Hello all,
I apologize for what is likely a duplicate post, but I am unable to post in the tubelab forum (which is why I registered) until I generate "four meaningful posts" so I am trying to come up with questions to ask- even though my first inclination is to watch and search and lurk!
I am considering buying a tube tester to make my future hobby a bit easier. First thing I am working on is a StroboConn tuner (a bit odd, but it will be useful at my job) and it has the original Conn (re)branded tubes I would love to keep and even use, if they are working right. I can drive a few hours to a friend's place to use his tube tester, but it seems like I might want one for myself if they are not too much of a can of worms.
Questions: Any recommendations? Hickok seems to be a standard. Are there ones to avoid? What should be expecting to pay? Are they easy to fix if they are not in perfect condition? What sorts of issues should I expect, or look out for? Where to buy? I've been looking at ebay. Any recommendations or words of wisdom?
Thank you for your time, and again, sorry if this is a duplicate post but I am unable to post in the tubelab forum until I engage more.
I apologize for what is likely a duplicate post, but I am unable to post in the tubelab forum (which is why I registered) until I generate "four meaningful posts" so I am trying to come up with questions to ask- even though my first inclination is to watch and search and lurk!
I am considering buying a tube tester to make my future hobby a bit easier. First thing I am working on is a StroboConn tuner (a bit odd, but it will be useful at my job) and it has the original Conn (re)branded tubes I would love to keep and even use, if they are working right. I can drive a few hours to a friend's place to use his tube tester, but it seems like I might want one for myself if they are not too much of a can of worms.
Questions: Any recommendations? Hickok seems to be a standard. Are there ones to avoid? What should be expecting to pay? Are they easy to fix if they are not in perfect condition? What sorts of issues should I expect, or look out for? Where to buy? I've been looking at ebay. Any recommendations or words of wisdom?
Thank you for your time, and again, sorry if this is a duplicate post but I am unable to post in the tubelab forum until I engage more.
The best tube testers can measure transconductance, not just the total emission.
You should be able to post soon without restrictions.
You should be able to post soon without restrictions.
Hard to say, since he seems to think people only use tube testers for old radios or guitar amplifiers.
But anything you buy will be very old and need repairs. However the case can always be replaced,
so don't let that stop you.
But anything you buy will be very old and need repairs. However the case can always be replaced,
so don't let that stop you.
Suggest you take a look at Mr Carlson’s lab channel as you collect your info.
Even when you manage to obtain a vintage tube/valve tester which can hopefully measure transconductance, it will likely need some kind of restoration.
I have an AVO MKII, which is highly accurate - but I always check the bias on it with a high quality DMM during testing of any tube/valve.
It can be adjusted for drift in mains voltage, which is also nice.
Beware - if the transformer is damaged on your tube/valve tester then it is going to be mighty hard to restore. Also, if the meter on it is faulty, again you likely struggle to find a replacement.
It might be best to build your own tube/valve tester. Here is something that I would seriously consider building: https://www.dos4ever.com/uTracer3/uTracer3_pag0.html
I have an AVO MKII, which is highly accurate - but I always check the bias on it with a high quality DMM during testing of any tube/valve.
It can be adjusted for drift in mains voltage, which is also nice.
Beware - if the transformer is damaged on your tube/valve tester then it is going to be mighty hard to restore. Also, if the meter on it is faulty, again you likely struggle to find a replacement.
It might be best to build your own tube/valve tester. Here is something that I would seriously consider building: https://www.dos4ever.com/uTracer3/uTracer3_pag0.html
In my experience tuner valves last forever, with the exception for some reason of the mixer-oscillator valve, which you can detect by ordinary means. I doubt that this project has any call for a tester at all.
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That DIY tester looks VERY interesting! Thank you for sharing that. That looks right up my alley.
Ejp, you are saying that in your experience, StroboConn tubes rarely need replacing, except for the mixer-oscillator? Which one is that?
For interest, here is a photo of the Conn (re)branded tubes in the StroboConn (prior to working on it, its in pieces now).
Ejp, you are saying that in your experience, StroboConn tubes rarely need replacing, except for the mixer-oscillator? Which one is that?
For interest, here is a photo of the Conn (re)branded tubes in the StroboConn (prior to working on it, its in pieces now).
I said that in my experience tuner valves rarely need replacing. Not any specific brand.
The one with the RF going in one side and the oscillator in the other. No idea in this specific tuner.
Oh, ha. Yeah, this is not that kind of tuner. Link in my original post! This is for tuning musical instruments.