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I found this unit for $30.00 at the 2005 Indianapolis Hamfest. The
ammeter is a NOS Simpson that I also found at the same hamfest. I
attached it to the variac using a standard 4"x 4"x 2 1/8" electrical
box. My variac has a input rating of 120v, 50/60 hz and a output rating
of 0 - 120/140 volts @ 10A, 1.4 KVA.
This would be what I consider a must for anyone planning on repairing or working on antique radios. I use it mostly when first powering up a radio, I can slowing increase the voltage and observe the amperage draw. This gives me more control of things if a short develops, potentially saving valuable components. I wish I would have had one of these years ago when a 6X5 GT rectifier in my Zenith 8-S-463 shorted while I was powering it up, cooking the power transformer and several other components.
This would be what I consider a must for anyone planning on repairing or working on antique radios. I use it mostly when first powering up a radio, I can slowing increase the voltage and observe the amperage draw. This gives me more control of things if a short develops, potentially saving valuable components. I wish I would have had one of these years ago when a 6X5 GT rectifier in my Zenith 8-S-463 shorted while I was powering it up, cooking the power transformer and several other components.