Re: [TCML] can I use a dimmer switch to control my coil?

[Gary Lau <glau1024@xxxxxxxxx>]

Using a dimmer with an SCR or Triac only kinda-sorta works.  I tried it.
The waveform that it delivers to the NST is not remotely a sine wave so it
is very inefficient and not smooth.

The most important value to using a Variac IMO is that it boosts the maximum
voltage from 120 to 140V, and this results in a VERY big boost in power,
much more than a linear 140V/120V increment would suggest.  Of course a
dimmer can't to that.

Regards,
Gary Lau
MA, USA




On Mon, May 9, 2011 at 11:14 AM, James Hutton
<b-u-r-t-o-n-boy@xxxxxxxxxxx>wrote:

>
> hello.ive been watching videos of people who have made really nice tesla
> coils... and every one uses a variac to control the power put into the
> coil.WHY? they are so expensive, and to big for the contol box i want to
> use. Cant you just use a dimmer switch with a variable resistor, or a
> potentiometer?I have tons of those at
> home.thanks
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