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In Reply to: Buying a tube tester...... posted by thermionic addictions on February 28, 2007 at 11:43:26:
Do some searches for tube testers in the archives. Also read the FAQ section above here for info. Just makes sure you buy a complete model in working condition with the roll chart, or tube manual that came with it. Parts are mostly unobtanium for the older testers. Heatkit tt1, Sencore, and some others can be had in your price range. You can also look in your area to find out when and where the boat anchors have their next tube swap/flea market going on. Craigslist in my area has had a few very basic ones for sale over the last year. So check CL in your area weekly for some or post a wanted ad there for free. Good luck! John
Follow Ups:
Also make sure the tester you buy can test all the tubes you will be interested in testing. Not all testers have the capability and test data for all tubes. 4 pin triodes from the 30's and the newer 9 pin signal tubes are very different animals, so make sure you can test what you will use. Good luck and good testing.
Stupid me.. I assumed that anyone buying a tube tester would be doing enough research to ensure the t.t. they end up buying can actually test the tubes they are using. That was a good suggestion to buy Alan Douglas's tube tester book. Alan is a good Man. I bought my pair of Dynaco Mk3 amps from him about eleven years ago now. I own around five tt's with two of them working very well. I would like to buy a copy of his book to read. :) John
That is the reason why I asked, lately I have left the 9 pin's
behind and have been concentrating on pre-octals and a few octals.I have serched the archives and the results are mixed.
I just don't want to spend a lot of money on one that doesn't
do what I want it to do.
These are 2 general kinds of tube testers. The more-basic tests the emissions of a tube's elements, while a transconductance type tests the tube's actual performance or gain. Ecamples of the former can be found for well under a $100; I have a Mercury that meets the above requirements that you could have for $50.I also have 2 Mercury transconductance testers. They work well and seem to be selling for less, and sometimes LOTS less, than the more popular Hickocks, etc.
You might also try to find a copy of Alan Douglas's book 'Tube Testers and Classic Electronic Test Gear'; it contains lots of info on testers.
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