Bought a Tube Tester

inspiredsports

As I head deeper into tube territory, I decided that I need to be able to independently determine the condition of tubes I own or purchase.

I just pulled the trigger on a nice 1965 Eico 667 mutual conductance tube tester. It's not here yet and I have trial period to decide if I will keep it. I've also been closely watching Hickok testers, and decided that for about half of the cost that the Eico would suit my needs.

I guess I should have asked here first, but for a non emissions type tester, I think the Eico gives a great bang for the buck.

One specific question I have of current Eico 666/667 owners is what specific settings do you use for 12AX7's. I know there are inconsistencies in the test values for 12AX7's that Eico has officially published throughout the years.

Libertyc

Did it come with the code book? Plus ypu should by a new tube for the tube tester.

inspiredsports

Libertyc wrote: »

Did it come with the code book? Plus ypu should by a new tube for the tube tester.

Thanks, the tester has a copy of the owner manual, the original chart book (also internal roll charts) plus additional charts up to the newest "7712" which I guess was the most current chart Eico produced.

I've been studying carefully (and just joined) the forum at http://www.antiqueradios.com as it seems to be the best resource on the net for old tube gear of any type.

I plan to carefully go through the tester and clean and replace parts as needed if I decide to keep it after the trial time has passed.

mhardy6647

Looks like BAMA has some docs for the 666 and 667. Maybe nothing you don't have already, though.
http://bama.edebris.com/manuals/eico/

Since it was a kit, I assume it's straightforward to restore and calibrate. Don't assume that it will be anywhere near accurate as-is if it hasn't been refreshed.

inspiredsports

mhardy6647 wrote: »

Looks like BAMA has some docs for the 666 and 667. Maybe nothing you don't have already, though.
http://bama.edebris.com/manuals/eico/

Since it was a kit, I assume it's straightforward to restore and calibrate. Don't assume that it will be anywhere near accurate as-is if it hasn't been refreshed.

You are right! What I've read so far talks about carefully cleaning all pots and switches, and checking a couple of critical 270 ohm resistors that have been known to creep up in value to over 500 ohms over time.

This will be a nice winter project with the end result being a great way to determine the health of my growing tube inventory.