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Re: [TCML] why do variacs cost so much?
Check with LoJack surplus companies in the area. For example, APEX in Burbank, CA charges $2/A which is ridiculously cheap. I got a $1500 double stack (0-140v 40A, 0-240v 20a) for $80. A 220v 50a variac is only $100 there.
Matthew Edwards
On Jul 12, 2012, at 9:05 AM, Neon Tesla <neontesla@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> 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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