John, that is a simple and inexpensive way to have some control over = voltage, in this high Tech world, I sometimes forget the simple = solutions. I was thinking (bad thing to do) it always get me in trouble. = less voltage less fan speed less bean movement, but I think I will give = it a try with my fresh roast, I think Ben posted FR 100 volts gave him a = 13 min roast. Ron Kyle Anderson SC rnkyle |
This idea was inspired by another list I'm on, I borrowed the name... It's been a bit too warm in the afternoon to hit the outdoor roast length times I'd like to get with the Popcorn Pumper, so I'd been waiting to roast until evening. We're still sorting stuff after moving, and there was a collection of 4 extension cords in the corner. Inspiration struck! Maybe if extension cords were used to increase resistance... Started with 2, and sure enough first crack took 1.5 minutes longer than without the cords! Plugged directly into the wall through first crack, and it's heating up faster than with the cords, then used one cord after first crack, (almost stalled with 2) and it ambled along to 435 degrees in 13 minutes. (~10 minutes without the cords) Just thought I'd mention this, it won't make a 4 minute roaster into a 14 minute roaster, but could give a nice bump if you're close. Or maybe find out if you'd like a longer roast before going for the variac. John Kangas MSN 8 with e-mail virus protection service: 2 months FREE* http://lists.sweetmarias.com/mailman/listinfo/homeroast">http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virushomeroast mailing listhttp://lists.sweetmarias.com/mailman/listinfo/homeroast |
Yes, but if you know the correct wire to cut, you can put an on/off switch in either a WBII or FR, and just turn the heater on and off without effecting the fan. Not as smooth as a variac, but 1/20 the price. Also, I would remove the timer from the FR, if you're going to switch it. Ben R.N.Kyle wrote: <Snip> yes. <Snip> |
Not just how many extension cords but what smaller gauge will reduce available voltage, and over heat the cord... BTW, the cord trick works for reducing voltage, I want to see you coil them up just right to increase voltage! (or is that start a fire... yes, coiled extension cords in use can and do start fires. It was the cause of a fire in my parents house some years ago, neatly coiled extension cord to lamp under couch...) Flammable resistant couch materials very toxic once it starts burning, bad news... MM;-) aka Kona Konnaisseur miKe mcKoffee Dual Variable Transformer Rosto Roasting Rocky grindin' - Miss Silvia brewin' |
<Snip> Hence the "bad boy" name, it's a good project to try outside, and uncoiled! It'll do until the popper gets a switch. Thanks for mentioning the coiled cord warning, I should have put that in the original message, but didn't think about it until later. OT- It could be worse, the inspiration was the infamous "bad boy charger" from the electric vehicle list: consisting of a heavy duty rectifier and a collection of extension cords, spread flat across concrete to keep them cool, plug 'em directly into 120-144 volts of lead batteries, and use varying numbers of cords to alter charging current. I'll pass on this one... :-) John Kangas (saving my pennies for that electric car) Protect your PC - get McAfee.com VirusScan Online http://lists.sweetmarias.com/mailman/listinfo/homeroast">http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid963homeroast mailing listhttp://lists.sweetmarias.com/mailman/listinfo/homeroast |