Picked this thing up today for $15. Is it any good as a restorer? Worth hanging onto? I know it can test picture tubes as well but I already have a tester floating around for that. If the restorer function has any merit I'll probably hang onto it.

The Beltron is considered by many to be the best CRT restorer around! I would have to agree based on my experiences with it.

You got a killer deal at $15.

This one went for $12, just sayin'.

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/auctions/Beltron-Picture-Tube-Restorer-Model-8080-A-13035705.html

I too have heard good things about Beltrons, though I will stick to my CR-70.

I know the Beltron has a good reputation but there just doesn't appear to be much inside of them. I think the restorer circuit is the capacitor discharge type.

http://www.radiomuseum.org/images/radio/appleway_electronics/beltron_system_2972_e_1447869.jpg.

When I began selling used sets in Dallas in the early 70's, several veteran servicing dealers said Beltron was by far the only unit to consider.

I had a 20 yr run selling thousands of sets. I used the Beltron to check/and or rejuvenate most of those. Still use it.

Can't say much about the Goodwill one, if it had no tube connectors it is virtually useless unless you already had them you could make them but it's a pain, they aren't cheap to buy when they turn up. I don't generally get rid of tube testing gear so value is less of a concern than usefulness anyway. I'll see if I can grab an old set at a thrift store to test it on.