[JKDJedi]

[

First I have to learn how to solder tube pins (even at my age), and now I have to learn how to read too? Damnit. Maybe time for me to switch to an easier hobby, like rebuilding nuclear reactors or something.

Just because somebody is having a bad day doesn't mean you have too.

 

[JKDJedi]

Hmm maybe I should know my date codes better before speaking but, “6529” I thought was 29th week of 1965. The new arrival is marked “6038”.

It's right, just literature states Bendix stopped manufacturing in 1964. And if that's true (---->IF <----) then I'm wondering...who built that Chatham? The thinner micas add some fuel to my question.

 

[bcowen]

Third time is a charm, I think. This Chatham from 1960 isn’t damaged and tests well at 90/90 %. My previous one with a cracked mica was 1965. I also notice the 1965 has thinner micas

side note: does anyone have an extra tube tester laying around they are willing to part ways with?

I have a Hickok 752, an 800A, and a Weston 981 Type 3 sitting here just waiting for some love. The 752 has been restored except I'm not getting any meter movement on the GM test. It's not the meter -- pretty sure it's the main test selector control. Have a donor unit here for an organ transplant, just lacking the motivation to swap the controls out. The 800A is in good shape mechanically, but haven't finished up the case yet. And the Weston hasn't even been looked at, although I already purchased the capacitor set for it. Sigh. Seems to be so much to do when you aren't working. LOL!

 

[therremans]

I have a Hickok 752, an 800A, and a Weston 981 Type 3 sitting here just waiting for some love. The 752 has been restored except I'm not getting any meter movement on the GM test. It's not the meter -- pretty sure it's the main test selector control. Have a donor unit here for an organ transplant, just lacking the motivation to swap the controls out. The 800A is in good shape mechanically, but haven't finished up the case yet. And the Weston hasn't even been looked at, although I already purchased the capacitor set for it. Sigh. Seems to be so much to do when you aren't working. LOL!

Nice! I wish I had the space for a workbench or even a basement or garage. Then I could attempt to restore a unit and try to calibrate it.

 

[bcowen]

...then I'm wondering...who built that Chatham?

The 4 guys that were left at the factory to assemble whatever they could from leftover parts, and then shut the place down.

 

[bcowen]

Nice! I wish I had the space for a workbench or even a basement or garage. Then I could attempt to restore a unit and try to calibrate it.

LOL! My workspace is in a spare bedroom, if you can even call it that. It's more about the size of a closet, except it actually has a closet and is therefore technically a bedroom.

 

[therremans]

That explains why it was a

The 4 guys that were left at the factory to assemble whatever they could from leftover parts, and then shut the place down.

Ah yes, that’s why communion wafers were used.

 

[Mr BubbaHyde]

There's so much out there, and ANYTHING is better than stock.. (except GE tubes..do not get GE) I suggest grabbing a beer or two and going back 50 pages and start reading.

How come he doesn't have to start at the beginning?!?!

 

[JKDJedi]

How come he doesn't have to start at the beginning?!?!

Start from page one and grab a side getter GE for beginners!! Joking but..not joking.. Here's an old pic of one of my first ever tube rolling experiances.... many moons ago.. (two GE's and a Darkvoicce...OH MY!!) L M F A O ..

 

[Slade01]

Start from page one and grab a side getter GE for beginners!! Joking but..not joking.. Here's an old pic of one of my first ever tube rolling experiances.... many moons ago.. (two GE's and a Darkvoicce...OH MY!!) L M F A O ..

The glow on that GE power tube looks like some out of control reactor core. Damn.

 

[bcowen]

Start from page one and grab a side getter GE for beginners!! Joking but..not joking.. Here's an old pic of one of my first ever tube rolling experiances.... many moons ago.. (two GE's and a Darkvoicce...OH MY!!) L M F A O ..

I will say I'm extremely impressed you survived that. Lesser men would have sold the DV immediately and bought a solid state amp.

 

[JKDJedi]

I will say I'm extremely impressed you survived that. Lesser men would have sold the DV immediately and bought a solid state amp.

I thought I was King Tube Dude that week.

 

[therremans]

For anyone looking to try out the Sylvania 6J5GTs (link) - NOS pairs, appears to be gray plates. (you can find used ones for cheaper.)

 

[piotrgt]

Just curious what is the longevity of this amp? One guy can sell me a 3 old one. He says it was barely used, and yet I see a guitar in the background.
What would be a fair price for it, assuming he paid 220USD for it? Also, is it a good idea to buy a second-hand amp (might have to replace tubes right away for it).

 

[Slade01]

For anyone looking to try out the Sylvania 6J5GTs (link) - NOS pairs, appears to be gray plates. (you can find used ones for cheaper.)

I may about to say something sacrilege, but I am liking the cheap metal tubes better. Was rolling both the Sylvania 6J5GTs and these Philco Metal 6J5. They Sylvanias are solid all around tubes: they are non fatiguing and do everything solid (nothing that particularly stands out). But to me that strength is its weakness: they sound boring when compared to these metal tubes - which sound more alive and musical (nice sub bass delivery also). YMMV as always but - don't underestimate these cheapy metal tubes. LOL.