A SIMPLE AND INEXPENSIVE VOLTAGE REGULATOR FOR LABORATORY USE

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Abstract
An electronically controlled voltage regulator suitable for many laboratory uses is described. It consists essentially of a variable transformer (auto-wound) which is automatically maintained at a certain voltage output by a small motor which activates clockwise or counterclockwise as demanded. The motor is activated by 2 small thyratrons in the shading coil circuits. A small rectifier tube furnishes DC voltage which varies as the line voltage. Two small batteries are so connected that one holds the grid of one thyratron tube plus while the other holds the other minus. The DC from the rectifier is set in opposition to these 2 batteries, so change in voltage makes one or the other tube fire, the motor turns, and the output voltage is maintained. The variable transformer is the common manually operated one found in many laboratories. The device controls well within one volt in 110; corrects for 10 volts variation in 1-10 sec.; gives no distortion of wave form; a 5-ampere model costs about $22.00 for all materials needed. The device has been of particular value in running instruments having small induction motors and electronic tubes which do not function adequately on some of the more common types of regulators. Blueprints, detailed specifications, and instructions are available from the author.

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