Hickok 6000a limitations

Thank you for the help.

Another question I have concerns the conductance reading on the chart. Does it represent the minimum reading or the reading of a new tube. I do not have a manual yet and therefore the confusion.

The mutual conductance (micromhos) reading is the minimum reading for a "good" tube. A reading less than that indicates a "weak" tube.

Note that to read micromhos directly you do NOT set the shunt dial to what is listed in the chart. The chart setting is for reading on the "good/replace" scale on the meter. To read on the micromhos scale on the meter, you set the shunt dial to one of the three red dots that are on it, corresponding to which of the three micromhos scales you want to use.

You'll find the following video of interest, although it looks like he is using the tester incorrectly relative to what I said in the previous paragraph about the shunt setting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVMnKIM4LEc

Also, note that the 6000A does not provide sockets for testing of early tube types:

http://www.vacuumtubes.com/6000.html

Regards,
-- Al

Thanks Al. Steve

05-09-09: Almarg
The mutual conductance (micromhos) reading is the minimum reading for a "good" tube. A reading less than that indicates a "weak" tube.

Al are you sure about that?

Quote from manual:
(6) FUNCTION and MUT. COND. - The first column lists the proper setting for the FUNCTION selector switch. The second column (with numbers) lists the values of mutual conductance that is normal for the average tube.

That could be interpreted for the average of a new tube.....
>>>>>>>>>

You'll find the following video of interest, although it looks like he is using the tester incorrectly relative to what I said in the previous paragraph about the shunt setting:

Al by the guys own admission he had not used the tester for three years..... He should of reread the manual first before making the video.

First off he should of stated all controls should be set to their proper positions before inserting a tube.

I don't recall he ever mentioned the FUNCTION SELECTOR SWITCH when he talked about setting the controls.



When he preformed the GAS test he only depressed the gas test button only.... Both the GAS and TEST push buttons must be depressed simultaneously for the GAS test.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Sbm604, do you have access to a fax machine? If so email me the area code and phone number and I will fax you a copy of the owners manual for the 6000A.
jim