[Heathkit] Tube tester

[Jim Brannigan]

Fred,
I ran some resistance checks and did not find anything obvious.
The old selenium is an obvious culprit.
Using a Variac is a good idea.

Jim

> Jim Brannigan wrote:
> > TC-1 tube tester.
> > The last time I used it, 25+ years ago, the transformer started cooking
>
> Jim, since no one else has I'll give it a shot.  Problem is, there's
> just not much in one of those.  Bear with me as this is from memory and
> I don't have the skiz in front of me.
>
> Beyond an outright transformer failure the only other thing which comes
> to mind is the selenium rectifier.  Set the line adjust all the way down
> for insurance, or even use a Variac.  Block the (momentary) "Test"
> switch in the Test position, perhaps a screwdriver tip between the
> handle and the panel slot would do, and try it again - briefly!  That
> takes the line test meter rectifier out of the circuit without ripping
> anything apart.  If the rectifier were bad though I would think you'd
> see an indication on the meter; vibrating or pegging one way or the other.
>
> If that's not the problem it might be a mechanical short anywhere.
> There's only one cap, in the "Shorts" circuit; some resistors; and
> switches, sockets, and wire.
>
> Good luck,
> Fred