[Steve Davis]

Hi Audin, I used to bring my radios up slowly before I got a variac, using a string of the old style christmas lights (the ones with the C7 bulbs). With the string conected in series with the radio just as you would with your dim bulb tester. Start with all the bulbs loose then begin tightening them one at a time. You may want to replace a couple of the bulbs with 25 watt ones to make things go a little faster. Works like a champ!

Steve