I have no reliable local resource for tube testing, and I have projects waiting from a 1927 Atwater Kent to a 1950 Motorola TV. So, I need to get a working tube tester.

I'd appreciate guidance about what to look for. For example, I may look at a tester for sale, but I don't know whether it'll work for my UX tubes. I'm also unsure about what documentation is needed--I can envision buying one with an "instruction manual" and then find out that I don't have the data needed for tube testing.

In other words, I haven't got a clue about tube testers, so where should I start?

Thanks,
Winky

You pretty much have what you need. First, I wouldn't bother with a fancy mutual conductance unit; they seldom will disagree with the simpler emission testers.

If the tester has all the sockets you need, it probably will test all the tubes. Early tubes generally are the same as later once except for the base, so you will need a tube manual to help with the conversion.

I think $25 to $50 should buy what you want. Check at swap meets, especially electronics ones.

I would stick with well known brands, although I am always skeptical of Heathkits. I have owned units by Hickok, Triplett, EICO, and Precision; they pretty much all worked well.

If it has a roll chart, you can be sure it won't cover all tubes but it may be able to serve as a basis for 'inventing' tests on other types.

Thanks, Bob. That will give me a start. I haven't heard of any electronic swap meets in Southwest Idaho, but I think I can find a reliable seller online.
- Winky

Have you checked if there are any hamfests (as in amatuer radio) near by? Testers can show up at those.

Thanks. I look for that myself, and also have my brother, K3-something, something, look for me. He sends me "for sales" from the ham websites he frequents.
- Winky

Happy hunting!
I have 2:
an old I-177-A (but it can test a lot of old tubes)
and
a B&K Dyna-Kwik 500 (can test newer tubes)
I'd like to get my hands on a newer military version of the I-177.
I think if you have friends who are amateur radio operators, they can help you out. Just don't overpay for anything on you-know-where!

I never see tube testers pop up around here, yet in two or three years I wound up with a half dozen of them. So be patient - you'll come across one without having to pay ridiculous prices online.

I did enough reading to understand the difference between emission testers and transconductance testers. Then I remembered these red vans all over the state:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gZnYKw7Yx7Q/TuG3qo-e3sI/AAAAAAAAJr8/W3MAFWUEbu8/s640/Emissions.jpg

But this guy wouldn't even look at my tubes!

Seriously, thanks everyone. I'm studying up on testers and I won't buy one for $400 with the promise of "The tubes light up."
-Winky

:lmao:
That is hilarious, and the soft tire with the cinder block to keep it from rolling away makes it even more funny.
:lmao:

Those vans are generally parked there for years and rarely move

I'm awaiting delivery of these two items:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-z2lBmjXvEWA/TuV-bIvL8mI/AAAAAAAAJsM/OzFy3FpVIVE/s0/213%2525208080A.jpg

I bought both items from hams, and they're promised to be in good working condition. They won't meet all of my current needs, but they were reasonably priced and they'll be a worthwhile addition to my work bench.
- Winky

Yah.. I've seen those trucks.. I asked a friend.. smart dude.. and he said.. just get the tubes you wanna test and go around to the rear of the truck. There's a "imput port" back there. just stuff your tubes in and come back in an hour.. Presto Zesto.. all tested! :banana:

Nice!

Buzz :music:

Don't try this at home!:no:

The old potato up the tailpipe trick perhaps?