Enhanced variac .......

[threeseven]

Although some of the more experienced members may already be doing this I thought it might be useful to newcomers.

Some will be familiar with the mains power meter gadgets now available that can monitor various parameters of appliances or equipment plugged into them, the type that plugs into a normal mains socket and then the equipment to be used is plugged into the monitor.

For a while now I have been using one of these in conjunction with a variac when soft powering up unknown radios etc , in doing so the current, voltage, power and frequency can be directly viewed on the power monitors display as the voltage is increased.
This is very useful as it is then easy to see that all is ok as the equipment is gradually powered up. The current drawn for the average table top valve receiver is soon established and should one see a higher than anticipated value it can be investigated before potential damage is caused.

As a case in point I was powering up a Philco 471 yesterday evening and it was drawing 2-3 times more current than I was used to seeing from the type at about 115v so I know there is a problem to be investigated before going any further.

The power monitor I have was bought from Aldi of all places for £9.99 and it's a very useful thing to have.

[montgomery_knif]

also use fuse for overcurrent protection, it helps

[Alistair D]

Originally Posted by threeseven

Some will be familiar with the mains power meter gadgets now available that can monitor various parameters of appliances or equipment plugged into them, the type that plugs into a normal mains socket and then the equipment to be used is plugged into the monitor.

I bought one of these meters from eBay. It does everything it says on the tin and seems to be quite accurate too. The only problem is that it does not get going until the mains is around 160volts. It looks like the Aldi one is the one to go for.

Al