[R-390] OT: Leakage testing a 1L6

[Scott, Barry (Clyde B)]

> I don't know about the low filament voltage vs. "sagging", 
> but the 1L6 is
> one of those tubes you are NOT supposed to tap during the shorts test.
> Never could fathom that fully, as these are mostly all used 
> in portable
> equipment.  But if it is already questionable -- a light tap 
> or two might be
> in order.  (If you had Nolan's trick hammer -- you could 
> probably fix the
> thing.)
> 

I didn't know one isn't supposed to tap the 1L6.  I usually only thump
lightly with my finger so I doubt I damaged it but it's possible.


> Sounds like it.  I wonder what would happen if you ran the 
> T/O on its side.
> Sounds dumb, but ... well, yeah, probably is a dumb idea.
> 

I was wondering if there might be loose thingees in the tube that cause it
to short out in the vertical position but not when held upside-down for my
ohm-meter testing.  Hmmm...

> As I recall, you have an H-500.  Could be worse.  If it were 
> a 600-series,
> you'd also have a  ballast tube (50A1) to worry about.
> 
> Incidentally, it's a better value to buy another TO that's a 
> tad shabby but
> works.  Pay about $50-60 and get a good used 1L6 with radio 
> included for
> another $20.
> 
> Trouble with that plan is then you need another 1L6 for THAT radio.
> 

My problem is my H500 was a $50 shabby one *without* a 1L6...sigh...

Cabinet is restored and now working on guts.  It works on BC band with the
1R5 substitute but I want it operational on all bands with the 1L6.


> You might want to consider getting a 1LA6 loctal tube and making up an
> adapter out of a loctal socket and 7-pin tube base or plug.  
> (pretty much
> pin for pin except the one extra.)  The word is that they are 
> electronically
> identical, though the extra lead length involved in the adapter may
> complicate alignment a bit.
> 
> Someone has also designed a solid state replacement for the 
> 1L6.  Circuit
> and photos are on a website which you can find with a search 
> pretty easily.
> 

I've seen the SS replacements.  I don't think I want to go that route, but I
have contacted the guy who makes the LOCTAL to 7-pin adapters for the 1LA6.
I'm thinking I may just have to go that route.

I GOTTA get this thing done so I can get back to my next R390A
restoration-project-in-waiting!

> Barry
> 
> 


Thanks,

Barry(III) - N4BUQ