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Fazerruss
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I think I'm partially to blame! I'm still rather curious about this transformer. I assume it had 2 inputs (L and N) for the primary but how many outputs?
I've been looking at Dougs website and videos with a view to buying his book but he's very secretive. He doesn't say what the outputs are.
In an ideal world it should have 4 terminals on the output with 415 across each phase and 240 from any phase to neutral and each phase should have a 120 degree shift. With this you wouldn't need to fit any balance capacitors to the machines.
I've been looking at Dougs website and videos with a view to buying his book but he's very secretive. He doesn't say what the outputs are.
In an ideal world it should have 4 terminals on the output with 415 across each phase and 240 from any phase to neutral and each phase should have a 120 degree shift. With this you wouldn't need to fit any balance capacitors to the machines.
Hi,
Thanks Fazerruss. I bought the DVD's and found Doug to be most helpful indeed. I don't thinks it's a case of Doug being secretive in any way; his information once bought explains clearly in great detail his unique method and it's this unique method that is so puzzling to anyone without the key to it. I'm not a sparky but following Doug's instructions to the letter whilst being very very careful not to electrocute myself I must be one of very few in the UK to have installed Doug's transformer method and I can honestly state there are no catches; I could run my machines on full power as if mains 3 phase was laid on. Doug helped me a lot and I promised Doug I would never divulge his method to anyone after all it's Doug's unique3phase and he deserves credit and paying for it.
Regarding it should have four terminals I don't understand this; the Transwave static converters only have the three terminals and Doug's transformer method only has three terminals. It's unique Fazerruss and I'm sure it will drive you mad trying to understand how it works but work it does. I won't recommend this unique3phase to a novice who has little or no electrical knowledge because it could prove lethal. My transformer had single phase 240V in as L&N with 3 phases out; I can say that the transformer supplies 3 phase of any desired voltage so nothing sinister about it just the way the coils in the transformer are connected; just winding wire and laminations plus insulation; not a capacitor in sight as to the transformer and I think this is puzzling you. I can say though that to connect a 3 phase motor to the transformer 415V output in my case; two terminals are on 415V but the third terminal from the motor needs phase balancing to the transformer and this is where capacitors are needed; any size motor up to the maximum transformer output needs phase balancing; it could be motor or motors; for example for a transformer output of 10hp then any number of motors could be phase balanced such as two x 3hp; one x 2hp & two x 1hp all these once phase balanced could be run as a single or the lot could be run; they have their own controls to switch each motor on or off as required. The capacitors are needed for phase balancing because of the power demand on the third phase; it's fascinating watching the voltage change on the third phase as capacitance is added; I was delighted to get my motors with 415V at the motor terminals.
I could go on forever but Doug's method is as he states "unique" and the third phase is obtained by how the transformer coils are wound and connected; I don't know the price Doug now charges but when I bought mine it was 3 DVD's at around £17 inc P&P. A small price to pay for something as interesting that allows industrial 3 phase machines to be run in a home workshop from the standard mains 240 supply (here in the UK).
Pity I no longer have the transformer otherwise I'd have been happy to give you a demonstration under power. The guy who bought the transformer from me was a sparky otherwise I wouldn't have sold it to him due to safety reasons; I don't want to electrocute anyone. This guy I believe also bought a big donor transformer but experienced problems unable to get it to work; he had seen my transformer a number of times so he was over the moon when I sold it to him.
Puzzling isn't it Fazerruss?
Kind regards, Colin.
Thanks Fazerruss. I bought the DVD's and found Doug to be most helpful indeed. I don't thinks it's a case of Doug being secretive in any way; his information once bought explains clearly in great detail his unique method and it's this unique method that is so puzzling to anyone without the key to it. I'm not a sparky but following Doug's instructions to the letter whilst being very very careful not to electrocute myself I must be one of very few in the UK to have installed Doug's transformer method and I can honestly state there are no catches; I could run my machines on full power as if mains 3 phase was laid on. Doug helped me a lot and I promised Doug I would never divulge his method to anyone after all it's Doug's unique3phase and he deserves credit and paying for it.
