Obi Wan would surely be proud.  If I can ever repay you with some small deed (perhaps saving your life, for example) please do not hesitate to ask.  I will be renaming my kids "Teemuk" for sure.  A million thanks.

pj

i'm trying to understand power transformers. this is from the hammond 270bx.

"The 270 Series power transformers use the convenient 4 hole above chassis "X" type bell end mounts. Each unit features a 115 VAC, 60 Hz primary and two secondary filament windings, one 5.0V for tube rectifiers, plus a 6.3V for heater filaments. Leads are a minimum of 6" in length. Class A insulation (105ºC). These transformers are conservatively rated and CSA certified. VA: 95, Secondary RMS: 300-0-300, DC mA: 100, Fil. #1 Rectifier: 5.0V/2A, Fil. #2 Heater: 6.3V/3.0A."

115VAC, 60Hz primary = what it needs from the wall (mains) to go.
300-0-300 secondary = one tap will be +300VDC, another -300VDC, and the center is neutral.  600VDC across the entire secondary.
100mADC is secondary current flow = 30W of power to the speaker?
                    [300VDC*.1ADC=30W]
95VA = apparent power the amp is making?

am i understanding that right? CT is center-tapped meaning the leads come off the secondary winding wire in the middle of the wire?  like if you straightened it out.  so this transformer is a 3 phased, CT power transformer?

it has taken me 3 days to pull all of these "ideas" together b/c i can't find anywhere that explains this all in layman's terms (ie. the 270bx needs input of 115V @60Hz to make 300V out which will be a replacement for a 30W amp).  or maybe: X model transformer goes into  Zwatt amp, and here is why.

however, i have learned a lot of other things:  did you know that money does not grow on trees?  i never knew that.

pj

ok, i put my amp (crate gx600h) back together and set up my lightbulb current limiter.  I used a 75W bulb.  When I threw the switch, the light came on AND...nothing.  no lights no heat, just nothing.  the light glowed like i'd expect a 75W bulb to do.  no dimming or change.  so, i now take a look at the pwr transformer.  i guess it is just bad.  now I have to figure out what it is so i can get a new one.

btw, in my studies of the workings and chinese that is "transformer lingo" i came across this page.  this guy doesn't assume you know anything beyond ohm's law.  it's a pretty good read:  short and direct.
http://www.etasys.com/Main/ABCs/CalcVAWATTS.asp

pj

i know this is an ignorant question.  in the light bulb current limiter, where are the ground wires connected?

http://www.diyguitarist.com/PDF_Files/AmpCurrentLimiter.pdf

pj