۞۞JACMUSIC Tube tester assortment

Bias King

This can be a good little instrument, having the ability to measure the plate present of a tube contained in the amplifier. For sensible causes, really not the plate present is measured, however the cathode present. So this implies all grid present(s) are added to the studying.That is after all primarily the display grid present, however that may be a number of mA. For that reason, and likewise as a result of the cathode present is all you get, it’s not a lot a tube tester, however relatively a bias tester. So the bias present is what you get. The most effective is, to put in writing down the preliminary values on a sticker on the tube base, so you’ll be able to evaluate with that later. Some small lack of plate present throughout tube life is regular, and with the Bias King you’ll be able to watch this course of, and see if the tubes are nonetheless in stability. Manual here

CONCLUSION: Higher as you anticipate! Drawback although, it may solely run on AC heated amplifiers, be very cautious with this.

BITMATIC

CANOR

DETAILED TEST REPORT + COMPARE WITH OTHER DIGITAL TESTERS

Centrad 752

I’ll describe it later. This tester appears a bit like a Taylor 45C. It has one faulty selector change that us simple to restore… simply to have time. So I can’t choose any tube, however nearly any. This little pearl is predicated on the circuitry of the 45C, but it surely has extra and higher choices, additionally it had the selectors for any random tube, identical because the AVO’s have. All collectively this can be a mixture of AVO Mk1, Taylor 45C, and the designer saved completely not on good choices. It has for example the skilled leakage take a look at methodology, identical because the AVO’s have. This implies an actual ohms measurement, however with a excessive voltage as bias. Thus the designers had been conscious, typically the one, typically the opposite methodology is best. Heater voltage very curiously performed, with a rough and a tremendous adjustment. Effectively, I’ve probably not checked out it intimately. Some incandescent lamps are used as a fuse, identical as Hickok does. Reality is, the tester works, and is exact. It may well do lots of the European B4B5 socket tubes like PX4, PX 25, and so forth. Straightforward to deal with and a pleasant design. It’s bigger because it appears on the image, and fairly heavy. Manual_French . Manual_Dutch . Meter_picture . Large_Picture_of_Tester

CONAR

Picture series here

DIY Tube tester (1)

Many DIY testers exist, and it’s fascinating to see typically 50 years outdated variations of these. Some are very nice performed, and a few not so good. At this time, usually the testers are made as digital merchandise, and you may see the maker getting deeply into software program points, and the {hardware} getting bigger as meant. For that purpose, a pleasant approach is use digital panel meters, and for the remaining arrange the tester within the good outdated analog approach. From my very own expertise I can say, use solely industrial meters for this. The Chinese language Ebay meters have unlinearity issues. Suppose you calibrate it for 1000V full scale , and measure 99V. So you turn to the 100V vary to get extra accuracy, however you measure instantly 98V. (Mmmm ?!) The reason being panel meter inside unlinearity. You’ll be able to’t calibrate that away. The costly meters haven’t got this downside. Because the tester is an instrument, you want to make the total idea earlier than you begin, preserve the wiring easy, but forestall to neglect capabilities that it’s a must to add later. So the factor will get serviceable later. With the idea being ‘last’ from the start, you can also make a pleasant entrance plate, use good knobs, and paint it skilled. Right here is a type of merchandise, which I believe is extraordinarily nicely performed. It was made by a personal individual. He’s 78 years outdated, (whereas I write this in 2011). He admires tubes for the commercial design ‘artwork’ in them. So that is any person with time and expertise, and the proper coronary heart beat to construct one thing final. The result’s probably the most stunning analog tester I ever noticed. Read more about it.

Ebay costs seen:

2007: Good one 680€
2007: Faulty 313€

ELPO 508

Read more about it.

EICO 666 tube tester / Linked to digital Curve Tracer

The Eico 666 is a really good tester. It is not a type of ‘diode’ testers. So those that take a look at all tubes as diodes. Although it appears like one, it is not!. The within is exceptionally good made, and elements inside are excessive precision. That is an instrument! Beware you purchase a manufacturing facility wired model, and never a equipment model. Kits can look horrible inside, and will have wiring errors. The take a look at circuit of the 666 is superb and mature. It really works a bit just like the AVO Mk4 really, however the EICO exhibits just some quantity for plate present, and the great/unhealthy is derived from that. (so no transconductance measurement). Positive not as versatile because the Mk4, however a few of the working rules are the identical. Additionally the leakage take a look at is completed the identical. I purchased this tester for a particular venture. More about it here.

FUNKE. (Max Funke) Electron take a look at gear manufacturing facility.

2) Funke Emission testers. Make good word, the Funke Emission testers don’t have anything, actually nothing to do with all these low-cost, crappy little testers you can purchase on Ebay for costs from 100..300 Euro. Such are value nearly nothing, and they’re solely helpful for what they had been meant for, and that’s discover the damaged tubes in a malfunctioning radio. A extremely prime quality emission tester, is one thing else. This assessments the tube’s Emission below hardest attainable situations. So actually when an tube needs to be able to 40mA at 180V, then it is going to attempt to test this, even when regular use situation is just 20mA at 250V. In order you’ll be able to see from the instance, the tube is even thermally overloaded at 40mA /180V, so the handbook for such an Tester will say to not take a look at the tube longer than 30 seconds. This can be a actual emission tester. Once more, to not ne confused with the Junk on Ebay. An Emission tester is testing all amplifier tubes (…maintain your breath…) like a diode. I additionally questioned myself what the concept behind that is. At first I believed that was an affordable method to take a look at tubes. How a lot I used to be mistaken by that! Later, I discovered the reply within the blue ebook by Max Funke. The concept is certainly having little interest in Grid voltage settings of the tube. The strategy Max Funke makes use of, could be very clever. He says, let’s assume the tube producer did an excellent job, when the tube was examined earlier than leaving the manufacturing facility. This implies, the transconductance was above minimal and beneath most. Even when such limits had been by no means revealed, they positive existed in a manufacturing surroundings. Identical for the plate impedance, and the tube acquire. This was all inside their very own (un)revealed limits. Additionally the plate present at specified situations was right. Then the tube was discovered to be good. It was bought, and utilized in some gear. Later, a technician can have this tube on the bench and needs to know whether it is nonetheless good. In the course of the use interval, emission slowly reduces, which once more causes all tube parameters to get much less good. Now, Max Funke says, all we want, is a totally dependable method to discover out if the emission continues to be good, and if that’s the case, all different parameters have to be good additionally. After all this assumption can solely be true, if the tube has no leakage or vacuum loss, and if fundamental functioning continues to be given.

Right here is the proof: If in case you have some worn out tube, that you simply meant to throw away, you’ll be able to re take a look at it at 50% increased heater voltage, which boosts up emission to ‘like new’ for a short while, and you will notice the worn out tube assessments like new this fashion. Or, vice versa take a brand new tube, and scale back the heater voltage by 50%, and you will notice all dynamic parameters, and plate present are the identical as with an end-of-life tube. So certainly, when you’ll be able to say emission at regular heater voltage is robust, there’s not different conclusion the tube have to be tremendous. Let me repeat the belief, the tube was totally examined by the producer, and the tube passes now a leakage and fuel take a look at with good end result, and fundamental perform is given.

So the Funke emission testers works like this: A) Take a look at the heater. B) Take a look at all electrodes for leakage, one after the other. C) Take a look at emission. D) Take a look at for Fundamental perform. E) Take a look at for fuel.Observe, you’ll be able to and you must solely take a look at for B) after the tube handed A), and the identical with all different steps. If it fails at one step, you want to cease and reject the tube. So when you find yourself arrive at E) and the tube was exhibiting sufficient Emission at C), solely then the tube is okay.

All of that is performed with only one knob, and takes lower than a minute. Personally, I imagine there is no such thing as a higher methodology. The query is just: The right way to take a look at emission? For this, the Hickok firm assessments the tubes at lowered heater voltage, and as all Hickok do: at a lot lowered dissipation. Which is a piece round, not having to generate excessive energy with an costly circuit. The Funke firm goes the final word approach. They take a look at the tubes on the regular heater voltage, at most dissipation, after which assessments if the tube can do greater than regular plate present. The take a look at result’s crystal clear. A tube should learn at the least within the ‘?’ vary. This implies such tube will work in most functions, but it surely’s unsure for the way lengthy. So they are saying, once you pull such a tube from working gear, you could take into account to place it again in. That’s what the ‘?’ mark is for. The following is the place ‘good’ begins. Initially of ‘good’ the tube is assured to work in all functions for an inexpensive time. To work very lengthy, it must be someplace above. As a rule of thumb, a NOS tube reads 30% increased as the place ‘good’ begins. It’s as simple as that. That is for amplifier tubes. Rectifier tubes are put in an actual tube rectifier circuit, and pulling the utmost present for that tube. Then, the output present is quantified on a scale in the identical approach. So ‘?’ and ‘good begins at’. Make word, all Funke Emission testers, even the tine ones, can take a look at at max 500V AC and max 250VDC, and so at at max 250mA. Even so, excessive energy amplifier tubes might be tester at 500VAC and 250mA. So 125 Watt dissipation. That’s actually outstanding. To show this, I designed a 300B and 300B-XLS test card myself, testing these tube at fairly excessive dissipation.

