Could someone confirm than my multiple bulb Dim Bulb Tester schematic is correct?

[jazzzman]

I am building a DBT in connection with my first Pass build (Aleph J). Unfortunately, in California it seems impossible to obtain an incandescent bulb larger than 40 watts. So I am thinking of using 3 bulbs in the tester to add their wattage (two 40 watt bulbs and a 25 watt bulb). I believe I need to have the 3 bulbs in parallel and the combination of bulbs in series with the device being tested. Am I correct in that? I have attached a proposed schematic. I would appreciate it if someone could take a look and let me know if I am doing this correctly.

Thank you.

Jazzzman

 

[Zen Mod]

generally OK, but 3 parallel ones will never have same resistance vs. current characteristic, as one 100W is having

though, better that way than nothing, who knows - maybe its even good enough

 

[rayma]

One parallel 30W bulb will hog the current and starve the others, so find a single bulb of the right wattage.
Get a few extra bulbs.
https://www.amazon.com/incandescent...-rank&qid=1603225013&ref=sr_st_price-asc-rank

 

[jazzzman]

Thank you for the prompt responses.

Unfortunately, Amazon refuses to ship that bulb into California. I have found a 60 watt bulb. Would that be better than paralleling? My transformer is 250 VA, I have 120k capacitance.

Thank you.

 

[rayma]

A 60W bulb draws 0.5A, so the amplifier must draw much less than that continuously
from the AC line when it is operating normally. Otherwise, the bulb will light up.

Try a different US vendor who is selling on ebay instead.

 

[Blk Dynamite]

You have any relatives in a different state that can buy and ship to you? Should be pretty cheap

 

[Pano]

Here Lowes and Home Depot both sell normal bulb types that have a halogen lamp inside. Those are considered energy saving (more lumens per watt) so may be available in California.

It takes a little hunting on the shelves. Also avaible are halogen spot lights with a screw base. Happy hunting!

 

[simon7000]

PM me your address.

 

[MAAC0]

Try PAR 56 disco lamps

 

[Andersonix]

Look on craigslist, as there's always tons of free old light bulbs.

 

[jazzzman]

Eureka!

Thanks, everyone. It is really nice how helpful you are! But I found a site:
Wholesale Light Bulbs | Incandescent, Halogen, Fluorescent, & LED
It sells incandescent bulbs that are subject to an exception to the California ban.

Thanks again. I will go with the 1 bulb circuit!

Jazzzman

 

[kevinkr]

Another option:

Standard Light Bulbs | 1000Bulbs.com

 

[jazzzman]

Thank you, that option is less expensive than mine.