[R-390] Tube Testers

[Johnsay Johnsay]

I'd agree with this if the R-390 was the only tube type gear you had and you also had a pile of NOS tubes.
Otherwise I find a tube tester indispensibe both for screening and troubleshooting.
I like the military tube testers such as the TV-2, TV-7 and TV-10.  The Hickock 539 is also well thought of.  The cost of these units is outrageous in the current market.  The Heathkit TT-1 is also good if for no other reason that it tests compactrons and is lower priced.
My TV-2C is highly prized.
 
 
Honestly, there is no need for a tube tester unless you have a pile 
of used tubes you are going to sell and want to be able to say they 
"test good."  The circuit the tubes are used in is always the best 
tube tester money can buy.  If you get some tube extenders with test 
points, you can measure all of the tube voltages from the tube side 
of the chassis.