Why testing like this works so quick? Effectively heater take a look at and leakage take a look at take solely a fraction of a second. You’ll be able to rotate the primary knob fairly quick to ‘Emission Testing’. Then you will notice the emission come up, and the second you see it’s ‘sufficient’ above minimal you’re performed. After all you’ll be able to wait till it stabilizes someplace, however you do not have to. Already at minimal, a tube is okay, and desires not to get replaced. So you’ll be able to proper after do fundamental ‘perform take a look at’ this implies some change of plate present have to be seen once you enter this place. Subsequent is fuel take a look at, and alter needs to be presumably low, identical as with all different tube testers. Already you’re performed. For the specialists, you’ll be able to return now to Emission Testing, and let the tube get actually sizzling. Then, when sizzling, rotate again step-by-step by all of the leakage assessments (rapidly) and also you are actually performing leakage assessments on a sizzling tube.

Take a look at settings of the Emission Tester aren’t secret, they’re printed on each card. So, 50 years of data and expertise are put into these take a look at settings. That’s sort of exhausting to exchange. Understanding this, take a look at such foolish emission testers like TC2, and what silly circuits is inside, and you actually surprise why folks pay 300 Euro for such a ‘factor’ on Ebay.

Funke Einheitstester (W16 variation Mannequin)

Click on this hyperlink for a restoration venture with this tester, schematics, and particulars about it is perform. Read more…

CONCLUSION: That is the primary actually good ‘one-knob’ Funke tester, with all the great options.

Funke W19. Manufacturing unit worth in 1968: 425 Euro. Appr 5000 pcs had been manufactured, from 1951….1976.

W19S is the army model, vs W19 which is the civil model. The W19S had an extra Septar socket, and rugged case.

This Funke W19 made in 1968 , I purchased on Ebay in mentioned to be ‘working situation’,
however that was nearly it, for the remaining it was a large number. No less than the essential materials was excellent. The person paid me again a few of the cash, and for me it was okay then. I really like good devices, and I spend over one week restoring and calibrating it, together with the meter linearity.
Now it’s like new once more.
The most effective in regards to the W19 is,
is has no settings.
So that you plug within the pins on the take a look at card, and you may learn if the tube is sweet or not.
It really works with digital stabilized voltages,
and desires no calibration or service.
When the management lamp burns,
it means the interior electronics is working.
They considered the consumer’s consolation.
I’d say it is
THE tester amongst skilled tube sellers.
It provides very dependable outcomes. When shopping for a Funke W19 examined tube, I do know what I get, and moreover I may even confirm it now. It may well measure nearly any tube, USA and American, and might be operated with out having to assume so much, and the studying is stabile in a short time. So that you need not warmth up the tubes very lengthy. (Although you do have to warmth up the tester for 10 minutes, so the interior voltage stabilizer reaches it is correct voltage). It’s preferrred for having to check 100’s of
tubes.
Once I verified the outcomes,
unhealthy tubes, had been actually unhealthy, and “?” tubes are certainly identical to that, and new tubes from Electro Harmonics, Sovtek, and so forth., are all the time indicated at or above 100%

Right here is how the W19 works, it is so simple as environment friendly and dependable. The W19 works with take a look at playing cards, and you can also make no mistake with these. Everyone knows this unusual feeling when plugging in a 500€ tube in a tester. You test all settings 5 instances, and nonetheless are afraid to your costly tube to explode. When testing an ECC803S with some other tester than the W19, first I plug in an affordable JJ tube. Nevertheless, when testing an costly NOS RE134, I’ve no low-cost JJ tube to attempt it first. Right here is the place the W19S is available in, it is a good feeling you are able to do actually nothing improper. All voltages are set by the cardboard. The interior voltages are taken from a ladder community. So the plate voltage is stabilized, but in addition different stabilized voltages derived from this. Now what is good, you rotate the one button it has, all although the positions 1…13. In place ‘0’ the entire tester is off. From 1…10 it performs all of the leakage and brief circuit assessments, and every take a look at is handed when the meter stays on the ‘zero’ place. Suppose it fails one take a look at, the meter goes to the left, right into a small white zone first, which is appropriate, and if it goes additional a pink zone begins, which is the place ‘leakage’ begins. On the massive knob are symbols like ‘grid-to-plate’ and so forth, so you’ll be able to see what take a look at it was. That’s all there’s to say about the way it works. I examined it with a KT88 and an exterior 400k resistor from grid to filament, and it signifies the center of the pink scale. Good!

Place 11 is the precise take a look at, and the outcomes is pre-printed on the take a look at card.

Place 12 provides the transconductance by altering the grid voltage from 0V to -2V. So you want to calculate the micromhos (=mA/V). The transconductance take a look at is invalid with tubes that reduce off at -2V, but in addition right here the cut-off ought to happen, so at the very least that you realize, and the tube might be good. With different tubes you’ll be able to calculate the transconductance like this.

Place 13 provides the vacuum situation, and also you’re performed.

The playing cards are the software program, the W19 the {hardware}. What is good in regards to the playing cards, they’ve the tube primary knowledge printed on them, together with connections, and normal settings. Additionally many substitute varieties. Then it provides the really take a look at settings within the W19, the plate present, and most vital, it tells you what’s unhealthy, ‘?’ and good. These playing cards are actually correct. That is why I just like the W19 a lot.

Costs: I gather some from Ebay, costs are rising rapidly. Regardless of that the unique Funke manufacturing facility was cleared someplace round 2005. From that closure a number of materials got here on Ebay, specifically stacks of NOS take a look at playing cards, a number of blue books, switches and meters. Even new circumstances have popped up on Ebay. Nonetheless costs go up and up. I purchased mine for a couple of hundred Euro. You’ll be able to solely dream of that now.

There’s the W19S and W19. The ‘S’ is the army one, and appears much less good, but it surely has extra sockets and the next rated transformer. It may well do filament present as much as 4 Amps and plate dissipation as much as 50Watt, but in addition can delicately and exactly measure battery tubes at lower than a mA. It may well take a look at greater tubes additionally with an AC plate voltage, which makes it attainable to check any tube as much as 250mA. The studying is in equal DC milliamps, which appears to signify actual DC measurements properly. I attempted that out. Rectifiers might be examined used as much as 250mA.

Making assessments playing cards is a bit of cake, as a result of once you take away the cardboard, you’ve all of the settings properly printed beneath. So you’ll be able to choose the plate voltages AC or DC by plug within the correspondent pin. When the take a look at does what you need, you can also make your personal card rapidly from a sheet of paper, and stick the take a look at pins by the paper.

Read here about an interesting 1935 patent from Funke. This tester was never made.

Image from the patent

A really Good concept: Exchange the stabilizer by a NOS tube.

CONCLUSION: Prime Mannequin, no compromise tester. Very best for for who need to get a really fast and dependable end result, which is completely revered by everybody. I’ve one seen a W19 on Ebay, which was a really late mannequin, and it had a semiconductor rectifier inside, and a ceramic multi-deck change as an alternative of the older kind rotational change. The newer change is electrically appears an enchancment, however the operation of the brand new change won’t as comfy because the outdated kind. The outdated change is okay too, but it surely positively wears out rapidly. The semiconductor rectifier is good, however presents no safety in case of a brief circuit.

Ebay

costs seen:

Public sale Nr:

2012

Good 1199€

2012

NOS in field 2000€

2007

NOS in field 1496€

2007

Faulty
450€

2007

good: 875€

2007

NOS in field 1375€

2007

good: 935€

2006

Blue ebook: 40€

2006

Incomplete 200€

Common Radio 561

Take a look at circuits for Acquire, Transconductance and Plate resistance.

These aren’t any tube testers within the commom sense of the phrase. There have been meant for producers of tubes and transistors the measure any sort of dynamic parameter. They wanted exterior DC voltage sources, to bias the DUT (System Underneath Take a look at) and likewise exterior unstruments to provide the take a look at sign, and browse the end result. The advantage of these was to provide a professional take a look at setup, and remove any errors attributable to capacitance through the use of a bridge ciruit. They had been used by all producers to put in writing their tube and transistor manuals.

Simply identical knowledge from the manuals:

• Acquire: 0.001 to 10.000
• Transconductance (gm) 0.02 to 50.000 mMho
• Accuracy 2%
• Present and Voltage rankings: 150mA, 1500V

Manual 561-D – Manual 1661-A

Grundig Tubatest, made in Germany

The unique handbook was with it, in collectors situation. There was a reputation stamp on it from a radio store, and my impression is, this was the primary proprietor. I had no time too take a look at it, however I did so 15 years later. Trying to find that store identify, I discovered the empty store on the market at a dealer, and likewise a household web site, and any person wrote they inherited that radio store they usually mentioned they bought the outdated equiment on Ebay. So I used to be the one who purchased the tester 🙂 I discovered that 15 years after I purchased it.

