05-02-2014, 08:43 AM
Yeah Kirk, if you're going to delay the purchase of variac at least build a simple and inexpensive DIM BULB tester:
http://www.antiqueradio.org/dimbulb.htm
That might save you from frying a power transformer due to bad or incorrectly installed capacitors or other components.
An isolation transformer is not a bad idea either, especially if you start working on sets without a power transformer. If you can find a good buy on a BK Precision 1655 or a Sencore PR57 these combine a variac and isolation transformer into one unit (with handy built-in metering).
http://www.antiqueradio.org/dimbulb.htm
That might save you from frying a power transformer due to bad or incorrectly installed capacitors or other components.
An isolation transformer is not a bad idea either, especially if you start working on sets without a power transformer. If you can find a good buy on a BK Precision 1655 or a Sencore PR57 these combine a variac and isolation transformer into one unit (with handy built-in metering).
John KK4ZLF
Lexington, KY
"illegitimis non carborundum"
