I found an old auto-transformer that desperately needed some TLC. So in this video, I'll give it a freshen-up. Let me know if you like this kind of video format? Schematix
That rustoleum paint is the business for easy spray can based paint jobs. I was taught that spray jobs can be improved by warming the surface of the metal (in the sun or a low temp in the oven) and standing the spray can in hot water (with a weight on top) improves flow from spray cans and vastly reduces likelihood of paint runs. It works well. You probably know this already, you look smarter than me. Good vid mate.
Good practical demonstration of upgrading an autotransformer. I like the analog meters. Maybe you could have explained circuit and autotransformer advantages (clean variable voltage) and disadvantages (current limited and no isolation).
I have used autotransformers extensively over the past 40 years for doing burn-in of high-reliability resistors. They are very rugged and reliable power sources but we found that fusing both input and output was wise. We ruined numerous transformers due to loads that shorted and the transformers can smoke if you don't have the input fused.
Upvote for making a crimp using the correct ratchet crimp tool. Unlike the 6 million geniuses on RU-vid using pliers/hammer/solder… Nice addition of the pressed mounting nuts too. Was planning a similar restoration of mine but was going to add an output trip switch and a neon indicator. These are great for slowly powering up old equipment.
Great to see a RU-vidr with 'used' tools ;) So many DIY channels have brand new shiny tools, to which I always think ' if they are so experienced, how come their tools are so shiny' ;)
Nice mate, that looks really good, the analog meters are a really great look for the age of the varriac. mines a little newer and i installed a digital meter.
Nice job, rivnuts are a good addition. Plenty of these Claude Lyon auto transformers around, not sure if there are still available from RS Components, but they sold them for a number of years
Should have change the nametag to "Schematix Model 1" or similar given all the work you put into this. You managed to improve on the design and use of this transformer. Well done and thank you for sharing. P.S. Love the scene of mountains and sheep at the beginning.
Nice job. I like the hammered copper paint finish. I have a variac similar to that, made here in the States. It only turns so far, and then stops. I have it at a local motor shop for service. Hopefully I'll be able to get it repaired. Some time ago I purchased a bench power supply, and parts of another one and got it working. It had been scrapped, but it only had minor problems. 0-50 vdc at 10 amps. Now I just need to make a cover for it. I'm thinking I'll make it from Lexan plastic since I have a quantity of that on hand.
I like it, but it would be nice if you tell more about the internal workings and your choice of components. Was the original output also a shuko connector on a cable?
Liked the rivet nuts. Didn't even know that was a thing. Didn't like the sanding off of the old paint. You should've used paint-stripper. Earthing of the case could have been more elegant too. copper tab rivet or something. Liked the video. As always, Top content.
You are correct that phase is on the left and neutral on the right, but when you're measuring AC it doesn't matter which probe of the meter goes in which hole.
@@alexstone691 Yeah, I initially thought that too, but given the dial gap and the camera angle, I agree with @Paul Vale that it's just a parallax issue. For reference (courtesy of google): Parallax is a displacement or difference in the apparent position of an object viewed along two different lines of sight.
No, DON'T MAKE MORE videos like this, please. Oh, we enjoyed it no doubt, but it didn't utilize your technical knowledge nor sense of humour. IOW, don't undersell yourself.