Regarding it should have four terminals I don't understand this; the Transwave static converters only have the three terminals and Doug's transformer method only has three terminals. It's unique Fazerruss and I'm sure it will drive you mad trying to understand how it works but work it does. I won't recommend this unique3phase to a novice who has little or no electrical knowledge because it could prove lethal. My transformer had single phase 240V in as L&N with 3 phases out; I can say that the transformer supplies 3 phase of any desired voltage so nothing sinister about it just the way the coils in the transformer are connected; just winding wire and laminations plus insulation; not a capacitor in sight as to the transformer and I think this is puzzling you. I can say though that to connect a 3 phase motor to the transformer 415V output in my case; two terminals are on 415V but the third terminal from the motor needs phase balancing to the transformer and this is where capacitors are needed; any size motor up to the maximum transformer output needs phase balancing; it could be motor or motors; for example for a transformer output of 10hp then any number of motors could be phase balanced such as two x 3hp; one x 2hp & two x 1hp all these once phase balanced could be run as a single or the lot could be run; they have their own controls to switch each motor on or off as required. The capacitors are needed for phase balancing because of the power demand on the third phase; it's fascinating watching the voltage change on the third phase as capacitance is added; I was delighted to get my motors with 415V at the motor terminals.
I could go on forever but Doug's method is as he states "unique" and the third phase is obtained by how the transformer coils are wound and connected; I don't know the price Doug now charges but when I bought mine it was 3 DVD's at around £17 inc P&P. A small price to pay for something as interesting that allows industrial 3 phase machines to be run in a home workshop from the standard mains 240 supply (here in the UK).
Pity I no longer have the transformer otherwise I'd have been happy to give you a demonstration under power. The guy who bought the transformer from me was a sparky otherwise I wouldn't have sold it to him due to safety reasons; I don't want to electrocute anyone. This guy I believe also bought a big donor transformer but experienced problems unable to get it to work; he had seen my transformer a number of times so he was over the moon when I sold it to him.
Puzzling isn't it Fazerruss?
Kind regards, Colin.
Maker
Most folk just call me; Orange Joe
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I can't help be put off by the marketing, I get a snake oil, "Younger skin with this one weird trick", "Banks hate this but can't stop you" kind of vibe from it. You can run a three phase motor off single phase wired delta with a capacitor across two of the phases, it derates the motor and can get a bit warm but it does work. The capacitor produces a (Less than) 90 degree phase offset which is enough to get most things going. I'm pretty sure this is essentially the same thing but stepping the voltage up to do away with the need to wire the motor delta.
I think your two 415v terminals are 180 degrees apart (Split phase, like a site transformer) and the capacitors to balance the motor are putting this extra terminal at about 90 degrees phase shift, halfwayish between the other two. It's not true three phase because a three phase motor is a balanced load and would need no further balancing if it was supplied with three phases 120 degrees apart. Doug's website claims he wants "fair and accurate advertising about what a particular conversion method could accomplish." and realistically, without showing the current waveform you get out of the transformer, he's not doing that. I'm not denying it works but I don't think it's a magical perfect solution, there's a reason it's not used industrially.
Can you tell it's not for me.
I think the safety and control provided by a VFD make it worth the outlay.
I think your two 415v terminals are 180 degrees apart (Split phase, like a site transformer) and the capacitors to balance the motor are putting this extra terminal at about 90 degrees phase shift, halfwayish between the other two. It's not true three phase because a three phase motor is a balanced load and would need no further balancing if it was supplied with three phases 120 degrees apart. Doug's website claims he wants "fair and accurate advertising about what a particular conversion method could accomplish." and realistically, without showing the current waveform you get out of the transformer, he's not doing that. I'm not denying it works but I don't think it's a magical perfect solution, there's a reason it's not used industrially.
Can you tell it's not for me.
I think the safety and control provided by a VFD make it worth the outlay.
Hi,
Thanks Maker and Seadog for your comments.
I've used a 10 hp Transwave static converter and also run my Startrite 3 phase combination woodworking machine with three 3 3hp motors connected Delta using just a single start and single run capacitor the motors switched to run one at a time from my 240V mains supply; I've also used the Transformer method for around ten years; the transformer method to me is the best of the three options; I've tried and used all three options so perhaps I'm more qualified to judge performance. I'm basing my comments on what I know are true to me; I've never met Doug and I've absolutely no connection with him or his family so all I'm doing is passing on the results I obtained; please afford me the courtesy of a bit of respect if you've not used the transformer method. I would never knock a guy or anything on a guess.
Kind regards, Colin.
Thanks Maker and Seadog for your comments.
I've used a 10 hp Transwave static converter and also run my Startrite 3 phase combination woodworking machine with three 3 3hp motors connected Delta using just a single start and single run capacitor the motors switched to run one at a time from my 240V mains supply; I've also used the Transformer method for around ten years; the transformer method to me is the best of the three options; I've tried and used all three options so perhaps I'm more qualified to judge performance. I'm basing my comments on what I know are true to me; I've never met Doug and I've absolutely no connection with him or his family so all I'm doing is passing on the results I obtained; please afford me the courtesy of a bit of respect if you've not used the transformer method. I would never knock a guy or anything on a guess.