After opening the tester, it was a time capsule. It was by no means labored on. Inside was a unfastened paper, saying it was manufactured April 1946. So 72 years in the past. It’s important to perceive that date. In 1946, Germany was occupied by the Individuals, and Max Grundig was forbidden till additional discover, to manufaccture radios as he meant, as a result of he had employed 150 deported ladies from Ukraine, engaged on elements for secret weapons. Throughout his work for the Hitler regime, Max Grundig discovered so much about army gear. So he mentioned, okay if I’m not allowed to provide radios, maybe I can produce tube testers? And so they let him try this. Some years after, he was allowed to start out a radio manufacturing facility, and he dropped the tube tester line. So Tubatest 2 was the final one he made.

Although I’m completely positive I used to be the primary individual to open it, I used to be surprized by the standard of the wires and isolation supplies. I may go away that every one as is. It appears like all regular plasic wire from right now. The 2 switches are over engineered high quality, and the metals of the switches is a strong silver alloy, and you may take all of them aside till the final piece. The work which wanted to be performed, was cleansing of the switches, resolder (all!) joints, totally restore the panel meter, and a few small restore of wooden cracks. It’s in good situation once more. This tester works very dependable and is ready to do many fashionable tubes, should you take the difficulty to seek out out the settings. It even has unique settings for 6L6. Which you too can use for KT88. I’ve drawn the schematic with new software program, after which it grew to become clear the way it labored. The strategy for testing for shorts and leaks is intelligent and fascinating. And most of all it really works. We get the identical state of affairs as all the time. If I put am RE84 radio tube from the 1930’s on the tester, it is going to for example say, it’s “weak however simply okay” So I do know that. Then I can put it on a curve tracer and get the curves, which inform me nothing. I can take a look at transconductance which is 25% decrease. All of that tells you nothing. However this tester, primarily made for such tubes, sais it is “simply okay”…. I belief it.

Grundig’s firm rise and fall was spectacular, and their finish got here after they went for the improper video recorder normal. They by no means bought over that, and Max Grundig died in tjat interval. His very younger spouse needed to clear up the mess, and sge managed the corporate from one das to the opposite. She took a number of clever decions, and maybe Max ought to have let her accomplish that earlier than. She was ready to avoid wasting elements, but it surely was little evaluate to what it as soon as was.

Formally the corporate nonetheless exists, now within the fingers of promoting folks, promoting merchandise with “Grundig” printed on it.

HELIOWATT, Berlin Germany.

Technically very stunning. Looks as if a small Neuberger RPG 370. I hope to revive it, and certainly use it to check pre-war radio tubes like RE134 and RENS varieties. Learn more about it here.

Hickok Tester, how to decide on the proper mannequin

Hickok known issues, problems and general information

Hickok company photo archive

Hickok testers, Common options

• Micromho (=ma/V) readings, via a patented Hickok two-tube circuit which you will see in all testers with some variations. A number of the later strong state testers had the identical circuit. Due to this ‘normal’ circuit, every tester is an efficient one.
• Future Tube life indication. The ‘English’ studying with a lot of the testers. Some Laboratory fashions have further assessments.
• Case is rugged and enormous, leaving us right now loads of room for upgrades
• Wood case is extraordinarily rugged. Deck plate is properly engraved and strong.
• Fuel Take a look at. That is performed with a typical take a look at circuit, by placing a really excessive sequence resistor within the grid. The concept is, that tube fuel provides grid present, and this may generate a small voltage over this resistor. The small voltage will add to the DC bias voltage, and alter the bias of the tube. This modification has all the time it is limits it doesn’t matter what causes it. So regardless whether it is fuel if leakage, we all the time name it ‘fuel’ when you’ve a Hickok.
• Noise take a look at. This appear a pleasant methodology, although I need to admit by no means tried it. It’s important to join am AM radio receiver antenna to the noise take a look at output, and if there’s any noise, this may give loud crack sounds on the radio.

Not a function of all Hickok testers:

• Electrical security. The deck plate is just not grounded. This has benefits and downsides. Higher can be if it was not made from steel.
• Present plate present.
• Take a look at at normal situations for a particular tube
• Take a look at twin tubes with simply the flip of 1 change.

Micromho take a look at

Let me let you know what that’s. Someone invented the unit ‘Mho’ as a reverse worth of ‘Ohm’. That by itself makes me really feel humorous about it. In Europe they did not need the phrase Mho, so known as it Siemens. The ridiculous factor is now that we will name a resistor of 10 Ohms additionally 0.1Mho or 0.1 Siemens. The concept was to explain the conductivity (conductivity is the alternative of resistance) However really all passive elements have solely resistance in my wholesome opinion.

Now tubes are energetic elements. The output present is regulated by the enter voltage. So these attempt to conduct. Their habits is finest written down as milliampere per Volt. So you alter the grid voltage 1Volt, and the output present modifications 5mA, and we are saying the tube has 5mA per Volt. (5 mA/V). Right here we go…. that equals 5000 micromho. As a result of Ohm is Volt / Ampere, and Mho = 1/ Ohm. What a ineffective mess!

Anyway this can’t be modified anymore, identical as some international locations will use miles and gallons, irrespective of how unlogical it. You have to see the usage of micromho in that gentle. Anyway, this explains why USA testers have micromho on it, and plenty of USA datasheets too, whereas European testers all the time use mA/V.

To make it a bit extra complicated, typically however not all the time, the micromhos are known as transconductance and abbreviated as ‘Gm’ and the mA/V are known as ‘S’ for Siemens.

English take a look at

That is one other of these issues. English take a look at is utilized by the Hickok testers, and it’s a not so great way attempting to say you’re testing the tube below (an unspecified) load situation. The AVO firm within the UK in all probability made one of the best acknowledged sequence of testers, that examined the tube below load, Nevertheless, they specify precisely what load, and you may learn that on the meter, and make all settings your self.. So you may evaluate that with tube curves and datasheets. Other than that, they invented this red-green scale, the place the great/unhealthy result’s derived from the transconductance (datasheet !) values. So very intelligent, and really straight ahead. Within the USA that was known as ‘English’ testing.

This AVO methodology was patented, which was a serious strike. So Hickok needed to patent one thing else. They patented the ‘English’ take a look at methodology, which is the RED-GREEN scale you see on most of their testers. I investigated the take a look at outcomes of know to be good and know to be unhealthy tubes, and my conclusion is, it simply derives an excellent/unhealthy worth from the already know Gm worth. Identical precept as AVO, however they (must) do it in one other approach, in a really unusual approach, and in the long run the RESULT is identical as with AVO.

Take a look at outcomes: With a socket adapter, I simply measured the plate present of the tube, whereas turning the ‘ENGLISH’ dial, and guess what…. Nothing modifications! Solely the needle strikes once you flip the English dial.

So I can solely conclude, this modifications the sensitivity of the red-green meter, and nothing else.

Nonetheless the English take a look at is probably the most used, because it tells you ‘good or unhealthy’, and the setting of the English pot meter from the roll chart, is the information of the outdated tube exerts, put into the tester. Admitted is, the outcomes are very dependable, that is why I preserve my Hickoks, it doesn’t matter what. Some testers like TV7 have solely the English take a look at.

49-A

Will add photos later. That is an older sort of tester, in all probability already having the Hickok patent inside.

Hickok 531 (technician mannequin, giant case)

This is identical because the I-177, solely the 531 is the civil mannequin. It does not have the potted transformer, and anti fungus treating of the I-177. It’s a very outdated one, so before you purchase it ensure that it is not rusty inside. It’s a good tester although when you’ve an excellent one, although the final rule applies right here, if the case appears rotten, the within can be. The mains voltage meter you see with this one, is retrofitted. The usual method to alter the mains is through the primary meter.

CONCLUSION: Higher purchase am I-177

Hickok I-177

This was my first tube tester. I’ve two of these. I purchased the primary one in 1988 for 45 guilders (20 Euro) in the identical outdated electronics store, the place I purchased my stuff after I was a child. He had them piled up. (Radio Kwakkelstein in Vlaardingen). A few years later, tube hysteria took off, however he a single one left, that was damaged and he nonetheless needed 45 Euro for it. I took it for spare elements, however by no means wanted any. The factor was made to final for ever, and work with out upkeep within the humid and heat international locations the place the US military was saving the world from communism. So even should you discover a smelly outdated one, it could be good nonetheless. It assessments all tubes from earlier than the Noval tubes. For later tubes there’s an adapter equipment, which by itself is a priceless merchandise, since it’s a common socket adapter for any tube tester, not simply I-177 and never simply Hickok. The I-177 is a very incredible tester, as a result of it provides remarkably dependable outcomes on the great/unhealthy scale. What can be nice, it has solely two knobs to decide on tubes. As an alternative of 9 (!) with the later fashions. All of them want a calibration badly, if by no means performed earlier than. If this tester says the tube is ‘simply okay’ you’ll be able to wager it that’s simply what it’s. Most of all you get used to the studying once you take a look at the identical sort of tubes, and should you see a tube which is into pretty much as good as the opposite, you higher throw that tube away. ( or promote it on Ebay (ahem….)

Principally that is THE Hickok tester for the pre-noval tubes. The later mannequin was the TV7 , which may do additionally take a look at Noval tubes.

The I-177 has an fascinating approach it operates, and that is value a couple of strains right here. They use their well-known patented Hickok circuit, however within the I-177 they added a potentiometer which does noting else then change the meter sensitivity. The sign going to the meter has to go an attenuator potentiometer. That is the ‘L’ potentiometer. The results of that’s, you’ll be able to take a look at any tube in any respect, and have an accurate studying on the great/unhealthy scale when you realize the setting of that attenuator potentiometer. (After all they knew that at Hickok, and that is the ‘L’ worth within the handbook). Because the good/unhealthy readings are performed by measuring true, dynamic Gm, there’s additionally this specific place of that potentiometer the place the Gm (micro mho) scale is legitimate. This place is marked with ‘gm’ on the L Pot scale. So the great/unhealthy studying and micro mho studying is completed with the identical circuit.

Their patented Gm measuring circuit is one of the best of it is type so far as I do know. As a result of this patent all different producers needed to work with out it.

It assessments all recognized rectifiers. Additionally the massive triodes like 300B might be examined, and as we all know there aren’t many tube testers that may deal with this tube. Not even all later mannequin Hickoks can do a 300B. By experimenting with the settings I can now measure many unlisted tubes with it, like C3g and EM34. It is actually a really good tester, very a lot advisable. The circuit diagram is contained in the tester on a plastic plate. (Fungus proof….), and an Excel checklist with all take a look at knowledge I discovered within the web. These will all work in 100 years from now. They was low-cost, and regardless ineffective. Some begin to perceive how good they’re, and costs of these went up so much over the past years. The discount days are over, an excellent tube tester is dear it doesn’t matter what. I believe these are nonetheless an excellent purchase for the cash.

Right here is discover out settings for an giant measurement tube, like KT88 or so.

1. Discover a tube with related pin out. (that all the time exists)
2. Set the L pot to the center place and Gm Sensitivity to fifteen.000
3. Set the Bias (R) pot for highest studying. Now rotate R clockwise, till you learn 90% of most, and that is the bias setting. Could also be take rather less when the fuse lamps signifies a number of present, and also you assume that is an excessive amount of. The calibration comes within the subsequent step.
4. Discover the proper Gm Sensitivity knob setting, in order that the meter is properly within the inexperienced. (someplace)
5. Regulate the L pot till the tube is within the place of the great / unhealthy scale the place it belongs. So that’s simply within the inexperienced for a reasonably used, ‘simply okay’ tube.
6. Now L + R + Sensitivity is a set of knowledge that you will need to use in that mixture. This can be a comparatively excessive bias, which is hardest for the tube. I verified some Hickok settings, that is how they appear to do it.
7. And that is it.
8. Right here is the KT88 setting I discovered that approach.

A=8 B=5 Fil=6.3 L=70 R=42, Socket E, Gm change at 6000.

I’ve not but tried this for small tubes, like ECC83, however there was no want additionally. The handbook was full up to now.

CONCLUSION: The most effective of this tester is the great/unhealthy take a look at. It discovers any doubtlessly weak tube. Good purchase once you use pre-war tubes. It can provide the true Gm worth of the tubes, and good/unhealthy indication. It has no sockets for contemporary tubes. Use the MX949 adapter equipment, and you may take a look at any fashionable tube additionally. Make certain once you purchase the adapter equipment, you’ve the prolonged handbook with it, in any other case you solely have the adapter equipment, however not the settings for it. They’re all extraordinarily out of calibration, in order that must be performed for 100% positive, except the vendor did it already for you. (I’m sorry, we don’t provide calibration service).

Hickok 533A, 533B (technician mannequin, giant case)

The A-Model makes use of solely a 2.5V take a look at sign, which is simply too excessive for small sign tubes, and a few of these can’t be examined precisely or not examined in any respect. The B-Model offers with this downside, and has adjustable take a look at indicators beginning with 0,25V. Tubes that want decrease enter sign, are examined with decrease sign. The ranges are switched routinely once you change by the Gm scales. So 533B is far most well-liked over 533A, should you additionally need to take a look at the later sort of tubes.

Picture series about 533B here

Hickok 534A, 534B (technician mannequin, giant case)

The 534 is a 533 with a build-in multi meter. For all different info, check with the 533, additionally for the problem with the take a look at sign voltage. (So 534B is far most well-liked over 543A )

More information here

Hickok TV7 (technician mannequin, small case)

This one got here after the I-177, jogs my memory a little bit of the 600. It has only a few sockets. No direct studying of Gm in micromho. It has very straight ahead approach of working it. What is good, is the take a look at change and the short-circuit change are mixed, so that you go routinely by the brief take a look at, earlier than doing practical testing. Very fashionable tester. Switches inside are ceramic. Superb service documentation exists nonetheless right now, and it has properly organized calibration settings inside. So should you solely need to do an excellent/unhealthy take a look at with out figuring out what or why, that is your tester.

CONCLUSION: Drawback: Excessive market worth, low performance. Benefit: Compact dependable, simple to entry inside circuit . I regard it a critical shortcoming, it provides no tube parameter of any type. Simply ‘p.c’.

Ebay

Costs Seen

Public sale Nr

2010

NOS
660€

Hickok 600 (technician mannequin, small case)

This can be a simplified model of the 5xx sequence. They left away some take a look at choices like lifetime take a look at. It has decrease precision than the bigger laboratory testers, and there’s no method to calibrate it extra exact than what it was made for. Motive is, the Gm studying is completed with a selected setting of the English scale. As an illustration for the 3000mmho scale, you will need to set the English pot to the pink dot ‘3000’. Then learn on the 3000mmho scale. So this protects the vary change, the 5xx sequence has. The 600 has a pink dot painted on the English scale for every vary. Nevertheless, the 3000 dot is nearly firstly of the size, could also be solely 10…15 wire windings away from it. Once you attempt to set it exact, you’ll discover every winding of the wire wound the pot meter will give a change of the meter indication. So irrespective of how small the dot is, firstly or on the finish of the dot, you’ve two totally different readings. Evidently, the place of that dot is hypercritical. It means you rely upon the unique manufacturing facility precision, and you haven’t any sensible method to make the tester any higher than that. Nevertheless, the small measurement and easily method to function it, made it very fashionable. It kind if did what the not-so-critical technician wanted, and admittedly talking it nonetheless does so right now.

Hickok 600A (technician mannequin, small case)

I have no idea what the additional function of the 600A is in comparison with the 600. The tester you see right here, is my very own however I bought it in 2011. The benefit of those smaller ones is their weight and measurement. The one sensible drawback I see, is a few smaller accuracy, however you must know for your self what accuracy is a ‘should’ and what’s a ‘need’. Given the age and situation, an excellent 600A can measure inside 10…15% which is greater than you want for sensible use.

Picture1 – Picture2 –Picture3 – Picture4 – Picture5 – Picture6

The right way to use it, with photos. That is from my very own 600A:

1) Set knobs by roll chart, insert tube
2) Press Line test, adjust
3) Read tube test result. Right here for 12AT7 EHX new tube. This can be a sturdy one.

Hickok 605A (technician mannequin, small case)

This is identical because the 600, solely the 605A has a multi meter inside

Hickok 539A, 539B, 539C (laboratory mannequin)

The most important laboratory testers. For me, these all have one BIG drawback: the English scale is lacking. So the tester does not let you know if the tube is sweet or unhealthy. You are supposed to have the ability to inform this your self. The so known as benefit of the bias setting with it is personal voltmeter is just a advertising gimmick, as a result of the size is simply too tiny, and unprecise.the 539 sequence are simpler to calibrate than the 750 sequence, however a nicely calibrated 750 can be one thing very good.

Hickok 539A

Simply bought it from . Will likely be described intimately later. That is how he provided it on Ebay:

‘This tube tester is totally operational, all controls and roll chart work easily. The surface black Tolex overlaying does have nicks and tears however this will simply be
recovered. All three meters are totally practical
with easy motion’

Really that is the sort of description I can solely advise you to search for. No uncles, no pals who examined it. The vendor was the consumer himself, and he even pictured his tubes examined with this one. So I believed I used to be protected. Then after I acquired it I may not imagine my eyes. The Tolex was totally torn away by some type of fool. Here’s what I acquired. Pic1 – Pic2 – Pic3

Subsequent factor: ‘This tube tester is totally operational’ writes. Effectively, the Gm worth reads twice the vale appropriately. So it’s ineffective. He tells me this ‘should have occurred within the mail’. Apparently, he factors out already within the public sale textual content to simply accept no lack of accuracy that occurs within the mail. Now take a look at that… So he already ‘anticipated’ the tester to break within the mail. (You see what I imply?).

Now take a look at the Ebay image. This tells all of it, however I need to admit I did not discover whereas bidding. Right here you see a tube examined, and the meter is all in the proper nook. I did not suspect something but, as a result of with an excellent tube, it may be like that. Solely the issue is, it does so with ANY tube I attempt, even a damaged one. Press the take a look at button and the meter provides a minimal of 100% studying or extra, it doesn’t matter what tube, even with out a tube.

