W4JKL's Glowbug Web Site

Before you start refurbishing or building glowbug or boatanchor gear, build a boatanchor evaluator!

Safety First!

If you don't understand how this device works or why you would use it, find yourself an Elmer (that's a ham radio mentor) and start asking questions. This device uses AC mains voltages which can kill you.

Here is my rendition of the variable-voltage-isolation-transformer-shorts-checker thing from the BAMA web site.

Left to right are the master switch, variable transformer, light bulb current limiter, isolation transformer, and below it the light bulb bypass switch.

In the lower left is the fuse holder. Note that I have yet to put plastic boxes over the old-fashioned terminal board on the variable transformer and the fuse holder.

I used point-to-point wiring and kept everything I could in or under the grounded metal boxes. I used a 3-wire input cord.

I don't have my voltmeter/ammeter set up yet, as I plan to dedicate a DVM I found on sale at Harbor Freight for $2.98.

The whole thing is on a 10" by 20" plywood board.

And here's the schematic, courtesy of the BAMA web site.

Once again,

If you don't understand how this device works or why you would use it, find yourself an Elmer (that's a ham radio mentor) and start asking questions. This device uses AC mains voltages which can kill you.

Safety First!