Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => AmpTools/Tech Tips => Topic started by: txtune on November 22, 2020, 01:47:04 pm

Title: Entry level tube tester - Is there such a thing?
Post by: txtune on November 22, 2020, 01:47:04 pm: I have a dozen tubes that came with an old radio and power amp, which I am in the process of restoring... trying to anyways. :icon_biggrin:

Anyhow, many of these tubes are pricey to replace. Any suggestions on a tube tester that won't break the bank and is not too hard to operate? Does that exist? Something that will tell me if they are good/bad/ugly?

The tubes I have are 7199, 7408, 6AU6A, ECC85/6AQ8, EZ81/6CA4, 6BE6, 6EQ7.

Thanks
Title: Re: Entry level tube tester - Is there such a thing?
Post by: shooter on November 22, 2020, 02:02:48 pm: Depends on were you're headed, If you like this sport and want to continue to the point you're tweaking amps, building a kit or rolling your own. then maybe it's worth the money. I donated my tester to a "90's teen" guitarist :icon_biggrin:
I built a breadboard to replace it so i could test tubes under "my conditions", I could put together a circuit and see "what it did" and hopefully understand "why it did that".

they are usually good for go/no-go IF they work.
Title: Re: Entry level tube tester - Is there such a thing?
Post by: sluckey on November 22, 2020, 02:52:16 pm: Save your money. Buy a basic electronics book if you want to learn this stuff.
Title: Re: Entry level tube tester - Is there such a thing?
Post by: Latole on November 22, 2020, 03:02:52 pm: Quote from: sluckey on November 22, 2020, 02:52:16 pm
Save your money. Buy a basic electronics book if you want to learn this stuff.

I agree.

Operate a tube tester is one thing, knowing what tubes readings mean is another thing.

Good tubes tester I know cost fews hundred $ in second hand markets
Title: Re: Entry level tube tester - Is there such a thing?
Post by: brewdude on November 22, 2020, 03:54:52 pm: Fender champ(?)
Title: Re: Entry level tube tester - Is there such a thing?
Post by: txtune on November 22, 2020, 03:59:50 pm: Shooter, you hit the nail on the head regarding the type of tester ... "go/no-go" :laugh:

As of this posting, all I know is the 2ea 7199s, 4ea 7408s, and 1ea EZ81/6CA4 all 'light up'. For grins I looked around online for replacements, just to see what was out there. Those three flavors were all available, but the 7408s were very expensive.

The tube testers looked like a hobby within a hobby. I figured it was best to ask the experts. With that being said, if one of you is about to throw one out... by all means let me know. :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: Entry level tube tester - Is there such a thing?
Post by: shooter on November 22, 2020, 05:46:32 pm: https://frank.pocnet.net/

Go here ^
figure out what your tubes are
triode, diode, pentode, hurrah..... :m12

now go here V
http://www.valvewizard.co.uk/
figure out what they do AND how they do it...cha-cha :bravo1:

the last time I was "billed labor" was GE '89, they billed my straight time @ $350/hr
start earn'n your way, I'm tired of getting fish every day, I want to fly my camera :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: Entry level tube tester - Is there such a thing?
Post by: txtune on November 22, 2020, 05:59:20 pm: Yikes! That's $735 in today's money. GE must have been sending that bill to Uncle Sam.
Title: Re: Entry level tube tester - Is there such a thing?
Post by: jjasilli on November 23, 2020, 08:19:03 am: http://tone-lizard.com/tube-testers/
http://tone-lizard.com/testers-exposed/
Title: Re: Entry level tube tester - Is there such a thing?
Post by: shooter on November 23, 2020, 09:52:29 am: Quote
the anal audiophile will most certainly be upset to learn this fact. Don’t tell him!

:laugh:
good read
Title: Re: Entry level tube tester - Is there such a thing?
Post by: DummyLoad on November 23, 2020, 10:12:05 am: dos4ever. :icon_biggrin:

https://www.dos4ever.com/uTracer3/uTracer3_pag0.html (https://www.dos4ever.com/uTracer3/uTracer3_pag0.html)

build that? requires that you build your own test socket(s) wiring and switching plan.

--pete