Thoughts you that is bought by an individual from Belgium, with over 900 optimistic feedbacks, and no unfavourable. Effectively, this tester was damaged as might be. I provided to present it again, and he writes: ‘No dialogue attainable’. Do not perceive me improper, that is no method to complain a couple of unhealthy deal right here in EBAY. I put this right here on the net website so you’ll be able to all see what seems to be regular for the time being. Please study from this, even folks with all optimistic suggestions do that.

So that is going to be my subsequent restoration venture. Then I’ll present right here intimately if there have been some other hidden defects on this tester, and what I needed to do to restore it. For the readers of this net web page, this was my studying expertise, and it occurred to me, although I actually tried to stop it.

Conclusion: This tester provides utterly ineffective readings, the case was wrecked up by a monkey, and the primary meter sticks.

Hickok 750

Each 750 I purchased, had good fundamental substance as I bought it. No critical injury, and solely labored by good technicians. Effectively nearly. One had a sticky roll chart, which should have pushed the proprietor loopy, ending up utilizing an enormous screw driver, violently pushing the wheel, till all of it broke down. However that was the entire mistreatment it bought, and I may repair that at nearly no value. I had an NOS roll chart, and digged up a brand new thumb wheel. It appears to me, the later roll charts are just too massive, and these roll not easy for that purpose. For making it an correct instrument for every day use, there was so much to do nonetheless.

The opposite 750 I’ve seems nearly unused, however that does not preserve the electronics from getting old.

The 750 is a refurbished 532, and Hickok tried to exchange the 539C by it. My opinion is, the 750 is likely one of the finest Hickoks there’s, and extra helpful than the over hyped 539C. Extra about this later.

What’s very nice with the 750, is has further to the classical two tube Gm take a look at, an adjustable DC voltage of 200V, 100mA. I discovered each my 750’s can’t provide full present and full voltage concurrently, in order that have to be how they’re. When exchanging the 83 rectifier for an 83V, most currents exceeds even 100mA, whereas the micromho readings do not get affected. Maybe I’ll change this later, however I believe that is going to take some alternate of different elements too. No less than I have to test this higher, and for the second I’ll go away it as is. The voltage possibility helps you to take a look at stabilizer tubes, however you are able to do additionally different issues with it, as you want. If you do not know how to try this, it is higher solely to check issues as indicated on the roll chart. In a while, I’ll present you repeat Funke W19 assessments with it.

The 750 differs from the smaller testes like 533 and 534 as a result of it really works with totally different AC take a look at indicators, as an alternative of a hard and fast sign. It has this in widespread with the 539C. This permits testing of tubes with very excessive acquire, so no overdrive will happen. This makes a 30.000 micromho scale attainable.

They put again within the load take a look at within the 750, which the 539C is lacking. I believe it was a mistake, to take away that with the 539C. The latter can solely measure transconductance, no load take a look at is completed. Additionally you’ll be able to’t evaluate the transconductance you measure with the 539C along with your tube ebook, as a result of the plate voltage of the 539C is simply too low, and easily improper for many tubes. Subsequent is, the roll chart knowledge of the 539C is decrease than for a brand new tube. That was performed to present you a approach to pick the unhealthy tubes, as a result of in the long run that is what folks need. So Hickok put a non-standard roll chart within the 539C, with decrease values than regular. In order that they printed the reject worth on the 539C roll chart, not the ‘new tube’ worth. (after all you 539C customers, you all know that… he he). This makes I do not just like the 539 a lot. To to cease the confusion, Hickok put again within the load take a look at within the 750, and likewise give normal tube knowledge on the 750 roll chart, identical as with older (regular) testers. That was an excellent resolution.

I by no means discovered any documentation about how this load (English) take a look at is actually performed. The phrase ‘English’ counsel the AVO methodology, like within the Mk1/ Mk2…4, and CT160. I’ll test that later, with an oscilloscope. The oldest tester I’ve, utilizing the AVO so known as ‘patented’ methodology, is… a German army tester that I estimate from 1938. For the second let’s belief Hickoks expertise, giving us the proper ‘English’ dial setting for every tube. Someone in Cleveland Ohio (the place this tester was made..) should have had an enormous cupboard full of fine and unhealthy tubes, and simply tried out the proper settings. The roll chart is the software program of the tester, so to say.

( I do know it was performed like this from the ebook of Harvey ‘Gizmo’ Rosenberg, who described the work of Julius Futterman. Earlier than the battle, Julius used to work for a corporation constructing tube testers, and tube producers would ship him all sort of tubes, to replace the roll charts)

Now go to the restoration page of this tester. There have been many issues to do…. Please word the repairs are for each my 750’s. So you could discover small variations within the photos.

WHAT CAN BE DONE WITH THE 750 AND WHAT IS NOT IN THE MANUAL:

1) FUNKE W19 simulation. Right here is one thing actually new. With the 750 it’s attainable to do the Funke W19 assessments along with your Hickok 750. All you want is the well-known Funke Blue ebook, which prices you about 30..50 Euro, and a replica of the cardboard set which is on Ebay for 15 Euro. The Funke W19 is extraordinarily common in Europe, a prime mannequin, however it’s utterly ignored within the English talking territories, besides Asia who love the W19 additionally. Now do not ask me why that’s, however that is the place we’re. The W19 is especially an Emission tester, and one of the best and (solely) one which deserves the identify. Take a look at outcomes are undisputable. This tester proves what an excellent Emission Tester can appear to be. It’s on the degree of the higher Hickoks, in phrases or reliability, accuracy and proper take a look at outcomes. So you probably have a Hickok 750 (or 539), read here is how to do

2) Ahead voltage of rectifier tubes. That is of specific use within the laboratory If you do not know a lot about tubes, and solely desire a fast end result, you must use the classical take a look at a by the roll chart.

Instance: The 80 rectifier to my expertise ought to have a ahead voltage of 25..40 Volts at 60mA to be good. The place 25V not often occurs, and above 45 the ‘unhealthy’ vary begins. Additionally word what it does at decrease filament voltage. A superb rectifier doesn’t considerably change it is ahead voltage should you accomplish that. Then again, if the ahead voltage is increased than regular, and also you set the filament voltage one click on increased, and the tube considerably improves by this, the tube is worn out. You’ll be able to attempt to ge these outcomes in-line with the classical take a look at as on the roll chart. To do that take a look at, simply arrange the tube from the roll chart first. Then set the ‘Adjustable Voltage’ to zero, and the take a look at know to place ‘H’ for prime. Flip the Vr-Mils change to mils, and slowly enhance the voltage till you see the milliamps go up. Test the ahead voltage, that is when Vf begins. Then go on till you’ve 60mA and browse the Vf now. Then do the opposite plate (change setting is on the roll chart). You will note that is very simple to do, and also you study so much in regards to the tubes.

3) Ahead voltage of Energy Zener diodes. Identical process as with tubes. Solely it’s a must to put together an adapter this. Take away the bottom from an outdated octal tube, and join two wires to plate and cathode. Take the connections for the VR105 tube. Be sure you do not reverse the Zener, and do not increase 100mA into a brief circuited Zener, that’s in all probability not so good for the tester. You can be stunned how unhealthy strong state zeners really are, they’ve excessive temperature drift, and unhealthy load regulation in comparison with tubes like VR150 or VR105.

4) Continuity tester. This one is from the handbook really, but it surely’s good one. You should utilize the 750 as a continuity tester, once you set the ‘shorts’ change for place 4. Then put two probes within the ‘grid’ and ‘plate’ connections. As a result of the tester has an remoted chassis, that is of no hazard. Then the neon lamp will burn, beneath 200K resistance. Good for checking switches, connectors, and so forth.

See Also

Second Life UPS Mark II

Hickok . TV2. Army (laboratory mannequin)

It may well take a look at all tubes below actual situations. It is available in the identical class as German Neuberger RPG375 tester, although the final is card tester, not change operated. TV2 is unpopular although, however I by no means had one right here, so I can’t say what’s the purpose. What’s unattractive (for me) a couple of TV2 is following: It’s a tube analyzer, not a tube tester. Now when you’ve an analyzer, you usually need to join a multi meter to it someplace, like measure the filament present with a digital meter, or one of many voltages. It usually comes all the way down to that after I use the RPG375. So a voltage take a look at level AND a detachable present bridge on all tube connections. Significantly THIS is why I take advantage of an analyzer like U61B or RPG375.

Subsequent factor is, you’ll be able to set the plate voltage and grid voltage properly by the information ebook, after which get a take a look at end result known as ‘P.c High quality’. No matter that’s imagined to be, that isn’t what to know. Once I should set precisely plate voltage, and grid voltage, I’m sorry, however then I need to see the plate voltage and Gm consequently, and extra some ‘High quality’ indication in p.c. Nonetheless for that I relatively have the red-green scale if the 750A or 600A. Then I do know what I’ve. So personally, I believe that is what makes TV2 a wierd factor.

