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Re: Water rheostat?




From: 	David Huffman[SMTP:huffman-at-FNAL.GOV]
Sent: 	Friday, September 05, 1997 8:38 AM
To: 	'Tesla List'
Subject: 	RE: Water rheostat?

The biggest reason I would give is that the rheostat wastes lots of power and a vaiac does not. It would also be hard to go from zero power to full power. Dangerous!!
Dave Huffman

-----Original Message-----
From:	Tesla List [SMTP:tesla-at-pupman-dot-com]
Sent:	Thursday, September 04, 1997 10:31 PM
To:	'Tesla List'
Subject:	Re: Water rheostat?


From: 	Felix[SMTP:73374.1547-at-compuserve-dot-com]
Sent: 	Thursday, September 04, 1997 7:49 PM
To: 	BlindCopyReceiver:;;;-at-compuserve-dot-com;
Subject: 	Water rheostat?

I'm advised to buy a variac to smooth out my switch-on transients. But
why not an electrolyte rheostat which is $100 or so cheaper? I
visualize a PVC pot of salt water containing basically two wires, one
with a well-insulated handle. Such rheostats were used for various
purposes in Tesla's day. Even a small volume of water could absorb
the waste heat of a brief startup.
Can anyone tell my why this wouldn't be a good alternative?
/