Title: The little Variac that could.... Post by: W7TFO on February 26, 2012, 07:11:05 PM Actually, it uses an Ohmite Variable Transformer.
It is a glorified adjustable AC voltage & current monitor. ;) I built this in a vintage Western Electric box with home-made new panels of laminated Formica/plywood, like the originals. Lots of precision wood-craft here, but you wouldn't know it. In keeping with the genre, I used cloth wire, vintage parts & hardware, except the the Neutrik Powercon connectors. She will do 500+ Watts, just the thing for those boatanchor bench tests. I have quite a few of these boxes to repurpose, they are really different from the usual chassis/panel enclosures. 8) 73DG Title: Re: The little Variac that could.... Post by: KA2DZT on February 27, 2012, 04:09:18 AM DG,
Nice Variac box. I was also working on a Variac box this morning. Must be something in the air. I've built a number of them that I use all the time. I don't add the amp meter, just the volt meter. If I need to measure current I'll use an external amp meter. Fred Title: Re: The little Variac that could.... Post by: KM1H on February 27, 2012, 05:51:17 PM Variacs are great to have for repair projects but I start by having all the service and operating benches wired with a large bucking transformer that delivers 110-113V to everything.
Odd voltage transformers with 10-20A secondaries are almost ham fest "take it please" items. Title: Re: The little Variac that could.... Post by: N8UH on February 28, 2012, 01:32:41 AM Nice work DG... Quite buzzardly. ;D ;D
I was just recently thinking about slapping together a bucking transformer box for the stuff in my shack that needs one. I may borrow one or two of your design cues when I get around to it... The leather handle is a nice touch BTW. ;) Title: Re: The little Variac that could.... Post by: W7TFO on February 28, 2012, 01:42:12 AM Radio stuff can be built buzzardly, but something with cow parts is another thing altogether. AMfone - Dedicated to Amplitude Modulation on the Amateur Radio Bands
At least according to Groucho! :D Mooo. 73DG |