12-05-2022, 10:45 AM
See also
https://www.dos4ever.com/uTracer3/uTracer3_pag0.html
I have one of his curve tracers. You can test valves without data if you can figure the pin connections and heater / filament voltage. I've also used a friend's big AVO, maybe the CT163 and replaced meters on several AVO testers. In one case I added an op-amp to replace an unobtainable meter with one needing a much higher current. I used the 2nd op-amp in the package for offset adjustment rather than use an expensive instrumentation type.
The best test is of course in the intended circuit. Historically the most important use outside a factory or lab was valve based TVs due to number of valves. A valve tester isn't really needed for restoring audio amps or radios as checking the actual circuit voltages tells you more.
I've only much used my tester for Russian rod tubes that are like pentodes. I've not found any need for EL84/EL41/EL95/ECL82/ULxx /KT66/ EL33 or EL34 output valves in radios or amps I was repairing. I used the TV shop's tester more in the 1960s as I didn't realise I could check the valves in the radio by measuring the voltages. I wasn't even a teenager when I got my Philips EE set, WWII era R1155 and Lady Margaret Battery valve sets.
https://www.dos4ever.com/uTracer3/uTracer3_pag0.html
I have one of his curve tracers. You can test valves without data if you can figure the pin connections and heater / filament voltage. I've also used a friend's big AVO, maybe the CT163 and replaced meters on several AVO testers. In one case I added an op-amp to replace an unobtainable meter with one needing a much higher current. I used the 2nd op-amp in the package for offset adjustment rather than use an expensive instrumentation type.
The best test is of course in the intended circuit. Historically the most important use outside a factory or lab was valve based TVs due to number of valves. A valve tester isn't really needed for restoring audio amps or radios as checking the actual circuit voltages tells you more.
I've only much used my tester for Russian rod tubes that are like pentodes. I've not found any need for EL84/EL41/EL95/ECL82/ULxx /KT66/ EL33 or EL34 output valves in radios or amps I was repairing. I used the TV shop's tester more in the 1960s as I didn't realise I could check the valves in the radio by measuring the voltages. I wasn't even a teenager when I got my Philips EE set, WWII era R1155 and Lady Margaret Battery valve sets.
