Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => AmpTools/Tech Tips => Topic started by: Zarrir on July 15, 2016, 11:29:28 pm

Title: Unknown Tube Tester for Sale - Any Clues?
Post by: Zarrir on July 15, 2016, 11:29:28 pm
I have found this item up for sale at Brazilian Ebay. Seller knows nothing about the unit nor could i find any info on the net. Manufacturer is not in business anymore.  Any ideas on what it could be? Should i give it a go or is it just a TV tube tester? Panel VU meters say  FILAMENT on the left and EMISSION on the right.  Bellow the emission VU Meter it says SHORT.  In the center, it says RESTORER.

Title: Re: Unknown Tube Tester for Sale - Any Clues?
Post by: sluckey on July 16, 2016, 09:03:52 am
That seems to be a tv CRT (picture tube) tester. I'd pass.
Title: Re: Unknown Tube Tester for Sale - Any Clues?
Post by: eleventeen on July 16, 2016, 07:10:38 pm
Agree w/Sluckey, it's a CRT tester. As useless (as it is) as anything you can imagine! Strictly a parts/enclosure buy.
Title: Re: Unknown Tube Tester for Sale - Any Clues?
Post by: HotBluePlates on July 16, 2016, 10:58:44 pm
"Restaurador" means "restorer" or "rejuvenator"?

Seeing buttons or knobs for green & blue, not only does this look like a T.V. (picture) tube tester, but I'd guess something to rejuvenate the picture tube so it can go a bit longer before replacement. That used to be a key operation for a t.v. repairman in the days of the CRT televisions, since the cost of replacing the picture tube could be as much as buying a new t.v.

Title: Re: Unknown Tube Tester for Sale - Any Clues?
Post by: Zarrir on July 17, 2016, 03:51:46 pm
Thank you guys for the inputs. Restaurador may be translated in both ways. Now knowing what this is, it certainly means REJUVENATOR. Thanks again. Seller is asking about U$ 70. Will pass.
Title: Re: Unknown Tube Tester for Sale - Any Clues?
Post by: PRR on July 17, 2016, 03:57:56 pm
> asking about U$ 70.

Only if you are actually fixing a garage-full of old CRT TV sets.

Or if you think the box is very-very-cool and want to gut it for some other project.
Title: Re: Unknown Tube Tester for Sale - Any Clues?
Post by: shooter on July 17, 2016, 06:52:26 pm
Quote
"rejuvenator"?
I never used one, just changed the crt's, would that unit, or similar, be capable of generating 25kv?
might be good for an electric fence supply :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: Unknown Tube Tester for Sale - Any Clues?
Post by: PRR on July 17, 2016, 09:53:21 pm
> capable of generating 25kv?

More like 3V.

CRT cathodes have a tough task. They tend to lose emission at a fairly young age; OTOH you do NOT want to replace a $100-$400 bottle if there is ANY patch-job.

The "rejuvenators" put 10%-50% excess voltage on the heater, with hope that COOKing the oxide would seep more Thorium to the surface and improve emission. Sometimes it did, for a while. Often it did no good. (Sometimes it was the last straw for the heater.)
Title: Re: Unknown Tube Tester for Sale - Any Clues?
Post by: shooter on July 18, 2016, 11:59:48 am
Quote
put 10%-50% excess voltage on the heater
Ah, thanks!
I'm guessing 3Kv will still be a good poke if you pee on the fence :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: Unknown Tube Tester for Sale - Any Clues?
Post by: PRR on July 18, 2016, 04:45:15 pm
Heater voltage on CRTs is usually 6V or less.
Title: Re: Unknown Tube Tester for Sale - Any Clues?
Post by: shooter on July 18, 2016, 05:27:34 pm
 :think1:
Quote
More like 3V.
my brain added the K :think1: