Andrew VK3BFA wrote:
On Aug 16, 4:03 pm, (Dave Platt) wrote:
Now retired I'm trying to become active again.
My TS-520S has not been on for 30 years.
I don't have a variactor ( variable transformer ).

KISS. Wire a 60w light globe in series, turn it on, let it sit for a
few hours. Filaments OFF for this test.

Havent used a variac for this for years - reason - its the switch on
current surge thats going to kill old electros, and the variac has no
current limiting whereas the light bulb does. You will see a brief
"Flash" as the caps charge up, then maybe a dull glow, eventually, no
light at all.
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Don't understand the above.
When using a variac starting at zero and gradually increasing the
voltage there can't be any appreciable inrush current.

I happen to have a 8 Amperes variac and would always use it to 'fire-up'
a previously retired oldtimer (boat anchor)

I have a rather large junk box with high capacitance value elcos and
recently exposed them all to a 'zero to max working voltage' from an
adjustable HV PSU. I do that once every 3 years.

Frank GM0CSZ / KN6WH