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Source for Variac

I have a collection of about 20 MacIntosh tube pieces. I rotate them in two systems to keep them running. However, I am told that I should regenerate the caps after storing for a while by gradually increasing the voltage with a Variac or equivalent. Putting full voltage on the caps can short them and the old ones are no longer available (are they?). Can y'all steer me to a source for a variac?
jphilips

Showing 2 responses by ed_sawyer

ed_sawyer
588 posts
 
Search on Ebay - plenty there for cheap money. you want something like single phase, 120v, 10A or 20A. If you run the gear at least once a year or so, no need to reform caps with variac. If you left it idle for 5+ years, then maybe. Some old types of caps are no longer available new, but anything can be replaced, it's just a question of whether or not you can live w/ it not being the original "Mcintosh" part.
ed_sawyer
588 posts
 
Some variacs come with fuses. At a hamfest this fall, I picked up a sweet old Tektronix unit, 10A I think, with Triplett meter that can be switched between incoming and outgoing line, 2A and 10A fuses built in, adjustable dial (of course), removable power cord, 2 outlets for output, pilot light, etc. And of course the reknown tektronix build quality. Grand total: $5. Gotta love stuff like that. I won't even go into the tube or scope deals that were to be had.

-Ed
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