#1
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A Variac, What size? What brand?
I need a Variac. I already am going to pick one with a isolation transformer in deference to the hot chassis Zenith portable I am working on but I am undecided as the the power capacity. The biggest current draw I am likely to use one with would be an HF amp. The Heathkit SB-220 draws about 15 amps set to 120vac mains. But that isn't going to happen much, everything else will be receivers and will much draw much less then 10 amps. Go for broke or get what I will actually use. I have always used the light bulb inline for the first start up procedure in the past I figure time to get fancy.
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#2
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I have a 5 amp model, it's plenty for any vintage TV set but light duty enough to pop it's breaker if there's a short.
This model here exactly though I paid a lot less. http://www.ebay.com/itm/General-Radi...item259b913249 It does not isolate but I have a separate transformer for that. I do wish it had an ammeter built in but I added an external one. |
#3
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I'd go for whatever can handle the biggest load I could imagine throwing at it.
Keep in mind heat is what kills them so if you overload one it won't die unless you let it get hot, and keep running it while hot...So you can run one overloaded for a few minutes to hours safely if you watch the temp.
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Tom C. Zenith: The quality stays in EVEN after the name falls off! What I want. --> http://www.videokarma.org/showpost.p...62&postcount=4 |
#4
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Quote:
I have several of them, all different sizes. When you do have a bad short, it's not hard to damage the winding surface, that the brush rides on. |
#5
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I think I am going for a 20 amp size. That would cover 99% percent of what I need.
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Audiokarma |
#6
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I use the sencore PR_57. Variable and isolated. It is heavy enough for any vintage TV--but NOT big enough for all plasma tv sets and such Also more than heavy enough for stereo amp work...as LONG as one does not "crank a big amp" too much'...
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#7
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Quote:
They're very expensive, when new. The prices didn't seem too bad. |
#8
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I have one of these that I am not using. Pretty much top of the line. I think its a General Radio Variac 20A model, but I may need to correct that when I can get to it. I don't use it because it used weird 3 prong input and output cables which I don't have. It could easily be adapted or perhaps they still make plugs for it. I really don't know.
I would not want the kind of prices I see looking around online, but shipping would be a bear as it is really heavy.
__________________
"Face piles of trials with smiles, for it riles them to believe that you perceive the web they weave, and keep on thinking free" |
#9
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Sorry, I meant to post this picture. Not actual, but as close as it gets.
__________________
"Face piles of trials with smiles, for it riles them to believe that you perceive the web they weave, and keep on thinking free" |
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