The AM Forum

THE AM BULLETIN BOARD => Technical Forum => Topic started by: W7TFO on February 26, 2012, 07:11:05 PM



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.

At least according to Groucho! :D

Mooo.

73DG
AMfone - Dedicated to Amplitude Modulation on the Amateur Radio Bands