Need Variable AC Supply

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Phil_S
Posts: 6048
Joined: Tue Oct 23, 2007 10:12 pm
Location: Baltimore, MD

Re: Need Variable AC Supply

Post by Phil_S »

hired hand wrote:
Phil_S wrote:Here: http://www.oldradioparts.com/pg2a23b.htm
Item # 4518-066, a 10V 5A transformer. It's simple to use and cheap.
I've bought things here before. He's got a few quirks. Follow his instructions for getting a stock check, etc. You'll need to fill in some things to get to his minimum order. I suggest a few used tubes. He won't sell you anything that's junk unless he's told you that's what it is.
Thanks Phil -
Never even thought about going that route to get 10VAC. Sure does make it affordable. I'll have to think on that one.
Thanks Again
Yeah, well, I don't spend it if I don't need to. I use the 5V winding fom a really big organ transformer I have on my bench and I just do the math to figure the turns ratio. No matter what you do, each test transformer will put a different load on the power supply. You just measure volts in and volts out and do the math. It's not fancy, but it gets the job done.

IMO, you don't need a regulated voltage supply to test transformers. If this is hobby level work, it is a waste of money and space on your bench. Get that 10V, bolt it to a block of wood, get a few screw-down terminals, and you're ready to go.
C Moore
Posts: 1266
Joined: Mon Oct 22, 2007 9:28 am
Location: USA, California, 94585

Re: Need Variable AC Supply

Post by C Moore »

Phil_S wrote:
hired hand wrote:
Phil_S wrote:Here: http://www.oldradioparts.com/pg2a23b.htm
Item # 4518-066, a 10V 5A transformer. It's simple to use and cheap.
I've bought things here before. He's got a few quirks. Follow his instructions for getting a stock check, etc. You'll need to fill in some things to get to his minimum order. I suggest a few used tubes. He won't sell you anything that's junk unless he's told you that's what it is.
Thanks Phil -
Never even thought about going that route to get 10VAC. Sure does make it affordable. I'll have to think on that one.
Thanks Again
Yeah, well, I don't spend it if I don't need to. I use the 5V winding fom a really big organ transformer I have on my bench and I just do the math to figure the turns ratio. No matter what you do, each test transformer will put a different load on the power supply. You just measure volts in and volts out and do the math. It's not fancy, but it gets the job done.

IMO, you don't need a regulated voltage supply to test transformers. If this is hobby level work, it is a waste of money and space on your bench. Get that 10V, bolt it to a block of wood, get a few screw-down terminals, and you're ready to go.
Thanks Phil -
I am ordering a 10 and 5 volt tranny from Gary. I can always buy a variable AC supply later if need be. Definitely a hobby for me. I do some paid work for local guitar players. Rebuilding/black facing SF Fenders, cap jobs, install power tubes and set bias, fix the basic stuff that goes wrong on a Fender HRDlx, etc. But I never claim/tell anybody I am a "amp tech". I have a long ways to go before I can hang that title in front of my name. I really appreciate all the help I get/have gotten here.
Thanks Again
Chip
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