[R-390] Radium dials and 3AT7 'unubtanium" ballast tube--query for the group

[Scott Seickel]

I don't know what all the hub bub is about the 3AT7 ballast.
They are quite readily obtainable for $25 NOS.  This isn't  unreasonable
considering a sharp 390A will sell for $600+ on e-pay. Look what
new tires for your car cost you.  And for those of you that think you
can't get a replacement for $25, there is a nice fellow on this list
selling them (NOS) for that amount.  There also was one, NOS
again, that had no reserve on e-pay and and closed at $25 with no
bidders just a couple of days ago.

Scott





Subject: Re: [R-390] Radium dials and 3AT7 'unubtanium" ballast tube--query
for the group


> Amperite lists the 3TF7 as 'still available' -
>
> http://www.amperite.com/ballastp.htm
>
> However, if you check prices with their distributors (Newark and
Richardson
> for example), they are $100+!  Makes SSN price of $45 seem like a bargain.
>
> BTW, the Amperite page shows 3TF7, 3TF7A, 3TF7B and 3TF7/H - what's
> the difference?  Amperite had only general ballast tube info on their
site,
> no specs for individual parts.
>
> 73,
>
> /dave
> N9ZC
>
> >OK, nuff about luminous dials, lets talk about the supreme of supremes
> >in the class of unobtainum.
> >I think that we have pretty much in agreement that the 3AT7 ballast tube
> >has gone the way of all other good things.. I propose that since there
> >seem to be one heck of a lot of  Boatanchrs/R-390 and R-390A enthusiasts
> >out there,  I have been wondering if since there are both saftety and
> >clout in numbers, that our group en masse could approach a manufacturer,
> >be it either here in the good old US of A or more promising, a firm in
> >Russia (Svetlana) to produce this tube line again.
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