Advice on a tube tester

I had the 7B/U, the only one different, if i am not wrong, was the 7D/U which had an extra range (F) for higher transconductance tubes. The other difference is that the later ones had more ferrite beads attached to the wires going to the tube sockets, thus eliminating oscillation (especially when measuring 6dj8 family tubes). 

Another nice feature from this family of testers was that you could test a tube for noise, as the tube could pass all tests (short, leakage, trans) but could be noisy on one or both channels.

It was pretty good and straightforward to operate.

Guy on YouTube called blueglow electronics may be of assistance 

Thanks @gregdude I've watched his good videos.  He likes TV7.

@petg60 thanks for the details.  Turns out the D/U version is specially changed to address 6DJ8 tubes--which is half the tubes in my favorite amp....so that would be worth finding.

Jerry

If you want something more modern that doesn’t use 1950s technology and was probably made in the 50s, check out these people:

www.maximatcher.com

You’ll need separate testers for power and preamp tubes, which may give you more accurate readings. The cost for both the pre and power tube testers will be up around $2,000, but you should be able to recoup the cost when you’re finished with them.

They’re up in Washington so you can give them a call and judge for yourself if these are the right testers for you.

The Amplitrex mentioned in an earlier post is considered by some to be the best tester available today:

https://amplitrex.com/

Carlsbad,

tksteingraber's advice to contact Paul Hart is spot on. He recalibrated my Hickok 600 about 2 years ago and did a fantastic job and gave me great advice to boot. Even if you're going to do refurbishment and recalibration yourself, he's a great resource.

My system is pretty much all tube, and owning a tube tester has made that so much easier, and allowed me to take chances on cheap untested tubes that turned out to be NOS testing jewels. The Hickok greatly increases my joy in this crazy hobby.

One caution based on experience: you can sell tubes that test great and you know are perfectly functional, and the buyer will still hate them because they were lousy in their system. Refund them cheerfully and chalk it up as a cost of doing business. Most will love them and the honest seller goodwill is invaluable.

Best of luck on your journey. It's worth it.