Page 1 of 1
That's it, I'm going to buy a variac, but...
Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2008 10:14 pm
by mwm523
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.
What do I need? 5A? 10A? 20A? Any recommendations?
Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 1:12 am
by killpop99
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.
Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 5:59 am
by Scumback Speakers
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.
Re: That's it, I'm going to buy a variac, but...
Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 8:40 am
by PCollen
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.
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.
Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 10:34 am
by mwm523
Hmmm the Browner looks interesting. Anyone else have any experience with it?
Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 11:53 am
by Sparky
Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 1:00 pm
by mwm523
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?
Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 2:02 pm
by SDM
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.
Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 2:28 pm
by Sparky
That was my thought as well. Actually, not a bad price, if it is.
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 11:10 am
by 6string
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.
Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 12:06 pm
by Sparky
You musta got a good deal on that Staco. Just like mine. Got it for $25 at a flea market.
Re: That's it, I'm going to buy a variac, but...
Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2022 5:20 pm
by uiovbged332