[From nobody Tue Dec 14 23:10:43 2010
Message-ID: <3B305176.1CA61A4A@brevard.net>
Date: Wed, 20 Jun 2001 04:32:06 -0300
From: "Charles W. Morehouse" <w4gbw@brevard.net>
X-Mailer: Mozilla 4.05 [en]C-EZN  (Win16; U)
MIME-Version: 1.0
To: Ron Evans <cosmos41@IX.NETCOM.COM>
Subject: Re: Using a Variac
References: <3B304810.7D672B07@ix.netcom.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit

Hi Ron,
Been there done that. Usually start at about 60 volts. Just enough to get
the filaments and a little B+ going. Bring it to to 60 slowly watching the
B+.  Inspect all and leave it there until the unit warms up. I usually put a
meter on the B+ and watch that.  Once satisfied, turn up the variac about 10
volts. Again watch all. It's a gut feeling type thing. Touch that power
tranny. If it gets hot at first, you know you got a problem. Go 10 volts at
a time till you reach full input. Let it sit at each level for a while.
Inspect everything for problems like hot resistors or wax melting on the
caps or evidence of leakage or swollen electrolytics. Fried resistors are a
good clue. Just use a little common sense. Of course, make sure the fuse is
of the proper value. Most problems will become evident shortly. Good
restorations and 73's.
Wayne;
W4GBW

Ron Evans wrote:

> >From time to time, I read about "bringing up" a boat anchor slowly by
> using a Variac and applying a small voltage and then increasing it
> slowly over time.
>
> But there are a lot of question marks in my mind (and maybe others will
> profit by the answer as well) concerning the initial voltage, how long
> to leave it at that voltage, what increments of voltage to use in going
> to the next level etc.  In other words, could someone, in a few words,
> describe a typical use of the Variac in bringing up a transmitter such
> as the DX-20, DX-35, Knight T-50 etc. if the electrolytic caps look ok.
> And is it necessary to be right there with the item the entire time, in
> case something overheats?  Would the process of bringing up a unit on
> the Variac take place in one single day or over several days?  It should
> be abundantly obvious that I'm a rank beginner in this area...licensed
> for 44 years and still learning some things I should have learned a long
> time ago.  Thanks for the help!
>
> 73,
>
> Ron - K5MVR
> --
> *********************************************************
> K5MVR - Loving the "glow" since 1957
> K (Kilo) 5 (Five) M (Mercury) V (Vapor)  R (Rectifier)
> email:cosmos41@ix.netcom.com
> http://www.geocities.com/sweetvengeance
> ********************************************************



]