That's it, I'm going to buy a variac, but...

Info for maintaining and tweaking your amp to perfection.

Moderator: VelvetGeorge

Post Reply
User avatar
mwm523
Senior Member
Posts: 521
Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 11:25 am
Location: Northern NJ

That's it, I'm going to buy a variac, but...

Post by mwm523 » Fri Jan 04, 2008 10:14 pm

I need some guidance.

I'm not going to be playing EVH tricks with it, but trying to feed my amps 110V instead of the 125V that's coming from my outlets now. :shock:

What do I need? 5A? 10A? 20A? Any recommendations?
-Mike

User avatar
killpop99
Senior Member
Posts: 392
Joined: Tue Feb 06, 2007 1:52 pm
Location: Little Rock, AR

Post by killpop99 » Sat Jan 05, 2008 1:12 am

Buy Ted Weber's Browner, it does just that, and isn't as ugly as a variac. Its at his site under amp tech tools.

User avatar
Scumback Speakers
Supporting Advertiser
Posts: 4515
Joined: Sat Jul 15, 2006 11:27 am
Just the numbers in order: 13492
Location: Prescott, AZ
Contact:

Post by Scumback Speakers » Sat Jan 05, 2008 5:59 am

I'd get the 10 AMP model, so you can use it to test your amp builds with a slow power up. At least that's what I was recommended by my buddy who repairs amps and used to build mine.
Scumback Speakers - Kick Ass Vintage Tone
sales@scumbackspeakers.com
http://www.scumbackspeakers.com
310-833-6632

PCollen
Senior Member
Posts: 1136
Joined: Wed Jul 12, 2006 1:50 pm

Re: That's it, I'm going to buy a variac, but...

Post by PCollen » Sat Jan 05, 2008 8:40 am

mwm523 wrote:I need some guidance.

I'm not going to be playing EVH tricks with it, but trying to feed my amps 110V instead of the 125V that's coming from my outlets now. :shock:

What do I need? 5A? 10A? 20A? Any recommendations?
Are you sure you are ALWAYS getting 125VAC, and have you checked that with more than one voltmeter ? In my area of FL, we have somewhat unstable power, which fluctuates between approx 121 and 123.5 VAC on different days depending upon local load demand. I also have two DVM's, and old Fluke and a new Sino that read a volt difference (I put more faith the Fluke for critical measurements) .

Your amp requirment can be determined by the size of the MAINS fuse in your amp. If 3A fuse, then 5A Variac would suffice . The Weber Browner, as suggested, would be a good economical choice if your wall voltage is failry stable all the time but it does not regulate. That is, if you set it for 110 when the wall voltage is 125, then if the wall voltage falls to 122 your 110 will fall proportionately, and v.v.

User avatar
mwm523
Senior Member
Posts: 521
Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 11:25 am
Location: Northern NJ

Post by mwm523 » Sat Jan 05, 2008 10:34 am

Hmmm the Browner looks interesting. Anyone else have any experience with it?
-Mike

User avatar
Sparky
Senior Member
Posts: 1003
Joined: Sun Jan 07, 2007 7:11 pm
Location: Boston Area

Post by Sparky » Sat Jan 05, 2008 11:53 am

If you don't need adjustable, this is a lot cheaper:

http://www.geofex.com/Article_Folders/v ... ntvolt.htm

User avatar
mwm523
Senior Member
Posts: 521
Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 11:25 am
Location: Northern NJ

Post by mwm523 » Sat Jan 05, 2008 1:00 pm

I think I need it to be adjustable, for when I play the amp in other places. I'm thinking the Browner may be the ticket. Anyone have any idea how much it weighs?
-Mike

SDM
Senior Member
Posts: 1644
Joined: Sun Feb 26, 2006 6:24 am
Just the numbers in order: 13492
Location: MI
Contact:

Post by SDM » Sat Jan 05, 2008 2:02 pm

Probably not much guessing it's probably just a 12V multi tapped PT in there with readout, box, etc. Basically just like the "vintage voltage adapter" just with more choices of taps on the PT.

User avatar
Sparky
Senior Member
Posts: 1003
Joined: Sun Jan 07, 2007 7:11 pm
Location: Boston Area

Post by Sparky » Sat Jan 05, 2008 2:28 pm

That was my thought as well. Actually, not a bad price, if it is.

User avatar
6string
Senior Member
Posts: 238
Joined: Fri Jul 13, 2007 1:36 am
Location: Nashville

Post by 6string » Mon Jan 07, 2008 11:10 am

I put this box together several years ago mainly for my old fender amps. Found the variac, box, and meter on ebay. The old meter is great... it's scale is 100V to 130V. I think all together, it ended up around $50.

Image

User avatar
Sparky
Senior Member
Posts: 1003
Joined: Sun Jan 07, 2007 7:11 pm
Location: Boston Area

Post by Sparky » Mon Jan 07, 2008 12:06 pm

You musta got a good deal on that Staco. Just like mine. Got it for $25 at a flea market.


Post Reply