Variac Re-designed..kinda?

[Buzzsaaw]

Hi folks,
Today I received my two new meters from Ebay. An AC voltmeter 1-150Vac and an ammeter for 1-10amps AC.

I decided to incorporate a DBT (Dim Bulb Tester) into my old Variac. The box had plenty of room and it would free up some space on my over crowded workbench.

So.. here goes..



The case is an old Telephone test box for a Step by Step type dial office. I ripped out all the old stuff inside. I kept the main panel to mount my stuff on.



Opened up you can see the off an on switch. The outlet above the switch is just straight off of the Variac xformer with no bulb treatment. The AC volt meter and ammeter is to the left. It's fused with a 7 amp fuse right now. That's a little much. In fact the ammeter is a little much too. I should have gone with a 0-3 amp and I may change that out later. I put a CD printer label over the area where the Variac lives. Here I can pencil in voltage or other notes as I go. A little flash glare doesn't help..



The lid has storage space for extra or different wattage lightbulbs. I also have the info on the Variac transformers hookup of the DBT.



And finally the bulb in place and the outlet socket below it is for the Radio under test.

The lid detaches which makes for more bench room and the cord pushes inside the case for storage.

It was a fun project this afternoon and now as soon as I get my order of caps from Canada.. I'll it the grindstone.

The circuit is just an expansion of the one found on this page:
http://www.ppinyot.com/dimbulb/dim_bulb_tester.htm

I tested it on my Hippo and works great! An no.. I barely see the ammeter deflect. .. Oh well...


Buzz