Tube Tester
Just replaced vacuum tubes in my amp. Had a power fault. Replaced the whole right channel because I did not know which tubes actually failed.
Brought back up the idea of getting a tube tester. I have searched for them a few times and have a hard time figuring out their differences and quality.
Any of you have recommendations for me on how to navigate a tube tester purchase?
Thanks in advance
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- 16 posts total
Agree with Viridian that you want a tester that measures transconductance. And that usually means Hickok or B&K (often made by Hickok.) Transconductance of a given tube varies with plate voltage and current. Unfortunately very few vintage testers are capable of providing adequate voltage and current for power tubes. Hence you may get a misleading reading for transconductance. Best to test power tubes in the amplifier where you can know plate V and current by direct calculation. And measure grid bias as a guide to tube wear. For big bucks you can get a modern tester that does a proper job, but IMO it’s not needed. |
Searching for a bad tube is pretty easy. I always have a spare set. You just substitute one at a time until you find the bad tube... or eliminate the problem from being a tube. Most companies that supply matched tubes write down their electrical test results on the box or tube, so you can order a single tube matched replacement. |
take a chance, buy a tester, test new tubes you buy, test periodically, find problems, importantly rule tubes out when problems occur get this too https://vacuumtubesinc.com/index.php/books/the-jackson-model-648-manual.html //////////////////////////////////// |
- 16 posts total