How to test a subminiature tube

dayveshome · 21st August 2009, 03:46 AM

I recently thought of a project for a subminiature tube. I have a small supply of JAN6418 subminiature tubes I purchased a few years ago. The question is: How do I test these. I own a B&K model 707 DynaJet tube tester. The tube is not listed in tester charts, is there a way to make a converter to test these little tubes? Thanks in advance!

HollowState · 21st August 2009, 07:23 PM

While a 707 is a nice tester (I have one) it's a semi dedicated tester to the tubes listed and has no submin socket. The 6418 takes a maximum of 30 volts. Even if you had a submin to octal adaptor, you would have to lower the plate & screen voltage with an external network. The drive signal may also have to be lowered. Then test several known good ones and develop a curve. Not very practical. Many of the better Hickoks have a provision for a low voltage test of these subminiature tubes.

dayveshome · 22nd August 2009, 01:10 AM

Thanks HollowState for the advice. I've had this B&K tester for years and years, it's been very adequate. I'm starting to have problems with it so now is a good time to perhaps replace it. Any suggestions on which Hickock model would be a good choice for submini's and more conventional tubes?

HollowState · 22nd August 2009, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dayveshome

Any suggestions on which Hickock model would be a good choice for submini's and more conventional tubes?

Well, both the 539C and 752A will test them. They have compactron 12 pin and novar 9 pin sockets too. The older 533/A, 534, 539A/B & 752 also will but are minus the two sockets just mentioned. (you'll need adaptors) And the 6000/A probably will as well as the KS (Western Electric) version of the 539B will. But remember, not all submins require low voltage testing like your 6418s. I happen to be familiar with these tubes because they are used in some older General Radio and Keithley instruments.

refference · 23rd August 2009, 03:16 AM

Hi davyshome ,

HollowState gave excellent tips about Tube Testers . But if you want a lot of information
about this subject , I recommend the book :
" Tube Testers and Classic Electronic Test Gear '' by Alan Douglas ( Sonoran Publishing -
2000 )

Regards,

Carlos

21st August 2009, 03:46 AM	#1
dayveshome diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: SF bay area	How to test a subminiature tube I recently thought of a project for a subminiature tube. I have a small supply of JAN6418 subminiature tubes I purchased a few years ago. The question is: How do I test these. I own a B&K model 707 DynaJet tube tester. The tube is not listed in tester charts, is there a way to make a converter to test these little tubes? Thanks in advance!

21st August 2009, 07:23 PM	#2
HollowState diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Taxland, New Jersey	While a 707 is a nice tester (I have one) it's a semi dedicated tester to the tubes listed and has no submin socket. The 6418 takes a maximum of 30 volts. Even if you had a submin to octal adaptor, you would have to lower the plate & screen voltage with an external network. The drive signal may also have to be lowered. Then test several known good ones and develop a curve. Not very practical. Many of the better Hickoks have a provision for a low voltage test of these subminiature tubes. __________________ "The supercomputer is technologically impossible. It would take all of the water that flows over Niagara Falls to cool the heat generated by the number of vacuum tubes required." ~ Professor of Electrical Engineering, New York University

22nd August 2009, 01:10 AM	#3
dayveshome diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: SF bay area	Tester replacement model? Thanks HollowState for the advice. I've had this B&K tester for years and years, it's been very adequate. I'm starting to have problems with it so now is a good time to perhaps replace it. Any suggestions on which Hickock model would be a good choice for submini's and more conventional tubes?

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23rd August 2009, 03:16 AM	#5
refference diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: SAO PAULO - SP	Hi davyshome , HollowState gave excellent tips about Tube Testers . But if you want a lot of information about this subject , I recommend the book : " Tube Testers and Classic Electronic Test Gear '' by Alan Douglas ( Sonoran Publishing - 2000 ) Regards, Carlos

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