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Thread: Anyone got a Variac transformer?

  1. #1
    Join Date: Jul 2008

    Location: Surrey

    Posts: 782
    I'm Paul.

    Default Anyone got a Variac transformer?

    Hi all

    Wasn't sure where to put this request, but thought DIY might be the best option.

    Does anyone living in the Surrey area have a variac transformer they could kindly lend me for an hour?

    I got some old tube amps I need to bring back from the dead and don't really want to buy one especially for the task.

    No worries if not.

    Cheers.

    P
    Paul.

  2. #2
    Join Date: Oct 2012

    Location: The Black Country

    Posts: 6,089
    I'm Alan.

    Default

    If you can't beg borrow or steal one the next best thing is to wire a standard 60W incandescent light bulb in series with the mains input.

  3. #3
    Join Date: Jul 2008

    Location: Surrey

    Posts: 782
    I'm Paul.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Firebottle View Post
    If you can't beg borrow or steal one the next best thing is to wire a standard 60W incandescent light bulb in series with the mains input.
    Hi Alan

    Keep hearing about this but never done it before, is there an explanation / guide somewhere on how to do this?

    Cheers
    Paul.

  4. #4
    Join Date: Feb 2013

    Location: W Lothian

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    I'm Grant.

    Default

    It works as a current limiter.
    Regards,
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  5. #5
    Join Date: Jul 2008

    Location: Surrey

    Posts: 782
    I'm Paul.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by struth View Post
    It works as a current limiter.
    Something like this dim bulb tester?

    https://antiqueradio.org/dimbulb.htm
    Paul.

  6. #6
    Join Date: Jul 2008

    Location: Surrey

    Posts: 782
    I'm Paul.

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    I've replaced all the resistors and capacitors save for 2 original electrolytes associated with the rectifier tube and the transformer which I want to keep. The tubes have been tested as strong.
    Paul.

  7. #7
    Join Date: Oct 2012

    Location: The Black Country

    Posts: 6,089
    I'm Alan.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Spur07 View Post
    Something like this dim bulb tester?

    https://antiqueradio.org/dimbulb.htm
    That's it.

  8. #8
    Join Date: Jul 2008

    Location: Surrey

    Posts: 782
    I'm Paul.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Firebottle View Post
    That's it.
    But does this method mean the transformer gets the full whack of mains at once though?
    Paul.

  9. #9
    Join Date: Jul 2008

    Location: Surrey

    Posts: 782
    I'm Paul.

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    Ok I just read somewhere that the resistance of the light bulb limits the voltage that will reach the equipment. By increasing the bulb (wattage?), you can increase the power to the equipment.
    Paul.

  10. #10
    Join Date: Apr 2012

    Location: N E Kent

    Posts: 51,624
    I'm Geoff.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Spur07 View Post
    Ok I just read somewhere that the resistance of the light bulb limits the voltage that will reach the equipment. By increasing the bulb (wattage?), you can increase the power to the equipment.
    Yup!
    It is impossible for anything digital to sound analogue, because it isn't analogue!

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