Solid State Replacement for 83 in TV7 D/U Tube Tester

Tubes Asylum

Questions about tubes and gear that glows. FAQ

Because Jim McShane reported good results replacing the 83 tube in his TV7's, I decided to do a test myself. I tested the same three tube types as with the earlier Hickok model 600 test (45, 6L6, & 6CB6). The SS adapter I used was the same one used earlier, and consisted of two 1N4007 diodes and two 10 ohm 2 watt resistors mounted in a 4-pin socket per Alan Douglas' book. The voltage input to the tester was a regulated 125 VAC. The tester used was a TV7 D/U mfd by LaPointe Industries s/n 1023. A measured 2 minute warm up was given to each tube under test.
I am pleased to report that the readings for all three tubes were exactly the same with the 83 tube installed, as they were when the SS adapter was in. The line adjust was at the limit of its travel, and a bit higher voltage or some tester variation and the unit might not be able to be set to line. This is a potential problem area.
So--while I can't recommend this SS replacement for the 83 tube in all Hickok models--it does seem to work nicely in the TV7 D/U. This was not the case when I tested the same adapter in a Hickok model 600, or when others tested diodes in the Hickok 533A. In these machines, the three tubes tested the 45 tube the same--but showed a 10% difference testing a 6CB6, and a bit less with the 6L6.
Like most subjects--this one is more complex than it would first appear. Even though the 10 watt resistors form an artificial center tap--they are still in series with the diodes--as there is no way for current to pass through the diodes without going through the resistors. It is likely that the 10 ohm resistors match the TV7 design very well, and that some other resistor value might match the 533A or the 600. This would have to be determined experimentally, and of course not all 600's are the same. When the price of used 83's gets past $25 it will be worthwhile doing more research. For now it seems easier just to pop in an 83. Plus--as a matter of principle--this group seems dedicated to not replacing tubes with solid state devices.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Sonic Craft

Topic - Solid State Replacement for 83 in TV7 D/U Tube Tester - Chris Haedt 06:31:43 11/06/02 (2)

Re: Solid State Replacement for 83 in TV7 D/U Tube Tester - Ed Sawyer 11:41:31 11/06/02 (1)

Re: Solid State Replacement for 83 in TV7 D/U Tube Tester - Chris Haedt 15:34:57 11/06/02 (0)

You can not post to an archived thread.