It appears to me folks do not know what it is value, I’ve seen them go on Ebay in good situation for 200$. Additionally see folks ask 1800$ for it, which is unquestionably not what they’re value. When you’re ready to that a lot, you higher purchase a assured to be mint situation Neuberger RPG375 or Metrix U61B, and luxuriate in that tester for the remainder of your life. Engaged on Hickoks means they’re simple to entry inside, however the wire spaghetti makes you very drained. Precise failures are small, however exhausting to seek out. Whereas engaged on a Neuberger RPG375 is a pleasure. All inside elements are properly organized in a row, on steel sub chassis, with clear cabling. It makes you understand what a prime class product might be like if the makers simply need it. You’ll be able to restore a Neuberger RPG375 with an uncalibrated multi meter, and fundamental electronics information. You’ll be able to’t say that from a Hickok. (Nevertheless, this doesn’t apply for the older Neubergers, these are very exhausting to service as nicely. Nevertheless, the evaluate right here is between the TV2 and the RPG375.

Hickok . MX-1258/U Tube Socket Adapter

This Adapter Package was manufactured for the Navy Division-Bureau of Ships by the Vector Digital Co. of Los Angeles, California. It consists of 9 varieties of adapters, mounted inside an aluminum transit case roughly 6″ x 9″ x 2 1/2″ full with deal with. The adapters are secured inside the case via mounting clips. An addition clip for securing the instruction ebook is supplied within the case lid. Pin straighteners for the 7 and 9 pin miniature bases are completely mounted within the middle of the transit case.

The tube socket adapter equipment is meant to be used generally electronics testing on gear using electron tubes. The 9 adapters contained within the equipment present the power for testing circuit situations with virtually the entire generally used electron tubes.

KALIBR. Mannequin L3-3 from 1986

Handbook, detailed pictures, schematic, calibration, and a lot more… Click here to go to the L3-3 Page.

EBAY BUYING ADVISE: Sadly the provision of recent, NOS, good high quality, L3-3 is low now, which attracts fraudulent sellers at Ebay. The issue is with Jap Europe, Ukraine, Slovenian, and so forth sellers. The issue is, folks prefer to go by the great appears, however an L3-3 ALWAYS appears good, additionally faulty ones look good. They promote merely these faulty testers, with some emergency repairs, a questionable panel meter, broken transformers or a cable burn inside. You’re the looser after they ship you this, since you’ve issues with big cargo value, once you need to ship it again. This isn’t good to say, however from these folks, it’s not actually advisable to purchase. So you’re typically higher of, shopping for the tester from near-by. Additionally, it’s a lot advisable to request a recognized tube, pictured within the take a look at mode, so you’ll be able to see the factor works. After they already write on Ebay to not be chargeable for cargo issues, this may be a lure, to ship you a broken tester. I really feel sorry to say this, as a result of there are positive many sincere sellers too. Nevertheless, specifically since you could not discover a hidden defect so rapidly, and since again cargo could be very costly, ensure you purchase an ideal tester, and likewise make clear the small print for again cargo value, id wanted. It is simply not enjoyable getting ship a damaged tester, and having to pay again cargo value. It is very a lot suggested to purchase this from a 100% optimistic suggestions vendor solely. Overlook 99%. Myself, all the time when one thing unusual occurs it was with these 99% sellers. In spite of everything there are sufficient provided on Ebay. Simply wait till a100% optimistic vendor presents one. Such an individual has a repute to unfastened, so you’re a lot safer. Read here also. Not advisable sellers: Watch out with a purchaser from Budapest with tons of different gear, he opens new accounts incessantly on Ebay. Names seen earlier than: hickoks, sunnygirl505.

CONCLUSION: Amongst the top-ten testers. Finest purchase ever for the cash. It will get a well-deserved:

Ebay

costs seen:

Public sale Nr:

2012

NOS
no playing cards
605€

110981376833

2010

NOS
no playing cards
399€

2010

NOS
All full
430€

2007

Incomplete
99€

2007

Faulty
250€

2005

NOS 430€
(my tester)

KALIBR. Chinese language Model

These photos had been ship to me by electronic mail, the sender says this tester is usually utilized in China. I’ve by no means seen this model. Should you look rigorously, you’ll be able to see on the take a look at card is a meter print, identical as with the Funke. It has two mains transformers. From the totally different {hardware} and totally different switches on the deck, this appears a particular mannequin. however it may be simply acknowledged the manufacturing facility is identical. It may need been a good suggestion so as to add this scale to the L3-3 playing cards.

METRIX-U61B / or U61 B

Read more about it.

Enlarge

Ebay costs

2005: untested 35€ (mine!)
2005 : Mint condition: 229€

Neuberger RPG237 from 1938

Front plate – Leakage-tests-buttons.

Beautiful construct tester, with prime quality switches and exact meters. The Neuberger RPG 237 was a typical for it is time.
It’s an AC Tester, sweeping a tube by the WHOLE RANGE tube curves whereas testing it.
So getting ’20mA’
as take a look at end result, means it sweeped the tube by the whole set of tube curves, at totally different plate voltages and totally different grid voltages,
and it produced 20mA as a median worth.
Suppose you measure a tube that should give 20mA at regular settings. The RPG237 then provides an excellent impression of the lifetime left within the tube, as a result of if the tube can do the 20mA, however can’t do the height present anymore, you’ll get a decrease studying than 20mA, which is true!

This instrument is a genius.
Plate voltage, display grid and management grid might be individually set. With the differential of two measurements this permits to find out transconductance (mA/V), acquire and Rp. With twin tubes you will get the results of every tube, simply by the flip of change, additionally for rectifiers. It may well take a look at for: vacuum
leakage, brief circuits in any respect electrodes, measure resistors and capacitors. Other than tubes, it has some multi meter capabilities, additionally for testing capacitors. I attempted a couple of Mundorf precision capacitors, and all I can say, it indicated the values precisely as printed on the capacitors. Wow!

It is not within the handbook, however since it may measure e capacitance,
I suppose
it ought to be capable of measure grid capacitance as nicely.
Only a matter of connecting the whole lot the proper approach.

What I do must say right here, this measurement methodology is usually inaccurate. Even the so known as ‘prime class’ AVO’s give nothing however a tough estimation. Nevertheless…. not with this tester! Fascinating is that though there’s little electronics inside,
it produces correct outcomes with tubes like ECC81 or related. I needed to join these externally, as a result of it has no sockets for these. When evaluating the outcomes on the L3-3, I can say this RPG237 nonetheless works tremendous.
So for example when a tube has a real and proper 10mA on the L3-3,
this outdated and unrestored RPG237 gave additionally that worth inside 15%.
Sure, actually superb!
Additionally ECC83 it measures good, which is a really troublesome tube due to excessive Rp. I have to look deeper within the idea of
this tester,
and perceive why it really works so dependable after nearly 70(!) years unserviced situation.

In a couple of phrases: Nonetheless good tremendous after 70 years….. AMAZING. It provides right and dependable outcomes, additionally to fashionable and troublesome tubes like E88CC. The drawback it has no fashionable sockets, however you’ll be able to clear up that simply by connecting a Hickok adapter equipment MX949 to it, and also you’re performed.

Neuberger RPG375 from 1965

Their last mannequin, and largest tube tester they ever made. The Neuberger firm nonetheless exists. This can be a parametric tester. Can measure vacuum, and present all parameters on the identical time. Dynamic assessments are made as distinction of two measurements. I’ve this Neuberger 375 from the widow of the primary proprietor, and it was mentioned he by no means used it. The tester appeared totally unused certainly.

The meters are excellent. They’ve sturdy damping, and never electrostatic like discovered with some Hickoks.

All voltages + currents
might be measured on the identical time. Some meters have extra capabilities.
Connections are on the entrance for exterior devices, however the build-in devices look like unimaginable exact, so you do not want any exterior devices. That is no fast tester for radio outlets or TV Restore males. This can be a full featured laboratory instrument.
It’s card-based, however no want for utilizing playing cards. Once you need you are able to do all settings by hand, and there are normal banana connectors to all tube pins, and likewise present hyperlinks to every tube pin. So that you need to take a look at for example the leakage present along with your digital meter? No downside, take out the hyperlink, and put the meter in.

If you understand how to do it, you too can faucet the plate voltages and different voltages, use it as a a number of energy provide for lab experiments, with all voltages and currents adjustable, and with meters. So you’ve a 500V 100mA energy provide too, and connections are merely on the primary plug-in board, prime left. (see the image I used). The plate voltage is tube rectified with Telefunken tubes. These give pure safety in opposition to brief circuit. So a brief circuit won’t blow the fuse or the tube below take a look at, however makes use of the rectifier tubes as the present limiter.

