tube tester

[grtamp]

anyone know or have tried this tube tester?

http://www.thebestamp.com/Testing_Equip ... ester2.php

[Blackburn]

Looks nice, but I wonder just how nice it really is... I do like the warranty.

I think I want one of those.

[Phil_S]

If you are getting in that deep, why not go all the way and get the right tool for the job.
http://www.amplitrex.com/at1000.html

[Blackburn]

Okay fine, I'll take one of those instead.

[Phil_S]

Given the cost of the Amplitrex, consider the number of tubes you might test over what remains of your lifetime. You can probably get testing done by someone who has one for a few dollars per tube. It is IIRC a $2400 item. At $5/tube (and I think that might be high), you can test 480 tubes. This is work that you send out unless you get into it in a big kind of way. Of course, if you have the beans to spill, please go right ahead.

[Blackburn]

Yeah, I know what you mean. I have just an old B&K tester and I'm good. I know where to get my old tubes and they're tested properly, so I don't worry about matching too much since it doesn't cost me anything extra. I don't have any huge NOS stashes that need pairing, so until I do, I'm not looking for any of this fancy tech. I just need to test life, and even then I never have em die on me. Kinda regret buying it.

But if I had the scratch for the Amplitrex....

[selloutrr]

I have the Amplitrex. Nothing but great things to save about it.
It's hooked up to the computer, prints test results and tube labels directly from test. I had a custom adaptor and test program created for the Ampeg V4 reverb tube. Runs on an isolated constant voltage transformer for rock solid accurate test results. The tests are fully customizable and it runs at actual operating voltages so you don't have false positives from tests versus amplifier. I use the maximatcher for matching power tubes and fail testing. Then the Amplitrex for detailed results and curve traces.

[gingertube]

The Amplitrex looks good in that it can test tubes to 500V and 150mA. I would worry about the 250 V limit on the other device.

The problem with a lot of wimpy tube testers is that you can't test output tubes at the sort of voltages normally encountered in Git Amps or you can't test them at high enough current and so you end up getting low gm readings and turf what are probably OK tubes by mistake.

For serious testing, I use an AVO MKIII from the "golden age of tubes". It was the unit from a local TV Station, is in immaculate condition and came with all its orginal books /manual etc. I paid A$1,000 for it (which is about $US1,000 as well).
I also run this from an isolated, constant voltage transformer.

It replacers a Taylor 45D (English) unit which suffered from inability to dial up enough volts and enough current and while good for testing preamp tubes was no good for power tubes (they always gave low gm readings due to low current). This one was "retrieved" from a dumpster (at the rear of the Physics Building at the local University) and cost me 4 hours diagnostic and repair effort and $50 for reprints of the manuals.

I also have a Hickok Model 530B (circa. 1945) but treat it as a museum piece and don't use it even though it is 100% functional. It cost me $300. It has "Bacchus Marsh Repeater Station, 1946" embossed into its case. I think this was a repeater station in Australia's original overland telegraph system so it has some historic value.

Cheers,
Ian

[jamme61]

what about the tube tester from orange amps? http://www.orangeamps.com/products/acce ... nt/vt1000/
opinions?

[alvarezh]

Hi Jamme, here is a whole topic on the Orange:

https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.ph ... ght=vt1000

All the best.

[jamme61]

Thanks

[vibratoking]

...consider the number of tubes you might test over what remains of your lifetime.

What are you trying to say? Do you know something that I don't?

[HeeBGB]

TUBE TESTER?!!! We don need no stinking tube tester. I gots this for all my tube testing needs.

[vibratoking]

OK, I give up...what is it?

[HeeBGB]

Says it right on the unit. Series String Filament Checker model-SS-10 made by Precision Apparatus Co., Inc. of Glendale, L.I., N.Y., USA


LOL!