This is a model 1 and while it is not an isolation transformer it seems to do it's job well.
It is rated at 300 watts and I did test it,
Incoming voltage was 121, Out on low was 109 and out on high was 133 V.
While I see little used for the "High" setting I see the value of the "low" setting..
Seems like most of my sets need reduced voltages and it does get done before the set is "Finished" in my eyes, While this does not take the place of a Variac, I still find it a pretty neat toy and it may get used for the 1930s train set which says 115v on the transformer.
Anyhow, Just thought I would share this trinket,
Peter

I had to do a quick look to see if you stole mine

I have three that I picked up at regular fleamarkets or yardsales for $1-2 each. Just be sure you dont flip the switch the wrong way

Carl

Neat! It would be interesting to know what's inside that little can.

-Mark-

It's a transformer set up to either buck or boost. Actually, the proper term is autotransformer, because it is not isolated.

Rich

I use one on a soldering iron. If I want the iron to heat quickly I use the high setting; the low setting is good for making tips last longer. I didn't like the case so I installed mine in a new aluminum box with new AC outlet.

While I have the variac I can see me using it in the summer when it gets real hot out, My line dropped from 121 when the weather was nice all the way to 109 on a real hot day, It seems I am the end of a long line and since my sets usually already have a bucking transformer in them, I found my Zenith 15U269 running a bit weak last summer to see that 109 V minus 12V is 97 V, So this little boost might be nice,
What ever I use it for it looked like fun and it was an impulse buy.
Peter

Funny, I do the very same thing! I have a multiple tap isolation transformer I incorporated into a nice metal project box complete w/ meter, over current protection, etc.

I don't see how Perma-Power could label it as a "voltage regulator" being what it's comprised of. A manually switched buck/boost transformer isn't a regulator; unless there's more to its construction than that of a mere transformer.

Define regulator? That product doesnt claim to be a voltage stabilizer, just regulates it within a specific range.

Carl

These are a manual regulator, you manually adjust the voltage. Just like a volume control is a manual volume regulator.

No it doesn't do any automatic regulating.

Dave

I guess you both have a point there -- I'm so used to "regular" voltage regulator circuits, I have troubles thinking outside the box in situations like this one.