BK 1653A Variable AC Supply Picts mini review

[dr.diesel]

Not really a review, just a few picts and a couple of thoughts, in-case anyone searches the forums for this piece.

I needed an unregulated very basic AC supply, this unit fits the bill perfectly.  120v AC input give a variable output range of 0-170v (unloaded), 0-2 amps.

Good:

- Typical BK build quality, very sturdy, 100% metal, machine screwed construction.
- Very compact, fits on the bench perfectly, 5.5"W x 6.5" H x 10.5" D.
- K-nob/adjustment is your typical variac wire wound type, feels good, can carefully tweak by the individual volt.
- No fan, top cover is 90% perforated metal.  Don't spill your cold beer on it.

Bad:

- None, ok maybe the price, shipped was $330, these guys are making a killing.

Thoughts:

- Wish it had a standard IEC power connector.
- Output Banana jacks (which it will have very soon).
- Not regulated, output will swing with utility/line voltage swings.  Everyone should know this, just sayin'.

[saturation]

Thanks for this.  It reads like and their website confirms, its an isolation transformer with a variac.  Always good to have.

[dr.diesel]

Yup!

Significantly better, placement was very restricted, about the only spot with room. 

Red and black, why not?

[BillyD]

Nice bit of kit. Probably being paranoid, as I've had a few bad experiences with chafed cables in my time, but I can't help feeling that the white wire to the primary coil is floating uncomfortably close to the jaggy edge of the transformer core. Might be worth securing it next time you have the cover off.
(Or just refrain from using the supply for extended periods in off road vehicles or other such vibration-prone environments . )