[Boatanchors] A "Glow tube (VR tube) question.

[RJ Mattson]

Phil,
I would replace the VR tube and start monitoring the B+ line ASAP.
The VR color change could be an indication of B+ intermittent excessive
or lack of current somewhere.
bob...w2ami
www.qrz.com/callsign/w2ami


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Philip Atchley" <beaconeer at elite.net>
To: <boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 2004 11:41 PM
Subject: [Boatanchors] A "Glow tube (VR tube) question.


> Hi,
> I have a Hallicrafters SX-71 that I completely overhauled/re-capped a
couple
> years back.  It has had "many" hours of reliable operation ever since
then.
> However, recently I've noticed that sometimes, not often, I'd get little
> bursts of static or a crackle out of the speaker when I have the BFO on.
To
> date I've been unable to locate the source as I could never duplicate it
> when it's on the bench (always the case in an intermittent).
>
> Anyway, I digress.  When listening I leave the lid propped up a couple
> inches for better ventilation (runs a lot cooler.  Last night I was
> listening to Shortwave and heard a brief "crackle" from the radio, sounded
> like regular static.  I "normally" wouldn't think much about it figuring
it
> was atmospheric.
>
> However, I "thought" I saw a small flash of light inside the receiver out
of
> the side of my eye.  I looked into the top of the set and saw the VR tube
> (VR-150/0D3) was glowing OUTSIDE the plate, towards the top of the tube.
> Not a big section glowing, but on the outside none-the-less.  The NORMAL
> pinkish/purple glow inside the tube's plate was still there.  After a
couple
> moments the outside quit glowing and everything looked normal again.  This
> abnormal glow DID NOT seem to have any apparent effect on reception (set
> didn't drift in frequency).
>
> QUESTION.  I don't think I've seen a VR tube do that before (glow on the
> outside).  Is that indicative of a VR tube failing or should I look
> elsewhere for a problem (like high B+ etc)?  I don't have a spare
VR-150/0D3
> to try out at this time.
>
>
> 73 from the "Beaconeers Lair".
> Phil, KO6BB
>
> DX begins at the noise floor!
> Merced, Central California
> 37.18N  120.29W  CM97sh
>
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