Variac Vs. Electronic
Alexandre, Wed Dec 09 2009, 01:37AMIs 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?
Alexandre
Re: Variac Vs. Electronic
Turkey9, Wed Dec 09 2009, 04:42AM
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.
Turkey9, Wed Dec 09 2009, 04:42AM
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.
Re: Variac Vs. Electronic
Linas, Wed Dec 09 2009, 09:07AM
well, i am tring to make large SMPS, voltage mode 100-800V for DRSSTC, if smps will work, i will place here circuit and pcb files
Linas, Wed Dec 09 2009, 09:07AM
well, i am tring to make large SMPS, voltage mode 100-800V for DRSSTC, if smps will work, i will place here circuit and pcb files
Re: Variac Vs. Electronic
Renesis, Wed Dec 09 2009, 12:15PM
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.
Renesis, Wed Dec 09 2009, 12:15PM
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.
Re: Variac Vs. Electronic
Alexandre, Wed Dec 09 2009, 12:19PM
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 ...
Alexandre
Alexandre, Wed Dec 09 2009, 12:19PM
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 ...
Alexandre
Re: Variac Vs. Electronic
Steve Conner, Wed Dec 09 2009, 05:37PM
Check the forum and archives, plenty of people have built SCR and triac based "dimmers" for their coils. I built two myself.
Steve Conner, Wed Dec 09 2009, 05:37PM
Check the forum and archives, plenty of people have built SCR and triac based "dimmers" for their coils. I built two myself.
Re: Variac Vs. Electronic
Alexandre, Thu Dec 10 2009, 03:10PM
ok
Alexandre, Thu Dec 10 2009, 03:10PM
ok
Re: Variac Vs. Electronic
Dr. H., Thu Dec 10 2009, 06:29PM
Good day Alexandre
I suggest havig a look at Ward's site. There he has a PFC boost converter - wich for me is one of the best ways to power a coil.
But yes - it is quite more complicated than a variac
Cheers
Dr. H., Thu Dec 10 2009, 06:29PM
Good day Alexandre
I suggest havig a look at Ward's site. There he has a PFC boost converter - wich for me is one of the best ways to power a coil.
But yes - it is quite more complicated than a variac
Cheers
Re: Variac Vs. Electronic
Alexandre, Fri Dec 11 2009, 09:36PM
ok Dr. H. thanks !
Alexandre, Fri Dec 11 2009, 09:36PM
ok Dr. H. thanks !
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