[strider]

1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi....20 Mississippi

http://tubedepot.com/p-dpst-3way.html

This will help with the wiring.

That's similar in function to the switch that I am currently using, which I got from the glassware store also.

http://glass-ware.stores.yahoo.net/acswitch.html

[strider]

Digging through my parts bins last night I found a 12V/5A toroidal transformer, so I think I may go ahead and use it with the current full wave bridge rectification. The transformer is single primary and secondary, any reason why it wouldn't be a good idea to try?


Ben

[strider]

So instead of using the toroidal transformer I ordered a Hammond transformer from Mouser, a 166L12. Mouser shows it as 12.6v/2.5a which is perfect for the heater supply. When I receive the transformer I look at the data sheet that came with it and it is center tapped.

From my understanding of a center tapped transformer the center tap is taken from the middle of the secondary winding. In this particular example, there would be 6.3v from the one secondary tap to the center and 6.3v from the other secondary tap to the center tap. Could I ignore the center tap and use just the two scondary taps and get the 12.6v that I need?

[Speedskater]

Sure, you don't need to connect the center tap on a 3 terminal winding.
Some secondaries are two separate windings (4 taps) and you need to jumper the correct taps.