installed 'pre-power switch'.

Quoted from Sylvain from THIS thread:

Quoted Text

To protect the players and users against accidental electrocution, when:
- an electrical fault would be present in the game, and
- when the ground prong is cut or not used on the AC supply.

By adding an additional hydro isolation transformer in pinball machines at the time,
it removes the above electrocution risk (from the outside metal parts of the machine),
even if no ground prong is there on the AC plug.


Taken from Wikipedia, under 'Isolation transformer':
'isolation transformer is a 1:1 power transformer which is used as a safety precaution.
Since the neutral wire of an outlet is directly connected to ground, grounded objects
near the device under test (desk, lamp, concrete floor, oscilloscope ground lead, etc.)
may be at a hazardous potential difference with respect to that device.
By using an isolation transformer, the bonding is eliminated, and the shock hazard
is entirely contained within the device.'


Cheers,
- Sylvain.

If the ground prong is intact on the power cord, The isolation transformer is thoroughly unnecessary.

See this older post re: why was there an additional Hydro transformer added in pinball games in Ontario:

http://archive.maaca.org/s107351202.onlinehome.us/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?m-1217340502/s-20/highlight-transformer/#num20

If you want to remove it, you will have to make sure that the ground circuit is fine from the ground prong
to the line filter to the ground braids, coin door, etc. inside the machine.

I typically do not remove it in the machines I shop - machines work fine with it.

But this additional Hydro Ontario isolation transformer is always powered-up - even with the machine off.
You have to unplug the machine, or connect it to a power bar to turn-off completely the power to the machine.

Update: Thanks Cooke, you beat me to it

Cheers,
- Sylvain.

With some games (improperly grounded Japanese slots in particular) I've had, you can actually feel the electricity from voltage leaks on the front panel without getting an actual shock (unless of course you're standing barefoot in a pool of water)...not a good thing.

Generally if I am reselling a machine I leave or put in a spare isolation transformer.  For myself, if I am hauling it anywhere I take it out, and since I always inspect or change the power cord, and have properly grounded receptacles.  The isolation transformer, since it is in the circuit BEFORE the on/off switch, is always pulling some power, just like those wall warts for every damned thing.  Now Hydro is trying to convince everyone to plug those into power bars with automatic timers.  

Although too heavy to ship, I could use a couple additional isolation transformers if anyone has spares.

They are useful for electronics experimenters, particularly tube radio builders who like to test their circuits with some additional safety.

Also, some audio people also like them, with some additional line cleaning components, for isolating interference being transmitted along with the line power.  

Thanks for all the info, everyone.  I did do a search for Ontario Hydro, and came up with nothing before I posted (considering this topic came up on Aug 28 of this year).  I must have misspelled something, as I checked again and sure enough, it comes up.

Websherpa, you're more than welcome to mine. I get out your way once in a blue moon, or as they say in Hamilton, a visible moon.  

Daniel

Thanks Daniel, I can likely get some locally, so don't store it if you need the space!

"a visible moon"

Luckily we live in Waterdown which is on the North Escarpment, always well above the smog and stench that settles in the lake area.  We were forced by the Harris government to amalgamated with Hamilton against our wishes and a plebicite, to no avail. This year they raised our property taxes by 10% -  I'm an advocate for the "Free Flamborough" movement.