[R-390] OT: Low-voltage tubes

[Todd Bigelow - PS]

Scott, Barry (Clyde B) wrote:

>I recently had to have a Zenith TransOceanic.  This is the H500 model so it
>is still tube stuff (except for the selenium rectifier).
>
>My question is do these low-voltage tubes glow very much?  These are types
>1U4, 1U5, 1L6, and 3V4.  
>
Fun little radios, a lot of the guys (any girls?) on the list have them. 
Incredibly good sound and sensitivity when they're working right. Tubes 
don't glow like most others due to the low voltage. You'll enjoy it a 
lot. Try to find some spare 1L6s, though. Although not really rare, most 
of the NOS JAN surplus was bought up by a few dealers who now charge 
'RARE' prices, mainly due to the interest in TOs over the last decade 
(IMHO). Like anything else, it depends how good you are at digging 
around and how impatient you are.

Tip: Look for junkers at hamfests, flea markets, yard sales. You can get 
a complete unit pretty cheap, usually with the 1L6 included. I've found 
one at a yard sale, one at an antique shop, and a chassis with all tubes 
(and an R-390 S-meter) in a box of 'stuff'. Got my H-500 back in 1980 
(before they became 'sought') for $10, love it!

Enjoy -

de Todd/'Boomer'  KA1KAQ