[Amps] Amps Digest, Vol 121, Issue 15

[LB3HC]

On 14.01.2013 18:00, amps-request at contesting.com wrote:
> Message: 8
> Date: Sun, 13 Jan 2013 08:07:26 -0800
> From: "k7fm" <k7fm at teleport.com>
> Cc: "Amps reflector" <amps at contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: [Amps] Hi-Pot Tester for sale
> Message-ID: <86EF0B095B9445958DABAE102263EABF at COLIN>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> 	reply-type=original
>
> I see that the Tektnonix museum in Portland (Vintagetek) has a Hi-Pot tester 
> for sale for $100.
>
> If interested, the website is 
> http://vintagetek.org/zencart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12_10&products_id=342
>
> I am not connected with the operation.
>
> 73,  Colin  K7FM 
Hi Colin. Thanks for posting.

I took a look at that Hi-Pot tester. That unit is not suitable for testing vacuum capacitors nor most high power vacuum tubes according to my view. The reason is that the output voltage looks like it only goes to 3KV. It looks like it has been made to check power supply inputs for overvoltage tolerance.

I would suggest building your own Hi.Pot tester instead.

I have posted information on my website that can inspire people that wants to build their own. My homemade Hi-Pot tester goes to approx 16 KV DC and can measure current up to 100uA. It is fully isolated and cost less than 100 USD to build (I had the variac already):

Images of the build process: http://www.lb3hc.net/hipot
Equivalent schematic is posted here: http://www.lb3hc.net/archives/1142
Some example of practical use on a YC-179 here: http://www.lb3hc.net/archives/1116
Some other HV stuff (crowbar): http://www.lb3hc.net/archives/1171

Disclaimer: if you attempt to undertake a project like this, be sure you know what you are doing. High voltage can be lethal.

73
LB3HC