Variac suggestions?

[mattmcl]

I'm looking at this one. In building audio gear, would I ever have need for anything more?

FRYS.com*|*PHILMORE

[Zen Mod]

best Variac is Marc

but that one is good , too .....

[Osvaldo de Banfield]

Principally, you may need an isolation transformer, because some test will need work in the power supply (Most if it is a SMPS), and Variac isn´t isolated. You can add a bench power supply, dual, 30V 3Amper is usual and sufficient.

[Frank Berry]

500VA is hefty enough for most things. Go for it and have fun.

[tvrgeek]

I bought what I could get used off e-bay cheap. In a perfect world, I would sure add an isolation transformer for safety, but I don't live in perfect.

[avincenty]

I have buit all of mine with around 2 amp powerstat panel mount transformers. I have one with an isolation transformer 1:1 and a HV transformer 1100 ct. I use this one to power up old gear and as HV source for my home made curve tracer. I have two with cheap filament transformers to use as variable filament ac source.

[Frank Berry]

I found a nice isolation transformer at a local thriftshop. 250VA.
I paid $2 for it.

[scott wurcer]

Originally Posted by tvrgeek

I bought what I could get used off e-bay cheap. In a perfect world, I would sure add an isolation transformer for safety, but I don't live in perfect.

I just bought a new 500VA variac from Taiwan, it puts out 120 at a setting of 91 and goes up to 150V out. You need a meter but it was cheap. I figure it was "calibrated" at 110 or 100V

[aramps]

Question from a noobish dude. I recently found "a lot" of old autotransformers/variacs/dimmers from a theater I was pulling equipment out of. These are circa 1960 I think and giant (14" diameter I'm guessing) and are rated at 6000 W (there are some smaller ones rated at 2500W too). I am hoping to use them (well, one of them) for a test table but thought I should ask for insight into the process of hacking one rather than buying an off the shelf variac. What would I need to actually connect this to the mains? Am I wrong, or just crazy that this can work? Should I set up integrated metering or just mark it off based on observed levels? Any other thoughts?

Thanks!

[turk 182]

aramps
this sounds like a major score
depending on what the primary ratings are a line cord panel meter to monitor output voltage and current and an output recepticle you've got a major variable voltage source!
any make or model # on any of them ?