I have been wondering for a long time where to put the description about the rebuilding of the magic eye tube. After reflection, I decided that I would put in this section, at most the moderator will move elsewhere.
From the original magic eye, I only use the screen, clean it, and apply a new phosphor. The bulb, electrodes, cathode, zero grid and getter are new. For now, I gave up installing the control triode inside the lamp. This function is performed by a small mosfet mounted in a socket.

That's pretty cool. If I were in your shoes I'd be tempted to phosphor it 3 different colors (green, yellow and red) along the indication scale in order of increasing input on the tube...

Cool ! Now all ya gotta do is make reproductions of the Zenith 6T5, and then watch the bushels of money come rolling in..... :thmbsp:

Even the 6U5/6E5 can be $40+ tubes in some places as NOS dries up.

I would have to have at least one bad 6T5 to see exactly its design.

I figured this would be a next step from CRT rebuilding. If it's possible to recoat the cathode and re-phosphor the target it should be doable. I believe the 6-pin types use a P1 phosphor, and the later 9-pin tubes probably the P31 phosphor, at least that's what I see based on the colors.

It's too bad an LED variation of a 6T5 or 6U5 can't be fabricated.

Hi to all,
Hi Titan 1a,

Have a look at this color LCD magic eye substitute.
Choice of colors, displays frequency & B+ voltage, if desired.
No affiliation.

https://www.radioelec.com/en/magic-eye-electronics-frequency-voltmeter-indicator-of-accord-or-modulation-em34-em4-6af7-xml-354_384-834.html

See it working here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-3-23FoDNMWeZ9fmvgIzoBGm5I9mOdZk/view

Best Regards
jhalphen
Paris/France

Wow that's impressive. I never thought to rebuid one.

this is crazy. you may want to post over at Audiokarma, I bet people there would be interested. I myself have a stereo receiver (1961 Pilot 654) with a "Magic Eye" tube for a tuning meter.

Thank you :). Here I talk a little about my magic eye tubes. Since this is in Polish and you may not want to listen, scroll to the next link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7epxTy-p32k&t=1065s

Maybe this three-color lamp will be a bit crazier :banana:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7epxTy-p32k&t=1243s

This whole thread is very interesting.
If someone has a direct substitute of any kind for a 6u5 tube would be great.
Any info on this in an English web site link or video would be helpful.