Q: lamp dimmer / AC transformer

[LeucoB]

Hi all,
I'm trying to make a variable dimmer for a 6 volt, 5 amp
incandescent lamp ( microscope illuminator).
Tried regulated variable DC sources, but at 5 amps they're not very
efficient , ..huge and hot heatsinks!
Was wondering if it might be a little more efficient ( size and heat)
to use a standard triac based lamp dimmer on the input of a
120:6.3V @ ~8A transformer?
Does the chopped waveform have any adverse effects on the transformer?
Does it need some sort of smoothing?
I do have a huge variac, but again, I'm trying to keep this PSU as
small as possible.
Thanks in advance!

 

[Vlad]

On Thu, 28 Apr 2005 00:03:43 GMT, LeucoB <mynick@gmail.com> wrote:

On Wed, 27 Apr 2005 23:18:01 GMT, LeucoB <mynick@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi all,


Oops! nevermind.. a blonde moment!
I'll use a triac circuit ( dimmer variation with a lower V diac) on
the output of the Xformer.

and... I would use a small transformer that my children use to use
(one more "use" for fun) to control the speed of small electric
trains. Very much like an inexpensive (very sheep) Variac. Many taps
and a rotary switch.

Vlad

 

[sammy@usa.net]

Hi,
try a motor speed controlor ie cieling fan. a lamp will cause transformer
to warm & buzz, eventually dimmer may quit.The cieling fan dimmers are not
rated at 600 watts but more like 250 watts-should serve you well. Also can
get anywhere slightly higher priced than the lamp ones, about $10 so still
reasonable.

LeucoB wrote:

Hi all,
I'm trying to make a variable dimmer for a 6 volt, 5 amp
incandescent lamp ( microscope illuminator).
Tried regulated variable DC sources, but at 5 amps they're not very
efficient , ..huge and hot heatsinks!
Was wondering if it might be a little more efficient ( size and heat)
to use a standard triac based lamp dimmer on the input of a
120:6.3V @ ~8A transformer?
Does the chopped waveform have any adverse effects on the transformer?
Does it need some sort of smoothing?
I do have a huge variac, but again, I'm trying to keep this PSU as
small as possible.
Thanks in advance!

 

[LeucoB]

On Wed, 27 Apr 2005 23:18:01 GMT, LeucoB <mynick@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi all,

Oops! nevermind.. a blonde moment!
I'll use a triac circuit ( dimmer variation with a lower V diac) on
the output of the Xformer.