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Registered Member #1228
Joined: Tue Jan 15 2008, 01:08AM
Location: Curitiba, Brazil
Posts: 162
Is it possible to use something electronic in place of a large variac? Maybe some kind of dimmer... In my case here, will be easier something electronic, because a variac is very expensive, anyone have any ideas?
Registered Member #1451
Joined: Wed Apr 23 2008, 03:48AM
Location: Boulder, Co
Posts: 661
You could build a SMPS like device. You could drive the output with a large H bridge and couple it through an iron core transformer to get the 60hz sine wave. That is of course if you need an AC output. Other wise you could just use a beefed up SMPS. But I think that the cost of parts and development would far surpass that of getting a variac off eBay.
You might be able to build your own Variac too. They're not too complicated and you'd just need a way to have a moving tap on the main winding.
Registered Member #2028
Joined: Mon Mar 16 2009, 08:13PM
Location: Norway
Posts: 319
If yout goal is just current limiting then the simplest electronic solution is probably a beefy dimmer circuit, those are used in induction motor softstarters. Otherwise simple pulse width modulation might work well too.
Registered Member #1228
Joined: Tue Jan 15 2008, 01:08AM
Location: Curitiba, Brazil
Posts: 162
Linas - I want to see your circuit ...
I actually want to see if I can do something different, a fully electronic control, new to me ..
in some trials, already in use connect to a contactor, a simple triac to trigger transformers of my tesla coil works mto well, and what is better, takes up less space and has no sound ...
Something to vary the voltage, electronically, would be perfect ...
but thanks for the suggestions, some more are welcome ...
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Variac Vs. Electronic
