Need variac...advice

ultrachrome · 20th March 2004, 09:02 PM

I finally need a variac to test an 1940's vintage radio I just found at a garage sale. According to the owner it hasn't been plugged in for 40 years.

Anyhoo. I saw this on ebay. Is 5 amps enough for general audio projects?

What do I look for in a variac?

Thanks.

djmiddelkoop · 20th March 2004, 09:46 PM

yes, 500VA is enough for most repairs.

I would be carefull though, if the unit has not been used for such a long time I would replace the electrolytics anyhow.
It's a very small chance that they reform well or that they will work in any way.
They are probably close to a short now and you will risk the rectifier tube at least.

Dick.

ultrachrome · 20th March 2004, 10:10 PM

I'm extremely inexperienced with vintage gear but it looks like one of the caps has been leaking. The underside view is amazing. The caps and resistors are very different looking than what we use today.

I'm not in a rush to put power to it. I would like to identify it first.

cyclotronguy · 22nd March 2004, 06:02 PM

A lightbulb in series with the line voltage supply makes a nice current limiter for testing equipment. Just pick a lamp with a wattage rating slightly less or equal to the full load input of the product under evaluation.

Cyclotronguy.

20th March 2004, 09:02 PM	#1
ultrachrome diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Puget Sound	Need variac...advice I finally need a variac to test an 1940's vintage radio I just found at a garage sale. According to the owner it hasn't been plugged in for 40 years. Anyhoo. I saw this on ebay. Is 5 amps enough for general audio projects? What do I look for in a variac? Thanks.

20th March 2004, 09:46 PM	#2
djmiddelkoop diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Noord-Holland	yes, 500VA is enough for most repairs. I would be carefull though, if the unit has not been used for such a long time I would replace the electrolytics anyhow. It's a very small chance that they reform well or that they will work in any way. They are probably close to a short now and you will risk the rectifier tube at least. Dick. __________________ Music is the best F.Z.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
DIY Variac	Tyimo	Solid State	4	6th October 2007 11:18 AM
FS 10A variac	woody	Swap Meet	8	16th May 2007 04:38 AM
Variac	ben goh	Solid State	21	12th March 2007 06:42 PM
Using a variac.	anders.a	Parts	3	4th April 2006 07:12 PM
Variac?	Scribble	Pass Labs	16	29th July 2004 02:12 AM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

20th March 2004, 10:10 PM	#3
ultrachrome diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Puget Sound	I'm extremely inexperienced with vintage gear but it looks like one of the caps has been leaking. The underside view is amazing. The caps and resistors are very different looking than what we use today. I'm not in a rush to put power to it. I would like to identify it first.

22nd March 2004, 06:02 PM	#4
cyclotronguy diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern California	A lightbulb in series with the line voltage supply makes a nice current limiter for testing equipment. Just pick a lamp with a wattage rating slightly less or equal to the full load input of the product under evaluation. Cyclotronguy.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)