How to make a multi tapped inductor coil?

[mcmahon48]

The header says it all. Do lay a piece across a layer or do you splice into a wire and what is the easiest way to accomplish it. Or is it multiple wires to different lengths

 

[gtforme00]

I usually wind to my first, and lowest, value then bring out a loop of wire a couple of inches long and return to the winding in the same direction till the next tap. I sample the inductance as I go with a very sharp probe, usually this doesn't require repairing the insulation. It does help to use some sealer, shellac or equivalent, to help bind the windings as they tend to want to spring open.

-David

 

[Pano]

What's the difference between a tapped inductor and an auto-transformer? Is there a basic difference in the way they are wound, or in the core?

Or is it just the way the source is connected?

My little drawing below is what I see as the main difference.