Nice modification, but keep in mind that those digital Peacefair panel meters are only rated up to 260V, and that most "Variac's" kan go up to 300V, so you can blow up your panelmeter if you go above 260V.
I was wondering Bill, if the new meter will read down to '0' volts ? There are various 'hacks' that are around that overcome this issue if you have it, but there are reports that if you do the modified installation the meter then wont read above 190 volts, which is no use if your in GB like us. Appreciate any comments you have.. 73, Pete (G4RYO).
My display goes up to 305V no problem, (the max output of my variac) I have double checked that with a meter. It comes to life at 48V. There is a mod described here ua-cam.com/video/wPFaEFEembc/v-deo.html that allows it to start from zero, as you say, I have yet to try that. 73 de Bill, G1YQY
@@CollinBaillie The way i have done this is to use different wattage bulbs in the above method (which gives different resistances).....but it is not an infinitely variable method which i think is what you are looking for.
Nice modification, but keep in mind that those digital Peacefair panel meters are only rated up to 260V, and that most "Variac's" kan go up to 300V, so you can blow up your panelmeter if you go above 260V.
I was wondering Bill, if the new meter will read down to '0' volts ? There are various 'hacks' that are around that overcome this issue if you have it, but there are reports that if you do the modified installation the meter then wont read above 190 volts, which is no use if your in GB like us. Appreciate any comments you have.. 73, Pete (G4RYO).
My display goes up to 305V no problem, (the max output of my variac) I have double checked that with a meter.
It comes to life at 48V. There is a mod described here ua-cam.com/video/wPFaEFEembc/v-deo.html that allows it to start from zero, as you say, I have yet to try that.
73 de Bill, G1YQY
Any hints on adding a current limiter to a variac?
I use the dim bulb method, it quite a popular method of preventing a run away if a fault occurs.
www.antiqueradio.org/dimbulb.htm
@@LockdownElectronics Is there any way to make an adjustable (to discrete current value) current limiter?
@@CollinBaillie The way i have done this is to use different wattage bulbs in the above method (which gives different resistances).....but it is not an infinitely variable method which i think is what you are looking for.
@@englishrupe01 That's exactly what I meant to say. Thanks.
nice tut sir