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Components and Circuits For discussions about component types, alternatives and availability, circuit configurations and modifications etc. Discussions here should be of a general nature and not about specific sets.

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Old 24th May 2017, 3:39 pm   #1
greg_simons
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Default R F Gilson transformers.

Hi folks.

An old friend and works colleague has donated his homemade amplifier to me, he built it in the late fifties or early sixties, it's based on the Mullard ECL86 ten watt circuit design and uses transformers made by R F Gilson of Wimbledon, I can't find out much about this company, were they just a small time outfit making cheap stuff or what? Any info would be appreciated.

Greg.
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Old 24th May 2017, 4:08 pm   #2
John Caswell
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Default Re: rf gilson transformers

RF Gilson,
Made a range of excellent transformers and were one of the manufacturers recommended by Mullard for their amplifiers. I am pretty sure that they also made txs for Radiospares when they listed transformers as part of their catalogue. Disappeared into the mists of time now, regrettably like so many others.

John
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Old 24th May 2017, 6:04 pm   #3
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Default Re: rf gilson transformers

Hi John.

Yes. That's all I could find out, they seem to have been one of a great many firms who jumped on the emergent Hi-Fi craze about that time and just as rapidly disappeared.

Interestingly this example has only ever had one channel working as the guy never could afford valves for a stereo pair.

Greg.
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Old 26th May 2017, 8:46 am   #4
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Default Re: R F Gilson transformers.

John Howes from Howes Acoustics gave me the linked Gilson datasheet for a Williamson output transformer. He may have additional Gilson details.

http://dalmura.com.au/projects/Gilson%20WO1796.pdf
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Old 26th May 2017, 11:03 am   #5
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Default Re: R F Gilson transformers.

RF Gilson were mentioned in the plans for the G2DAF receiver (Mk3?, with the balanced architecture front end) as having produced a custom transformer with 165-0-165 secondary- presumably if they were prepared to do something like this, and were specified by a competent and respected member of the amateur radio community, they were a significant and reputable outfit. I've also heard of them in connection with other applications, but can't think what offhand.

Sadly, it sounds like that familiar story of a once well-known and appreciated manufacturing presence that has now vanished into the depths of a few peoples' memories.
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Old 26th May 2017, 11:55 am   #6
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Default Re: R F Gilson transformers.

In fact, a closer look at a single-ended 5k output transformer with 3.7, 7.5 and 15 ohm secondary options currently in use here shows an RF Gilson label on the clamp. The lams are encouragingly thin and it's well dosed with varnish, so gives the impression of being a quality product.
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Old 26th May 2017, 12:05 pm   #7
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Default Re: R F Gilson transformers.

In one of their adverts it says contractors to the Admiralty:

http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/R._F._Gilson

Lawrence.
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Old 26th May 2017, 12:07 pm   #8
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Default Re: R F Gilson transformers.

Probably "Robert Francis Gilson": https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/.../4462/data.pdf
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Old 26th May 2017, 12:36 pm   #9
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Default Re: R F Gilson transformers.

http://www.vintageradio.me.uk/radconnav/homerad2.htm
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Old 26th May 2017, 12:43 pm   #10
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Default Re: R F Gilson transformers.

Gilson did a large range of both Mains and Output transformers as these pages from the 1964 Home Radio catalogue illustrate:

http://www.vintageradio.me.uk/radcon...ansformer4.jpg

http://www.vintageradio.me.uk/radcon...ansformer5.jpg

http://www.vintageradio.me.uk/radcon...ansformer9.jpg

http://www.vintageradio.me.uk/radcon...nsformer10.jpg

Peter
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Old 26th May 2017, 5:28 pm   #11
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Default Re: R F Gilson transformers.

Many thanks gentleman for all the information on this company, they seem to have made carefully designed high quality products and tragically disappeared into the mists of time.
the amplifier seems to have been assembled from a kit of parts including a pre drilled chassis for which most of the major components were included, most electronics publications of the time were full of such stuff mostly supplied from outlets on the Tottenham court road and I myself remember looking at them with longing as a child, happy far off days indeed.
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Old 26th May 2017, 6:08 pm   #12
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Default Re: R F Gilson transformers.

There were various firms that were thoroughly competent and offered parts for published designs, there were some who would make one-off customer designed parts at affordable prices. Philpotts advertised ready-made metalwork for the G2DAF receiver and transmitter designs. Their output was of a very high standard.

Time was when most industrialised regions had a number of small firms who could make a living out of small runs and one-offs of transformers, metalwork, cabinets and many such things.

Our age has been telling itself that things can never be economic in small quantities for so long that we've begun to believe it. And that is sad.

David
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