Re: (ET) stuff

[Christopher Zach <czach computer org>]

Hi Neil!

> Chris, is that one of the "double" contactors that's getting hot, I may 
> have one off the strippers.
Yep, it's one of the push-pull linked contactors. I'd appreciate a 
spare, but I am going to look at the schematics tonight to see if they 
are symmetrical in design.
If they are the same as the ones on the other side of the tractor, then 
I think one could "switch" the left and right sets intact (with the 
links and all). Then what used to be the reverse contactors will carry 
forward current, and the forward contactors will carry reverse current. 
Since I spend 99%+ time in forward, the reverse ones should be good as new.
That said, I sometimes do put the tractor in reverse when it's still 
coasting to a stop in fwd. Nothing fast, but I wonder: Will this damage 
the contactors early? I thought no because the 1st speed is really the 
resistor bank, which should absorb the surge.
Chris