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New tool day

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2023 1:53 am
by laurie
I've been doing a bit of work on my tube amps and have been keeping an eye out for a good tube tester.

I was very fortunate and picked one up today for USD$55
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Tube_tester.jpg
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Re: New tool day

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2023 6:01 pm
by fernieite
Wow, very cool!

I've often thought about getting an old tube tester, but wouldn't know which makes and models are considered good, and what options are needed.

Size would be a consideration too. And there's calibration challenges too, I'd imagine?

I'd only need one for the typical 6l6, el84, 6v6, and el34 power tubes, and 12AX7/ecc83 preamp tubes...

Re: New tool day

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2023 12:25 am
by laurie
I have never seen a tester that won't do all the standard tubes we use.

Not sure which ones are "good"... I've owned a few and I've always gone for one the just works. Never had an issue. For CAD$75 it is throw-away if it ever dies.

I haven't ever worried about calibration either. My only need is to answer "is the tube dead or on the way out". If the tube is in the green on the meter then it is OK... the exact reading of transconductance is not that relevant to me for my needs.

I'd say if you can find one that is working for less than $100 grab it.

Re: New tool day

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2023 2:08 am
by fuzzbuzzfuzz
laurie wrote:
Thu Jan 26, 2023 12:25 am
I have never seen a tester that won't do all the standard tubes we use.

Not sure which ones are "good"... I've owned a few and I've always gone for one the just works. Never had an issue. For CAD$75 it is throw-away if it ever dies.

I haven't ever worried about calibration either. My only need is to answer "is the tube dead or on the way out". If the tube is in the green on the meter then it is OK... the exact reading of transconductance is not that relevant to me for my needs.

I'd say if you can find one that is working for less than $100 grab it.
What a bargain. I'd have bought it for the parts alone for that price :D