Tube Testers

[Sam SG]

Ok first off befor anyone says it. Yes I know most tube testers dont test at the voltage levels tubes see in amps. Yes I know the vast majority do not screen for noise. And yes I know uncalibrated testers are pretty much useless numbers.
DIsclaimer outta the way.
For you guys that collect vintage and NOS glass. Specifically preamp tubes. What testers do you own and use?
I have a simple Triplett emision/ short tester. I take it with a grain of salt. My real test is allways in circuit. I would never trust it to determine powertubes.
Pretty much for preamp tubes I examine the flashing for haloing and inspect the base for dark smokey look then pop it in an amp and listen for noise tone and if it fades out or anything etc... if it soynds good it is good.
But anyways what do you guys have? TV7, 539 Maxipre etc....got an Amplitrex in the living room next to the bookshelf?
Just interested to know thats all.

 

[beaubrummels]

I have a Hickok 533-A and a U.S. Army Signal Corps Triplett I-177

 

[jeremy]

i have two, not sure what they are. i actually used a friend of mines last time i went through my stock, not sure what his is either but it worked fine. ill check what mine are tomorrow if i remember

 

[Securb]

I go to the old school TV/Stereo repair shop the next town over the old timer lets me use his for free. It took him 5 minutes to school me on how to use it.

 

[jeremy]

nice! wish we still had a place like that around here

 

[Sam SG]

nice! wish we still had a place like that around here

Same around here.
I wanna go to Woolworth with my tubes and test um in the RCA tube-o-matic lol
Nah really though Ive been saying for years I wanta Hickok TV-7 OR 539 OR 533 or any high quality mutual conductance tester. But I never do I get half the money and end up blowing it on more tubes or a OD pedal. Lol

 

[beaubrummels]

Mutual conductance is needed if you are matching (e.g. power tubes). You might be ok just checking good or bad for preamp tubes. The remaining problem is making sure you test the tube for shorts first before testing it's performance.

 

[Sam SG]

Yea I test for shorts. My tester after its set up you have to take the lever switchs that are highlighted on the roll chart and flip each one two clicks in the opposite direction. And the short light will glow if there is a short.
I wish it had a leakage test but its just an "its short or not" light
I did just weed out an Old GE longplate 12ax7. But it was visably worn out to begin with( base had the black smokey ring)