[Boatanchors] newbie question

[Bob Macklin]

Where tube testers work well is when you do not have a supply of tubes to 
use for swapping. If they say a tube is bad, it probably is.

A few weeks ago I was having a problem with the 2M converter on my SB-301. I 
used my Heathkit TC-3 (pretty old) to check the tubes. One of the RF amp 
dual triodes showed a short in one section. I tried the RF amp dual triode 
from my 6M converter. It showed a short in the other section. I did not have 
any spares.

The end result I put both tubes back in their original locations and both 
converters are working fine.

VTVM, RF signal generator, then scope, then tube tester.

Bob Macklin
K5MYJ
Seattle, Wa.
"Real Radios Glow In The Dark"
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bill Cromwell" <wrcromwell at gmail.com>
To: <boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Saturday, June 29, 2013 5:55 PM
Subject: Re: [Boatanchors] newbie question


> On 06/29/2013 08:44 PM, Preston Clark wrote:
>> This has probably been asked before  what kind of tools do you need to
>> start working on boatanchors  and how do  you buy a tube tester are they
>> radio specific or what thanks
>>
>> Preston
>>
> Hi,
>
> Sounds like a smart alec comment but get a hand truck/dolly like the 
> people who move furniture use. Maybe a small shop crane. And a *sturdy* 
> workbench.
>
> I have a VTVM, HF and VHF signal generators (actually down to 100 kc), a 
> scope (but you can get by for a while without one (maybe forever). A 
> soldering gun and a smaller soldering iron. Don't forget about a place to 
> keep the manuals out of harms way. A filing cabinet. Other people will 
> start filling in holes I have left.
>
> How old are you? More to the point..how is your eyesight? Tube testers are 
> good for a little bit. Buy them on eBay or some of the lists or at 
> hamfests. They are specific to tubes - not radios. You can count on them 
> to find gross failures but the best tube test is substitution in the 
> actual circuit. Some tubes will work in some applications and not in 
> others.
>
> 73,
>
> Bill  KU8H
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