[Boatanchors] Tube info

[Glen Zook]

The 01, 101, 201, and 301 are the same tubes with 1 amp 5.0 volt filaments

The 01A, 101A, 201A, and 301A are the same tubes with .25 amp 5.0 filaments

The "B" versions may be the same as the "A" versions.

The Western Electric tubes don't follow the same nomenclature as the other manufacturers.  Their 201 series tubes are different from the "normal" 01 series.  There are also 401 tubes from a couple of different manufacturers that don't even resemble the "normal" 01 series.

The "gold" was done for advertising purposes just like Arcturus and their blue colored glass tubes.

The 171 is a 71.

The Cunningham 322 and the Radiotron UX-222 are 22 types.  Cunningham typically added a "3" to the tube number and Radiotron added a "2" to the tube number.

There should be a pin on the side of the 199 tubes which fits into a slot on the side of the tube socket.  In fact, the 01 and 01A series should also have this pin.  Many of the sets from 1923 through 1927 used these "twist" sockets and the tubes were made to fit both the "twist" sockets and the "plug in" sockets.

Any of these tubes are well worth keeping, including any "duds".  In fact, if the tubes show an open filament more likely than not it is still good.  In those days the manufacturers used acid flux when soldering and over the years this causes the soldering to go "open".  Just heat the pins with a soldering iron and reflow solder into the pins.  It is very likely that the connection will again be made and the tube will work fine.  I have numerous tubes from the 1920s that have been "saved" by reflowing the solder.

Many collectors want "duds" to put in equipment that is "just for show".

Glen, K9STH

Website:  http://k9sth.com


--- On Thu, 6/9/11, LARRY G <telegrapher at q.com> wrote:

I uncoverd a box of 201A, 201B and Cunninham 301 tubes.  Some of them have what appears to be a gold anodization color to the globes.  Are they the same as the "01A" types?  All are 4 pin.  There was also a Tungsol 171 or as stamped on the base 12-3, a Western Electric 262, a Cunningham 322, a Radiotron UX-222 and a couple of UV-199.  The UV-199 has real small short pins with a ridge around each pin so it will snap into the socket?  Keep finding weird stuff that i have never heard of before.  Wonder if any of them are worth keeping or should i just use them for target practice with the Henry 22LR?