[ARC5] Line Voltage Modification

[Brian]

Far easier to add a series capacitor. I have built up a switched-capacitor box for finding the correct capacitor for each application. Works best when the load is relatively constant, eg, incandescent lamps, cooling fans, valve heater transformers. Also provides a form of soft-start, and there’s no magnetising VA loss.
73 de Brian, VK2GCE.

On Sunday, December 11, 2016 7:54 AM, Wayne said:

I have a "Tech Modified" isolation transformer I picked up for a few bucks at a hamfest, a 5 amp Variac I mounted in a suitable enclosure (I fused both sides of the AC line), a 6 amp Variac I mounted in a cabinet as part of a Universal Power Supply 43 years ago and another small 1 amp Variac I have yet to use yet. 

Sounds like it would be a good idea to take an old Uninterruptible Power Supply, rip out the electronics and install a bucking transformer, along with switches so you could switch the power from direct to reduced voltage.  It would be kind a version of a reduced voltage powerstrip.  I wonder if the big transformer in those units would do as a bucking transformer? 

Wayne
WB5WSV     
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