what type of variac to buy

[Mars Amp Repair]

Now that would do the trick. A switchable range ammeter. I agree completely that the ammeter is a great indicator, even if you don't care about the exact reading.

As I mentionted for my situation, with 4 benches to outfit I go for the bulb indicator...it's effective & serves a dual purpose as well as being very affordable.

g

[Anti-Hero]

I bought this one from David Riddle, the build quality is amazing

GENERAL RADIO 0-140V@ 0-10A DUAL METERED VARIAC LKNEW! on eBay.ca (item 350164564094 end time 05-May-10 21:06:26 EDT)

[movek1]

Well i finally got a variac, but i might have to return it. Got it on ebay $55.
Its 0-140v 5A.
Heres my question, you can see in the picture below its burnt out in one section, but i am able to get it to 127v before it drops out. So can i get away with that, for powering up amps like a marshall avt150 after getting new power transistors?
Do i need to take it only to 120v?
And also can someone recommend a good ammeter?
thanks again everyone

[movek1]

[Steve Conner]

Ouch! That doesn't look so good, I'd return it if possible.

Unless you fancy having a go at rewinding the burnt-up section, or just not using the range above 120V, which is fair enough. But if it was sold as working, it's unfair to let the seller get away with that.

If you do decide to keep it, check the circuit breaker. (The red button marked "Reset".) It should have prevented that burnout, so it may be faulty or the previous owner may have bypassed it.

[Prairie Dawg]

Ouch! That doesn't look so good, I'd return it if possible.

Unless you fancy having a go at rewinding the burnt-up section, or just not using the range above 120V, which is fair enough. But if it was sold as working, it's unfair to let the seller get away with that.

If you do decide to keep it, check the circuit breaker. (The red button marked "Reset".) It should have prevented that burnout, so it may be faulty or the previous owner may have bypassed it.

Jeez....you should have been able to do better than that for fifty bucks. I don't think I've ever paid more than ten dollars for a variac and I have a number of them. All bought at auctions, gotten for free, or bought at Iowa State University surplus. However, if you have to keep it you may be able to repair it by cleaning up the mess, separating the windings and coating it with Glyptal insulating lacquer. It's worth a try, right? It could be an educational exercise.

[movek1]

well if your saying i could have done better for $50, ill probably return it, i want want with an ammeter built in

[Mars Amp Repair]

the ones from Weber albeit Chinese, have a voltmeter & even the 10A one is only $65.00. Not perfect, but at least show you can get a new one for pretty reasonable with a warranty thru Weber. g

https://amptechtools.powweb.com/variac.htm