I’d say, with this tester you’ll be able to take a look at nearly any tube. I’ve examined the 211 with it, which is a excessive voltage tube, however the tube curves do go all the way down to 500V, and at these factors I examined some new 211, and the information from the curves reproduces very good at this tester. (See pictures here)

Additionally the 6C33 might be examined once you use an additional socket, identical methodology as with the 211 tube. So that you simply decide the tube connections from the primary panel with regular banana plugs. So there’s a (banana plug) connector for ‘plate’, two for ‘filament’ and so forth and so forth. So far as I do know, there is no such thing as a different tube tester that may provide the filament present for the 6C33.

It options the very good Neuberger Rotational change, earlier than you take a look at a tube, you are able to do leakage or shorts. This change works the identical because the Funke W19 or W20.

Inside you discover prime class devices, best resistors and electronics, extraordinarily nicely made, stunning switches and controls. It’s the absolute winner by way of good building, no different product comes close to. Observe the deck has no German on English phrases, solely symbols. So any nation, you should utilize it.

In a couple of phrases: A prime laboratory product, when you’ve the muscle mass to hold it. Drawback is the unstabilized voltages, and older kind sockets aren’t out there on this tester. Nevertheless, it is likely one of the few (or solely?) classic testers that may do adjustable 500V @ 100mA. It may well take a look at all tubes from tiny fragile to massive and heavy. The cardboard system makes it totally common, and SAFE. So that you when have a take a look at card, you can not do a lot improper. If you wish to take a look at a 50Watt tube at 50 Watt, that is your tester. Apart from it’s a good work bench adjustable energy provide, with handy banana sockets for all voltages, and every with it is personal meter. Simply make the proper card for this your self! Costs seen of 1500€ are totally justified, I anticipate extra worth raises for this mega piece of {hardware}.

Tektronics 576 Curve Tracer System.

The 570 was the primary curve tracer by Tektronix, adopted by the later 576. Although the 576 is just not actually made to check tubes, you take a look at tubes with it, once you construct a take a look at fixture for it, and also you want an exterior energy provide for the heater.

There’s MX949 Unit, initially construct as accent for the Hickok I-177 tube tester. You’ll be able to re-build this unit conveniently as a take a look at fixture for the Tektronics 576. Alternatively you should utilize most different outdated tube testers, even use the roll chart of it, a lot of the wiring, and the heater transformer.

Goto Tektronics 576 page

Superior Devices TV10

This can be a good Emission Tester. It appears like an vintage piece, however it’s higher than might different ‘later’ varieties. Tube testes of this type have some benefits and a few disadvantages. Many Emission Testers had been made and are nonetheless round. Once you purchase a type of, you’ll be able to have one which is good and nice to make use of, or have one that’s inconvenient, and solely ‘so so’ with the outcomes you get from it.

The benefit is simple of operation, low value, a fantastic many had been made, and never a lot might be damaged inside. When shopping for an emission tester, and also you need one that’s helpful, take note of this:

1. You want a mains adapter knob, so you’ll be able to calibrate it for the proper mains voltage earlier than making a measurement. You will note that with an emission tester, already smallest modifications on the mains voltage give an enormous studying distinction. Take a Variac and check out it! So if this knob is lacking, you’ve a tester that the makers didn’t care a lot about precision.
2. Make certain the change panel within the center has the straightforward flip switches as with this one. Those with the miniature slide switches just like the Lafayette and newer Eico are a ache to make use of. It’s important to set the switches earlier than every measurement, and for the leakage and shorts take a look at you want to take a look at every tube pin one after the other, by sliding up and down every miniature change, which is actually nasty to do. So should you can rapidly flip them as with this one right here, it is what you want.
3. A tester with a construct in roll chart is best than one with a handbook. A easy roll chart, you give a throw and it rolls alongside a couple of turns by itself. They idiot you on Ebay with that. When you want to push the roll chart, and it strikes just one inch at a time… beware it’s a very lengthy roll of paper! That is exhausting to repair, and in the long run the paper will tear and break. You might want a brand new NOS paper roll, and that is actually exhausting to get.
4. The leakage take a look at should accurately point out leakage with the depth of the lamp. That’s performed by defining a sure leakage the place the lams begins to burn. So the start of the glow (faint gentle) have to be at 300…400k Ohms leakage, nothing else. When the lamp solely signifies shorts, that is ineffective. Outdated tubes don’t have any shorts, however they do have leakage. To check that, simply stick in a 400k resistor at two random pins, after which attempt to discover that leakage.
5. The transformer should not be underrated. If the tester you need to purchase could be very tiny and skinny, the transformer might be underrated. Why does matter? It means you can not constantly take a look at the tubes, and such a tester can have a ‘take a look at’ button. This TV10 has no such ‘Take a look at’ button. It has a take a look at change. So the TV10 can take a look at a tube constantly, and warmth it up whereas doing so, for example for 10 minutes if you’d like it.
6. Many Emission Testers give completely unreliable outcomes, let unhealthy tubes go, and don’t point out leakage correctly. Confirm that with tubes that you realize to have some particular defects.
7. Make certain it has sufficient outdated kind sockets.

TV10 has the identical schematic, solely TV11 has a strong state diode and an output for noise assessments.

The later TV11 works the identical, but it surely has strong state rectifiers for the mains calibration, whereas TV10 has a tube inside for that. Some later TV10 have Selenium cells construct into the meter, making it a pre-version of the TV11. It’s endorsed to test all resistors, and substitute them with new ones when deviation is greater than 5%.

Conclusion: An excellent merchandise, this tester will do the entire above. I used to be amazed to see it provides CORRECT readings for an excellent 300B and recognized to be weak 300B. Truthfully… only a few testers can try this, irrespective of how costly. Most Hickoks do not even have 300B on the roll chart, as a result of they can not take a look at them. FOUR STARS *****

some more information about it

4) Digital Testers

4) {Hardware} and Software program getting old. A selected digital tester is all the time good for the second, however sooner as you anticipate, the expertise will get outdated, and repairs might turn into nasty or not possible. I’m fairly positive, you’ll be able to nonetheless purchase the semiconductors inside, once we speak about transistors or most ICs. However the first model single chip microprocessors of the AT1000 is already out of date. So that you higher to not get an issue with that half. If the tester wants set up of a program, in your PC, Microsoft all the time tries to make your outdated software program out of date. So you purchase now a digital tester, and the,maker says it is going to set up below ‘all variations’ of Home windows? How can they assure the long run Home windows variations will set up the software program? Actuality is, in 10 years you’ll be able to solely run it on vintage Home windows pc, as a result of ‘Windows25’ or regardless of the model 10 years later, will refuse older applications to put in. We’ve that now with the Sofia digital tester, which {hardware} and software program COULD run below Home windows, however simply Microsoft doesn’t permit this feature. This can’t be mentioned usually sufficient. Older variations of the AT1000, have an RS232 port solely, and an out of date microprocessor inside. Don’t assume any RS232 Card will set up on any PC. It does not. RS232 is ‘outdated’ and there’s little help. The RS232 port hassle I had with Home windows 7, was a primary style of the long run points. Observe, the AT1000 software program is written in digital fundamental, which is all the time some model’, and I can guarantee you, the model is as outdated as might be. So if some day, the Microsoft Gods determine you want model ‘xy’ to be allowed to put in it on Home windows 25, the sport might be over to your AT1000. Since I’ve seen this taking place up to now all the time, and with the whole lot, for me that is one thing that’s going to occur. The strongest weapon after all is sweet software program help. Effectively, for you can learn that half of my experience here.

5) Voltage, Present. Make certain, the digital tester can do the identical as an excellent analog tester. Can it warmth 20Volt tubes? Can it do -150V on the grid? Can it provide 500V plate? How in regards to the display? Can it do 250mA plate present? Can it warmth energy tubes with 50 Watt? Can it measure 0.5uA leakage? Can it measure 10 Mega Ohms leakage resistance (Are you positive??). Is the leakage examined below excessive voltage? In each instructions, as will naturally happen once you take a look at with AC? Can it take a look at any heavy rectifier below actual load situations? Can it additionally take a look at the 1mA rectifier of your radio detector circuit? Can it take a look at Voltage regulator tubes? Can it pentodes triode-connected? Can it take a look at the oscillator-mixer tube of your radio? Can it take a look at magic eyes? I hope I forgot nothing right here. WIth an excellent analog tester, the reply is sure to all of these questions.

6) Good-bad indication. To this point I see all digital testers with this shortcoming, they don’t let you know when a tube is unhealthy. That’s as a result of the writers of the software program, both have no idea take a look at for that, or don’t have the time and sources to check 1000’s of recognized to be good and know to be unhealthy tubes. You do get a exact variety of transconductance. You then say, tremendous, however is the tube good or unhealthy? You continue to do not know. That is the place the great outdated Funke W19 is my prime favourite, however positive additionally the Hickoks. In comparison with the Hickok Nevertheless, the Funke W19 makes use of FULL plate dissipation, which supplies me a greater feeling. So all digital testers appear to be lacking this #1 function of a tube tester. They don’t let you know if the tube is sweet or unhealthy.

7) Precision. After all digital testers are the winner right here. Be mindful although need is a necessity and what’s a need. So that you need 0.5% precision, however do you want it? You’ll be able to solely reply that for your self. For me, what I usually want are all different factors above, and precision is just wanted relative. So should you have to match a pair, it does not matter a lot if that’s performed on a +15% accuracy tester. So long as you learn the needle nicely, the matching of 1 tube to the opposite continues to be 1% or so.