Kind regards, Colin.
Hopefuldave
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I could understand the transformer producing 3 phase (however skewed from 120 degrees between) if there were capacitors between windings like the Haas-Kamp (?) conversions done on welders, but all the transformer theory I learned says windings alone can only produce 180 degree outputs. If the winding is centre tapped, the balancing caps (notably for each machine) would be doing the job of a static converter?
Dave H. (the other one)
Dave H. (the other one)
Fazerruss
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Just thinking out loud here.......
What would happen to the outputs on the secondary windings if you were to wind it say 50% clockwise and 50% counterclockwise? Or 75%25% ? Would there be no output or just reduced voltage?
There is only so many ways to wrap wire around a core.
Another thought, how does the national grid phase match different power stations? Are there ever any fractional differences say less than 180 degrees?
What would happen to the outputs on the secondary windings if you were to wind it say 50% clockwise and 50% counterclockwise? Or 75%25% ? Would there be no output or just reduced voltage?
There is only so many ways to wrap wire around a core.
Another thought, how does the national grid phase match different power stations? Are there ever any fractional differences say less than 180 degrees?
Maker
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No output I think, the clockwise half would have some voltage induced on it and the other half would have the same voltage induced antiphase, summing to zero. 100 turns wound 75 one way and 25 the other would be the same as 50 turns the first way, just less efficiently.
Hi Collin,, Long time no talk, hope all is going well for you. Jim Kennedy here from Australia. Just browsing the internet last night and saw you and your transformer getting some attention.
I would like to raise a few points.
I am a supporter of this method for some applications.
This method requires Transformer, motor, and run capacitor.
120 degree and 180 degree phase angles do not come into this discussion.
When motor was manufactured, slots were positioned to put windings 120 degrees apart, so we can't change that even if we wanted to.
The manufactured phase, is the motors Back EMF.
This is the same in a rotary.
This method, motor can run at full name plate Amps (So No De-rating).
A long time ago I bought the package from Unique 3phase, I think about $23 Aust. I have built many of these converters, about 5 years ago I saw a revised book from Unique 3phase and it was the best by far literature on running 3 phase motors on single phase I have ever read. I definately recommend this book.
I will give a practical example of this method.
Let's say we had a 10hp or 15hp Air compressor to run, a VFD would be very expensive and remembering VFD aren't the best for recipricating Air Compressor duty to start with./ But this transformer method is an excellent method for this application.
Jim
I would like to raise a few points.
I am a supporter of this method for some applications.
This method requires Transformer, motor, and run capacitor.
120 degree and 180 degree phase angles do not come into this discussion.
When motor was manufactured, slots were positioned to put windings 120 degrees apart, so we can't change that even if we wanted to.
The manufactured phase, is the motors Back EMF.
This is the same in a rotary.
This method, motor can run at full name plate Amps (So No De-rating).
A long time ago I bought the package from Unique 3phase, I think about $23 Aust. I have built many of these converters, about 5 years ago I saw a revised book from Unique 3phase and it was the best by far literature on running 3 phase motors on single phase I have ever read. I definately recommend this book.
I will give a practical example of this method.
Let's say we had a 10hp or 15hp Air compressor to run, a VFD would be very expensive and remembering VFD aren't the best for recipricating Air Compressor duty to start with./ But this transformer method is an excellent method for this application.
Jim
Fazerruss
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So it's a static converter then, nothing unique about it. The motor may run a name plate amps but does it produce the same starting torque?
Here's my covered showing real time volts on all phases and current draw.....
This was while testing it after a few modifications.
Here's my covered showing real time volts on all phases and current draw.....
This was while testing it after a few modifications.
steviec_lj
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Be interested as to how you wired this is, following my purchase of a second static converter
maz0
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How do we know OP isn’t the author drumming up business? 
Effective methods have a habit of spreading through the sharing of knowledge and if its been known for decades in this secret book then I’m sure it would have escaped by now. It probably is just another DIY phase converter with pro’s and con’s, I doubt its a lie. I’m still gonna persevere with GalvanisedSankeys rotary converter as it has ability to upscale to huge HP and has a safer neutral which is kinder to motor insulation apparently, no idea about OP’s one. Also OP, you don’t need 2 motors continually running for a rotary, you have them in a pony set up, one to start the converter which you can disconnect when it’s up to speed.
