Re: [TCML] why do variacs cost so much?

[Neon Tesla <neontesla@xxxxxxxxx>]

I like the idea of overdriving, because I saw a local 3 stack variac rated at
240V 28A for sale but even on craig's list there asking $550, so does anyone
have ideas for where to get a slide choke in washington state or  to bring the
price down, only 15 = no money.

-thanks



On Thu, Jul 12, 2012 at 6:52 AM, Jim Lux <jimlux@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
> On 7/12/12 5:29 AM, Bob Arenella wrote:
>>
>> I have 3 1256D variacs. Picked up one at a ham fest for $50, two others
>> at a garage sale, $10 each. All 3 cleaned up nice and all work!
>>
>> 73,
>> bob
>> N2OAM
>>
> yes, but how long ago was that.. I've got a few 40+ year old variacs out in the garage that I bought surplus 15-20 years ago..
>
> I think the OP was commenting that prices are going up for this kind of thing and/or that they are getting scarcer in the surplus chain.
>
> Sooner or later, someone is going to make a "solid state variac" kit for pig powered spark gap TC duty..  Should be easier than a SSTC in some ways.  15 years ago, I fooled with this using a 555 + FET in the middle of a bridge rectifier to replace a smaller 4 Amp Variac driving a fan. It worked ok, but was too complex for the application.
>
> Or, perhaps repurposing inexpensive variable frequency drives use for induction motors... they typically can adjust both frequency and voltage.
>
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--
Don't lower your expectations, raise the voltage !
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