Conclusion: The nice outdated analog testers have an excellent justification to exists nonetheless right now. After all digital testes are one thing very good.

Examine of digital testers

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AMPLITREX AT1000

Having the AMPLITREX AT1000 is having one of the best we will get, and technologic benefit is what makes our firm enticing for purchasers. So we all the time use finest devices we will purchase. If not, we 100% restore an outdated one. (see Restoration report about Funke W19 we use, and two ‘Kali br L3-3’ below tube testers) : This testers is, proper as I say, ‘one of the best we will purchase’, although I believe it’s not an excellent tester by itself. It does what I need now, after I’ve discovered to work round it is many points and compromises. It can’t beat my 1995 Sofia tester in any approach.

RISKS. So far as I recall, the Amplitrex AT1000 has been launched in 2004. I waited some time shopping for it, simply to ensure I did not purchase early variations of it. Although shopping for the later variations, I discovered a number of points myself.

VALUE. The merchandise is dear, and to have it preserve the worth, the producer ought to produce software program updates on a daily base. My disappointment right here could be very giant. It has a number of points, that will be simple to repair in software program, however I am unable to do that myself after all. I’m very sad about this. So the worth probably will go down sooner or later, as compatibility points might come up with increased home windows variations. The tester is WINDOWS ONLY, and you do not have the code, and you do not know what that is doing. So if the Microsoft Gods -say within the 12 months 2020 will determine, you want this or that upgraded software program model with ‘Windows11’, and you do not have it, you’ll be able to’t set up this system on a new PC. This can be a very critical threat, and it’s simply this what occurred with the digital SOFIA tester from the 1990’s. That is in sharp distinction with a few of the excellent classic testers that are extra like an funding, than one thing you want to write off some day sooner or later. So preserve this in thoughts extraordinarily nicely. Paying 2500 Euro for a mint high quality AVO Mk4, means you in all probability can get that again 20 years later. The identical quantity invested in an AT1000, you want to write that off someday.

SOCKETS. I can’t say I did not know, so this isn’t a criticism, however the tester has not sufficient sockets. I’ve a small assortment of adapter sockets made myself. It makes use of 3 times an Octal base, simply because there aren’t sufficient relays inside to work with one socket solely. The tester WILL NOT change the heater wires, so the heater is soldered on the socket at a hard and fast place. For any tube with the warmers at one other place, you want to make adapters. So I needed to make an adapter to check the 5Z3 rectifier, which is nothing however an 5U4G with a UX4 base. Nevertheless, the UX4 base of the tester is soldered to the DC provide, whereas the rectifier circuit of this tester is AC heated. So there you go once more, ANOTHER socket adapter I needed to construct. Superb however true… I’ve discovered a software program method to take a look at 4 pin rectifiers on the UX4 base of the tester, so now I do not want that silly adapter anymore. Please perceive I can’t hand this out. I believe it is the producer’s work to offer this to you. I understand they might not understand how to do that, however actually that is their duty to offer options, not mine.

First impression. I unpacked the unit, plugged within the mains cable and switched it on. Then what occurred, is what all of us secretly hope with every bit of recent gear. I wanted no handbook and I may perceive it ‘by doing’. I switched on the Amplitrex, and the big show lights up and comes up with a digital ‘roll chart’. Effectively, we have now seen that earlier than as paper model. So I scroll it all the way down to 6SN7, as a result of I had one on my desk. I chosen it, and the tester mentioned: ‘put the tube in Socket E, and press ‘Enter’. I did so, and the automated take a look at started earlier than I knew it. I spotted I ought to have learn the handbook, however nothing went improper, and after some info handed by on the show, the tester stopped with an inventory of digital take a look at outcomes. So plate present, Transconductance, leakage, the whole lot. I used to be so stunned having this end result out of the field. Unbelievable! I took out the tube and in contrast the end result with one in every of my L3-3 which might be reference testers. All readings are similar. :))

Supplies. The ‘feeling’ of the tester is a lot better than it appears on the image. The case is superb high quality and the deck plate is thick and heavy materials, and the (few) sockets are good high quality. Once I see how a few of the Hickoks take care of so known as ‘specialists’ have labored with them, this very rugged case for the Amplitrex is an excellent concept!

Tube sockets. It have to be mentioned, the 9pin socket is a too tight and it broken tube pins of some costly ECC88. So that you plug in a tube a NOS tube a couple of instances, and the pins look used already. For the remaining, tube sockets are tremendous, and even the (harmful) steel rivets of the Chinese language UX4 sockets have been rigorously insulated. Good job. There aren’t so many various tube sockets within the tester’s deck, however honest sufficient, I knew that earlier than shopping for.

Noise. Sorry, the cooler fan is unquestionably too loud.

WARNING. The Grid voltage is measured improper for Instantly Heated Tubes.Half of the filament voltage is added to the grid, and it was not compensated within the software program. (Although this may have been very simple to do). So when the tester attracts a ‘-1Volt’ line for a 300B, it’s in actuality the -3,5 Volt line. Identical error is made with the conventional ‘Tube Take a look at’ web page it produces. With tubes of excessive grid voltage that is no downside, however for tubes with low grid voltage this can be a major problem, since it might have the tubes look ‘unhealthy’ whereas in truth they’re wonderful. As an illustration RE134 has 4Volts filament, and it is a excessive acquire tube. So 2 Volts error on the grid, turns an excellent tube into a nasty one.

Calibration: hey do have calibration factors inside, however there are a number of methods to test the voltages from the surface, so you’ll be able to frequently confirm that. Additionally since we use three amplitrex we will evaluate one with the opposite. Thoughts you, the grid voltage has an inside sequence resistor inside, so you’ll be able to solely confirm the grid voltage with a tube volt meter, or some other very excessive impedance digital meter. Or, faucet it from the within, earlier than the sequence resistor.

Conclusion for Stand alone mode: When you’re not so technical, and simply want some fast good/unhealthy outcomes, the stand alone mode is what you want, and do not even take into consideration pc management. Nevertheless, this tester doesn’t let you know when a tube is sweet or unhealthy. This may be actual downside for non-experts, and also you MAY need to desire an excellent outdated Hickok with a red-green scale. So with a Hickok the red-green scale is actually dependable, I can let you know so. The Amplitrex says one thing about Emission in p.c, and Gm in p.c, Nevertheless, it’s not testing Emission in any respect, however plate present and simply calls that emission. Which is a mistake within the software program. Moreover 20% beneath common Gm is just not so unhealthy so long as the tube heats up quick, and plate present is robust. Vice versa for low plate present. It’s no downside when Gm is above common and warmth up is quick. Some factory-new tubes might be that approach. With some understanding of tubes, the stand alone mode is an excellent one. Computerized leakage take a look at and grid present assessments are dependable, and change off the tester in case you are attempting to check a tube that could be a downside maybe for the tester itself. In the long run you’ve related outcomes as with the L3-3, however with out all of the buttons and knobs and playing cards and information you want for the L3-3. Right here is the benefit of the Amplitrex. It fills an enormous hole on the tube tester market.

Conclusion for Pc management mode: That is really why I purchased it. Nevertheless, this perform is tougher to make use of, and never very self explaining. A downside for non-USA customers is, that you simply MUST set your PC to USA Area, or the software program will make errors and/or crash. So used a devoted PC for this and set it to USA Area. It’s troublesome to use database applications like Open Workplace (or worse: Excel), since issues come up the place comma’s and are utilized in Europe, the place the USA makes use of semicolons and vice versa. Should you ignore this, you mess up the tube knowledge tables, and the software program will stall, or produce bizarre errors whereas drawing tube curves. So to stop this, I take advantage of now a devoted PC, which I set to ‘USA’ area.

We’ve now two AT1000 in use, right here at Jacmusic. One we have now within the Emission Labs manufacturing facility, and a fourth is in use at our USA tubes supplier.

FINAL CONCLUSION: Let me say it like this, after I acquired my Amplitrex, I made a decision to order two extra. I believe that tells all of it. Extraordinarily unfavourable is for me the problem with the grid voltage error (See above textual content). This merchandise was introduced as much as Amplitrex, and actually a fast software program restore needs to be a bit of cake. I heard from one other consumer, there’s solely a patch with the information tables, which isn’t regarded an honest software program restore my myself. It’s regarded such by Amplitrex, so we have now one other opinion about this. Although this partial options exists, I used to be by no means knowledgeable about it by Amplitrex within the type of an replace, or consumer’s letter.

Sorry, however It can’t have a excessive score due to the various software program points. Test this web page for ‘RoeTest‘ which is analogous just like the AMPLITREX, but it surely has 5 stars. .

DETAILED TEST REPORT

‘ROETEST’ KIT BY HELMUT WAIGEL, GERMANY.

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SOFIA TUBE TESTER BY AUDIOMATICA, ITALY

Sofia Main Page

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Here is a link to the manufacturer

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