Have a gander at this OP - video has 4 parts but goes into great detail.
Effective methods have a habit of spreading through the sharing of knowledge and if its been known for decades in this secret book then I’m sure it would have escaped by now. It probably is just another DIY phase converter with pro’s and con’s, I doubt its a lie. I’m still gonna persevere with GalvanisedSankeys rotary converter as it has ability to upscale to huge HP and has a safer neutral which is kinder to motor insulation apparently, no idea about OP’s one. Also OP, you don’t need 2 motors continually running for a rotary, you have them in a pony set up, one to start the converter which you can disconnect when it’s up to speed.Have a gander at this OP - video has 4 parts but goes into great detail.
Fazerruss
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Its nothing fancy, just has a idler motor connected in parallel with the output. This runs continuously like a rotary phase converter. The V/A meters are on the main output so I can check all phases are balanced.Be interested as to how you wired this is, following my purchase of a second static converter
Hi,
Good to hear from you Jim; yes everything is fine at my end thanks for asking; I hope all remains well with everything at your end. It has indeed been a while since our last contact. We need to be careful Jim otherwise we'll be accused of being mates of Doug (unique3phase). Unlike the experts on here who appear to know better than Doug we two; you and I have actually followed Doug's excellent instructions and we know Doug's transformer method to be truly "Unique" in that it does exactly as stated by Doug. Each time I post unique3phase and my story I wonder why I bother because over the years I've seen so many posts from those who have never tried Doug's method but are only too willing to call Doug names and try to rain on his parade. Although Doug credits me with the shuttle method of adding the coils to the laminations I'm merely a satisfied customer of Doug never actually meeting or speaking to him.
I post the unique3phase information in good faith hoping it helps others and letting them know there is a cheap method of installing 3 phase into their workshop that doesn't involve rattling phase converters or an additional donkey motor; I don't need to convince anyone as to its merits I paid for the information from Doug and have never regretted it; the transformer method worked for me spanning about ten years without any problems whatsoever until I sold my big 3 phase machines.
Are you still running one of your transformers Jim and have you wound any lately?
Kind regards, Colin.
Good to hear from you Jim; yes everything is fine at my end thanks for asking; I hope all remains well with everything at your end. It has indeed been a while since our last contact. We need to be careful Jim otherwise we'll be accused of being mates of Doug (unique3phase). Unlike the experts on here who appear to know better than Doug we two; you and I have actually followed Doug's excellent instructions and we know Doug's transformer method to be truly "Unique" in that it does exactly as stated by Doug. Each time I post unique3phase and my story I wonder why I bother because over the years I've seen so many posts from those who have never tried Doug's method but are only too willing to call Doug names and try to rain on his parade. Although Doug credits me with the shuttle method of adding the coils to the laminations I'm merely a satisfied customer of Doug never actually meeting or speaking to him.
I post the unique3phase information in good faith hoping it helps others and letting them know there is a cheap method of installing 3 phase into their workshop that doesn't involve rattling phase converters or an additional donkey motor; I don't need to convince anyone as to its merits I paid for the information from Doug and have never regretted it; the transformer method worked for me spanning about ten years without any problems whatsoever until I sold my big 3 phase machines.
Are you still running one of your transformers Jim and have you wound any lately?
Kind regards, Colin.
Fazerruss
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Forgive us "experts" for being pessimistic but it all seems a bit odd. You never actually answered the original question on what are the inputs and outputs from the unique 3 phase transformer. This wouldn't give away Doug's secret recipe but rather alleviate doubt.
How many output terminals does it have and what are the voltages across the outputs?
If it's just 2 wires with 415 volts across then I can't see it being anything more than a basic version of a transwave static that has the balancing caps in each machine rather than in the box with the transformer?
I'm no expert either just a tinkerer
How many output terminals does it have and what are the voltages across the outputs?
If it's just 2 wires with 415 volts across then I can't see it being anything more than a basic version of a transwave static that has the balancing caps in each machine rather than in the box with the transformer?
I'm no expert either just a tinkerer
Hi,
No offence meant to anyone Fazerrus but when the "experts" start mentioning snake oil whilst referring to Doug I think it's downright insulting to Doug when the experts haven't even tried Doug's transformer method or understand what's involved which I as a non expert have and can discuss its merits first hand which I've politely tried to do. I say Experts because they are so good as to have all the answers without needing to buy Doug's instructions.
