SRSG Phase Control

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: aric-at-despammed-dot-com 

I have read John Freau's web featuring a description of a electrical method 
for implementing phase control of a synchronous motor using a variac, 
resistor, and capacitor.  If John Freau is reading the list, or if someone 
else has sucessfully used this phase control method, I request assistance 
in implementing it myself.  I am currently using a modified-for-sync 3600 
cap start motor (1/2 HP).  In particular, I do not understand how the 
described procedure of adjusting the variac, while monitoring the voltage 
across the motor for resonant rise, translates to a suitable capacitor value.

Per John's site, use of a 1/2 HP motor might make this effort an 
non-starter, but I thought I'd ask, anyway :)

Aric