[Milsurplus] LV Supply...

[J. Forster]

I'd go with the Variac, if you have one, or possibly a buck transformer in the primary circuit.

If you do decide to use an SCR dimmer, make sure it's designed to put AC through the load. Some solid state dimmers full wave rectify the line and then phase control on the output of the FW bridge.  Transformers don't like DC much.

-John


gl4d21a at juno.com wrote:

> Rick:
>
> An alternative to the Variac is to use a SCR or Triac control in front of the transformer.  Find the schematic for a light dimmer or speed control and duplicate it using a pass device large enough for the input current to your transformer. [snip]