I don't need to defend Doug or explain in any way other than to post stating this method is available; I came across Doug's three DVD set on eBay whilst browsing and I bought the set; no one tipped me off the DVD set was available and my dealings with Doug have been pleasant and highly informative; the machines hooked up to the transformer behaved as if mains 3 phase 415v was laid on in my workshop and unlike the static converters the machines started under load without the slightest problem but then I watched Doug demonstrating starting his big compressor under load; try doing this with a static converter. I was impressed by my 3 phase installation for around ten years and it impressed everyone I gave a demonstration to; as to answering the original question I did openly state I wouldn't go into any detail so I hope I wasn't being rude as it wasn't intended.
I've alerted members to unique3phase so I think I can now let go and move on having tried to do my bit to help.
Kind regards, Colin.
No offence meant to anyone Fazerrus but when the "experts" start mentioning snake oil whilst referring to Doug I think it's downright insulting to Doug when the experts haven't even tried Doug's transformer method or understand what's involved which I as a non expert have and can discuss its merits first hand which I've politely tried to do. I say Experts because they are so good as to have all the answers without needing to buy Doug's instructions.
I don't need to defend Doug or explain in any way other than to post stating this method is available; I came across Doug's three DVD set on eBay whilst browsing and I bought the set; no one tipped me off the DVD set was available and my dealings with Doug have been pleasant and highly informative; the machines hooked up to the transformer behaved as if mains 3 phase 415v was laid on in my workshop and unlike the static converters the machines started under load without the slightest problem but then I watched Doug demonstrating starting his big compressor under load; try doing this with a static converter. I was impressed by my 3 phase installation for around ten years and it impressed everyone I gave a demonstration to; as to answering the original question I did openly state I wouldn't go into any detail so I hope I wasn't being rude as it wasn't intended.
I've alerted members to unique3phase so I think I can now let go and move on having tried to do my bit to help.
Kind regards, Colin.
Fazerruss
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No offense taken Colin 
This is a very open and friendly forum where we all help each other where possible so it is uncommon for a member to be unwilling to share information. That is your right and I respect that. With the vast amount of information freely available nowadays I doubt Doug will be a millionaire with his venture but each to their own.
I've nearly finished with my three phase solution for a new lathe so I'll be creating a new thread soon to share my findings for all interested.
This is a very open and friendly forum where we all help each other where possible so it is uncommon for a member to be unwilling to share information. That is your right and I respect that. With the vast amount of information freely available nowadays I doubt Doug will be a millionaire with his venture but each to their own.
I've nearly finished with my three phase solution for a new lathe so I'll be creating a new thread soon to share my findings for all interested.
Hi,
Generally I agree with what you say Fazerruss but I politely disagree about my unwillingness to share information in fact just the opposite is true; I've shared information allowing members to access all the unique3phase details and explained in my opinion how good the system is having tried it myself; there's a great deal of difference between unwillingness to share and respect to copyright law. Because of my willingness to add this thread quite a few adverse comments have been aimed at Doug behind his back and this is not what I would call being friendly and would hardly endear the forum to Doug.
I'm always interested in 3 phase solutions and wish you the best of luck;
if it's your own solution then you have every right to share if you so wish; I don't own unique3phase so don't have the that right and this is the only reason I'm not sharing in depth details. I'm sorry if I appear mean in any way and added this thread with my very best intentions.
Kind regards, Colin.
Generally I agree with what you say Fazerruss but I politely disagree about my unwillingness to share information in fact just the opposite is true; I've shared information allowing members to access all the unique3phase details and explained in my opinion how good the system is having tried it myself; there's a great deal of difference between unwillingness to share and respect to copyright law. Because of my willingness to add this thread quite a few adverse comments have been aimed at Doug behind his back and this is not what I would call being friendly and would hardly endear the forum to Doug.
I'm always interested in 3 phase solutions and wish you the best of luck;
if it's your own solution then you have every right to share if you so wish; I don't own unique3phase so don't have the that right and this is the only reason I'm not sharing in depth details. I'm sorry if I appear mean in any way and added this thread with my very best intentions.Kind regards, Colin.
Pete.
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I have to say also Colin, your posts don't come across as entirely as friendly as you say you intend them to be. You don't have to insert denigrating comments like "experts" just because inquisitive people are sceptical from the lack of technical detail. That sort of thing is as insulting to them as you find their scepticism insulting to your mentor. I'm sure that you could be much more clear on the theory behind the generating of the third phase without giving up proprietary information. If you can't, you can expect a certain amount of healthy scepticism. It's human nature to question and query.
