Noisy 145 relay.

[Dennis L]

Hi, l am new to this forum.....certainly some interesting Leslie articles. But after a brief scan through, nothing on Leslie amp relay noise.
Over the years since ‘68 l have used a Shama 2000, a 147, a 145 and recently a nice clean 145 for home use. It's analogue relay was replaced as in the room l could hear its click from changing speeds. The second relay also was noisy so l've had to buy and fit the expensive USA solid state type, which has solved the problem. These other Leslie's above when used at home - no relay sound was ever heard. Has anyone also had this issue? Cheers.

[Sweet Pete]

With back covers on and brand new the mechanical noise was always 'still there'.
Bob Schleicher/TrekII relay was the solution for that issue in older open frame relay style boxes.
Yes,many people had this issue.That's why when Bob retired he licenced production to Michael at TrekII.
Only my 122 has the SS relay,and that's for recordings.
Other 'live' boxes don't get the same upgrade,noisy environment that seldom if ever raises any eyebrows when it comes to mechanical noise.
More likely to have a ramp time problem or motor o-ring noises IME.
Yamaha,Sharma,MotionSound,others,have different issues and never really nail the traditional 145 sound IMO.
I would gladly endure mechanical relay noise to have a 145 in the place of any newer Leslie.

[Drawbar Dave]

I've fitted quite a few of the solid state ones now and they are well made and good value. I have come across a few 145's and 147's with non standard sealed relays fitted too.

[Jyvoipabo]

Hello,

Original relay operates in AC.
To prevent him from growling, they added a device called fragger coil or shadind coil.
If this coil is not present or not secured the relay growls.

Replacing by Solid state relay is possible, but delicate because you need 3 contacts NO-Com-NC.

Some of AC relays are in fact a DC relay with a bridge rectifier added. They never growl.
I think it is easy to build one.

JP

[David Anderson]

The stock relays always produce an audible click when energized. Maybe some are noisier than others depending on manufacturing tolerances. Remember that Leslies were designed to be used in churches and other large spaces where the relay click wouldn't be noticed. In small rooms and studios with close microphones, you will hear it. The solid-state relay is the solution.

There's no mystery here to be solved.

Edit: The small black PCB-mount relays you find in some Leslies are quieter, but then, they often only last 3-4 years of regular use before the contacts burn up.

[valotus]

My vote goes also for solid state AC relays. It's not only they are mechanically noiseless, but they also have ability for zero cross switching, which means there's no worry about radio frequency switching noises.

[Jyvoipabo]

It may be this device :
https://trekii.com/leslie-eis-147-relay-162.html
It is $ 99 + $ 52.90 = $ 151.90 shipping outside US.

At this price level, I beleive it would be perfect.
But, I find that the little noise I hear seems suddenly less annoying to me.

Maybe by simply replacing the relay with a new one like this, (and all the capacitor snubber) I couldn't hear it at all.

JP