[Hallicrafters] TV 2 Military tube tester

[Roy Morgan]

At 11:22 PM 3/1/2006, Barry H wrote:
>Some say the TV-2 can best be described having been designed with the 
>masochist in mind.


Yes, indeed. The thing is very good at what it is good at, but it's very 
slow to operate.

You can set up the operating conditions you want and compare/match tubes 
and really know what you are doing.

As barry notes, you *can* set up conditions you DON'T want and over drive a 
tube.

The thing has a lot of electrolytic caps in it, and repair/overhaul is not 
an easy chore. Well worth it, though, if you want to do what the thing is 
good at.  If you have a non-working meter, good luck! They are nearly 
unobtainium.

If you want a sturdy, easy to use tester, get a TV-7.
If you like or need to fuss over the details, get a TV-2
If you want a quick to use, professional one, get a Cardmatic.
If you are really nuts, get the computer control adapted Cardmatic.
If you want an antique, get a Weston 868 Vacuum Tube Analyzer.  See: 
http://home.comcast.net/~roysmorgan/Weston.html  This thing is likely the 
ancestor of the TV-2 in function and purpose.

If you want to be very practical and economical, get no tube tester, but 
invest in spare new tubes.  Just try them in your radio and look for 
improved operation.

Roy



- Roy Morgan, K1LKY since 1959 - Keep 'em Glowing!
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