how to set speed with strobe and speed controller

Where would one find a strobe light?

at any store that sells hardware, its a flourescent light

a strobe light isn't actually required. You can do this with ANY incandescent lamp powered by a 60hz wall outlet. It works!

Do you really need a strobe light? I just use regular lighting (USA), and I can see the bars pretty well. I have to kind of un-focus my eyes a bit, though. Am I getting an accurate reading doing it this way?
-Bob

I prefer the bars where the light is very low. Sorry, couldn't resist. It is easier to see them with a flourescent light. Radio Shack has one in a little housing that is used as a panel lamp, all you have to do is hook it up with some lamp cord and throw a plug on the other end. It has a colored jewel, which just unscrews on the top. It is compact, cheap and convenient. I think the whole affair will cost about $3.00 to rig up if you are handy. If not, usual disclaimer, I am not responsible for you burning down the house and killing yourself and I will not send flowers to the funeral.
Marty