John Byrns wrote:

Is one or the other really necessarily a "bonus", don't they work in
opposite directions assuming the two windings are connected in a
"bucking" configuration?

No - because "bucking" would be dependent on good coupling... Which
happens when the core is NOT saturated - so saturated - not bucking -
bright.

Reactance drops when saturated - so saturated - low reactance - bright.


Of course we don't actually know they are
really connected in a "bucking" configuration, we are just speculating
they are because of the way the schematic is drawn.

I'd be VERY surprised if they are not... 1) why have two windings if
"bucking" (or as I speculated previously -- phase reversal to provide
symmetry) was not needed? 2) why take the extra effort to draw the
schematic that way?

I'm glad you are the one working all this out, I would like to see more
information on the construction of the transformer and the disposition
of the windings before speculating too much. If the transformer is of
open frame construction and is not potted, the OP should be able to
easily determine if an E-core is used and if all the windings are on the
center leg?

Since I don't have "hands on" access - I am left with few options: 1)
guess. 2) offer to see if I can fix the thing. (did I really say that???).

The thing that bothers me about that is if the laminations (assuming
(that dangerous word!) traditional construction) are welded... it might
be extremely tough to get it apart to get at the bobbins... Yes
pictures worth 1K words...

best regards...
--
randy guttery

A Tender Tale - a page dedicated to those Ships and Crews
so vital to the United States Silent Service:
http://tendertale.com