Tubes Asylum

RE: Among my many Hickoks I have a nice 1924 version that . .

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Zero Cool

In Reply to: RE: Among my many Hickoks I have a nice 1924 version that . . posted by John PA on June 28, 2008 at 19:47:02

I just got a 533A that has had a rough life. The case has stood upright in water. so luckily only the cord storage area got soaked. the tester still works. It even has the original Hickok branded 83 tube in it! It was just sent off to be refurbished and calibrated and i will be making a new case for it while it is gone.

For Testers so popular, there sure isn't much information on the web about them! Oh that one photo of all the 539C's lined up being tested wow!

And it was interesting to know that Mr. Hickok started off in the watchmaking business and then started making meters. makes perfect sense why these testers are so good!

Follow Ups:

RE: Among my many Hickoks I have a nice 1924 version that . . - HoosierAudio 08:39:40 06/29/08 (2)
Funny you should mention the 533a, at work there is a 533a still being used on a weekly basis. Some of the old timers remember when it was bought NEW!

I still sneak in my tubes and check them on it!

Regards,
JohnC
- RE: Among my many Hickoks I have a nice 1924 version that . . - Zero Cool 12:18:36 06/29/08 (1)
  I am starting some major mods on my 533A actually. Once it gets back from Roger Kennedy. It will have a new transformer, be completely calibrated and have the precision calibration mods done to get it as good as it can be got.
  
  The i will add a digital line set meter and a Bias Voltage meter and a Plate current meter. I am debating about adding a filament voltage and current meter. This way tests can me 100% repeatable. Then i am playing around with a bit of a trick setup. I am experimenting with some Atmel and PIC micro controllers. I want to replace the roll chart with a pair of LCD panels and a rotary encoder. It will fit and work exactly like the roll chart. but the list will them be configurable and updatable VIA USB!!! Slick!
  
  I had considered a 539C but the prices are just ridiculously high! $1000 or more for one used. and any tube tester that is not 40-50 years old will be in Unknown condition as far as calibration goes no matter if it works or not!
  
  I am told the biggest issue is that the coating on the wires in the transformers shrinks and cracks and then the windings start shorting out. this causes the voltages to go higher or lower until the transformer just goes POOF!
  
  anyway we are off the subject here and i should move this to another thread. Cool that you still use the 533A!!!
  - I have two 539C's with one that I fitted with external digital meters. . - John PA 21:54:40 06/29/08 (0)
    for every reading and the other one is like new. Nice testers. The 533a is much the same tester with fewer meters. I have a TV10B also that never worked and the insides are new. I got it fixed and calibrated and love it. I have 4 TV7's and then some other Hickoks. Too many for sure but at least I bought them when the price was right. The 539C that is like new has the new click feel to the switches. Fun equipment.
    
    The Elaborate DAC=Johnny's Balloon Meshplate 27 Balanced Preamp=Balanced Six Pacs=Newform Research 645
    
    see images at: www.pbase.com/jamato8

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