[BC] 3 phase to single phase conversion

[Dan Dickey]

> I would *strongly* recommend modifying the transmitter over obtaining a 
> phase
> converter! Your electric bill will increase substantially by having to run
> that thing. It is a motor and generator in one housing. Big, heavy, and 
> often
> noisy. There are bearings and brushes that will wear out and require
> maintenance/replacement on a regular basis. (Remember: this thing is going 
> to be running
> 24/7.)

Actually a 3-phase rotary converter is not a motor+generator. A rotary phase 
converter is basically a 3-phase motor that can start itself on single phase 
by proper arrangement of the starting capacitors. It regenerates the 3rd 
phase through the rotation of the armature through the stator. In all units 
I have seen there are no brushes. The bearings will generally last many 
years and there is no periodic maintenance recommended so far as I know on 
most commercially available models. The bearings see little wear. That's 
because there isn't anything attached to the shaft to put a load on the 
bearing.

The biggest thing to worry about is properly sizing the phase conveter to 
the load. The phase converter suppliers are happy to help with this.

Best regards,
Dan