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variac

  1. dlucy

    dlucy's guide to Dim bulb testers, Variacs and autotransformers

    Following is a convenient collection or compendium of information and posts from elsewhere on AK and therefore from many different members. Where possible, the posting member has been credited and the source thread or post has been linked. Corrections and additions (and updates to modern info)...
    • dlucy
    • Thread
    • autotransformer dbt dim bulb tester dimmer variac
    • Replies: 20
    • Forum: Test Equipment
  2. Danddd

    Would like to know how to bring up a tube radio on a Variac

    I have this mid 40's tube radio console. I bought it about 24 years ago in Des Moines for very little. I used it for a couple of years and haven't plugged it in for at least 15 years. Since joining AK I've learned to bring up old equipment on a variac. I like this radio and plan to clean it up...
  3. rayner06

    Variac vs bulk transformer for Japanese gear

    My main concern is about how these two would affect the sound, if there's any possible degradation on the sound quality. I've used japanse bulk transformers in the past (Nissyo and Sanyo, but they are expensive + shipping), but since I've moved to Europe it's been hard to find a 230v-100v...
  4. AlexHempel

    DIY panel for testing amps (DBT+Variac+Ammeter etc.)

    In the past, I've always configured my amplifier test rig using alligator clips, but I figured I should create a hardwired setup. I want to be able to switch the DBT and variac in and out as necessary; when they are bypassed, they should be fully deenergized and entirely removed from the...
    • AlexHempel
    • Thread
    • dbt variac
    • Replies: 12
    • Forum: DIY
  5. sean sweeney

    Carver 1.0t Repair (variac issue? yes or no?)

    OK>>>> pretend I said TRIAC.... ugh... sorry I've done a fair amount of work on this, and did the complete MKII upgrade and attempted to set the bias and voltage, but the supply voltage came on at about 60v and then started to decline... I pushed the main voltage reostadt just a little and the...
    • sean sweeney
    • Thread
    • 1.0t carver fluctuating help mod power supply problem sag variac version ii
    • Replies: 2
    • Forum: DIY
  6. Zach Nelson

    Using variac always with Scott 222c

    I heard a guy say that he always runs hit Scott through a variac to keep it at 117v. Is there any real reason for this? I understand wall sockets can be 120-125v, just curious if that was enough to damage a amp that has be restored.
  7. Igotitbad

    New/Old powerstat bench variac. :D

    A friend of mine that works for a local electronic shop has updated a few things and didn't require this powerstat anymore and he asked me if I wanted it so here it is, at this time I have checked all electromechanical parts on both sections this includes the wiper contact brush and cleaned and...
    • Igotitbad
    • Thread
    • line voltage adjustment powerstat stancore variac
    • Replies: 14
    • Forum: Tube Audio
  8. David_NC

    GE Volt Pac Variac Wiring

    I bought this probably 15 years ago and completely forgot about it. I had no clue where to even begin looking for it until it came to me last night, and it was right where I looked first! I am having trouble finding how to wire this thing up, though. I take it that terminal 3 is for the load...
  9. thorpej

    Odd behavior doing a slow-bring-up of a Hafler DH-500

    A friend recently dropped off a Hafler DH-500 that he recently acquired in unknown working condition. It appears to be in very good original shape, modulo missing one of the speaker fuses. But because he knows it hasn't been powered up in some time, he asked if I'd do a slow-start on it to...
  10. FireGuruMN

    Bucking Transformer in a Box

    I have a variac on my bench and a bucking transformer also on my bench for when I am listening to a tube amplifier while restoring another project. I don't like to use the variac all the time because it buzzes and I use it too often on whatever I am restoring at the time. So I wanted to build...
    • FireGuruMN
    • Thread
    • bucking transformer dbt dim bulb tester variac
    • Replies: 8
    • Forum: Tube Audio
  11. klamsoss

    Variac powered, fused, dim bulbed, and metered, switched bench power?

    Good morning race fans! Relative newbie looking for some input on a DIY bench power monitoring station... I have been working on tube gear for a year or so and the variac is a great tool. I have a 15A staco unit that weighs enough to use it for home defense. I also put together a DIY AC meter...
    • klamsoss
    • Thread
    • bench dbt dim bulb tester meters testing variac
    • Replies: 26
    • Forum: DIY
  12. angelaudio

    Which variac should I use for my MC30 mono blocks?

    I did a search for this and although there is a lot of info on how to use the varias, there isn’t much in the way of what particular variac to use. BTW Not really sure if I even need a variac seeing as how both units have been powered up within the past month or so and were working properly...
    • angelaudio
    • Thread
    • mcintosh mcintosh mc30 tube amp variac
    • Replies: 8
    • Forum: Tube Audio
  13. kcline

    Bucking Boosting Variac Jorgensen Line Voltage Corrector.

    My good tech friend stopped by last month to relax and to listen music, and we started talking about bucking transformers. He has large collection of transformers he has bought for the last fifty years from Hamfest and radio shows. I do not have these kind of parts so he said he would look and...
    • kcline
    • Thread
    • boosting transformer bucking transformer variac
    • Replies: 4
    • Forum: Tube Audio
  14. T

    Looking for a friend with a variac

    Hi All, Long time stalker of the forum, mostly dabble in vintage speakers and tube headphone amps. Finally decided to recently take a plunge on a vintage Harman Kardon 930 receiver. The piece is almost in mint condition, the only issue being that it hasn't been powered on for potentially 20+...
    • tigerdog
    • Thread
    • harman kardon 930 help needed receiver variac
    • Replies: 14
    • Forum: DIY
  15. Chalkboard

    ? on how to use a variac to power on a cr-1040

    Hi, I have been gifted a cr-1040. The 1040 has been in storage for almost 20 years and in our family since new. It has never had the cover off and doesn't have a mark on it. My goal is to power it on using a variac with the hope of just gently bringing it back up. My problem is, I don't know...
    • Chalkboard
    • Thread
    • cr-1040 variac yamaha
    • Replies: 36
    • Forum: Yamaha
  16. P

    Step Down Transformer or Variac 120/110 to 100

    Hi, I'm about to purchase a Japanese SA-CD player which requires 100 volts. I don't want to belabor a topic that has been discussed a fair amount, but my question is fairly specific. Correct me if I'm wrong. A transformer is a fairly 'dumb' device that may not deliver the exact specified...
  17. Ric Harris

    HK FA-3000X Cap replacment/Variac questions

    I just sniped my very first piece of tube audio on ebay this morning, a HK FA 3000X. It appears complete and I know these things need to be powered up gradually but being I don't own a Variac at the moment I am just wondering if I just replaced the caps ahead of time would it still be necessary...
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