Tube getter

[M Gregg]

Just a quick question,

If a tube has no getter left but is working OK any thoughts on life etc?

Regards
M. Gregg

 

[kevinkr]

Anyone's guess really, could last quite a while or fail tomorrow. I'd replace just to play it safe, and given the getter is consumed the tube is probably not performing as well as it might.

 

[M Gregg]

Anyone's guess really, could last quite a while or fail tomorrow. I'd replace just to play it safe, and given the getter is consumed the tube is probably not performing as well as it might.

Thank's for the reply,

Any idea on most common failure with no getter..ie flash over or heater fail?

Regards
M. Gregg

 

[kevinkr]

No idea, I generally replace them when the transconductance has fallen below the manufacturer's minimum, (or a specific number of hours based on experience) and that usually happens in the tubes I am familiar with before the getter is fully consumed.

I assume it will just start to get gassy if it is not already and eventually an odd glow will be seen between the electrodes if the voltages are sufficiently high.

Is this a power tube or small signal as that does make a difference wrt end of life failures.

 

[M Gregg]

No idea, I generally replace them when the transconductance has fallen below the manufacturer's minimum, (or a specific number of hours based on experience) and that usually happens in the tubes I am familiar with before the getter is fully consumed.

I assume it will just start to get gassy if it is not already and eventually an odd glow will be seen between the electrodes if the voltages are sufficiently high.

Is this a power tube or small signal as that does make a difference wrt end of life failures.

Its a 6L6GC Brimar one of a pair (Very old) sound great..
I know its the end but...

Regards
M. Gregg

 

[kevinkr]

Yes, I remember the Brimar 6L6G was a well made, reliable and good sounding tube. (I had some long ago) I'd recommend just keeping an eye on it - when it starts to get gassy you will know it, in the meantime I'd enjoy it.

 

[M Gregg]

Yes, I remember the Brimar 6L6G was a well made, reliable and good sounding tube. (I had some long ago) I'd recommend just keeping an eye on it - when it starts to get gassy you will know it, in the meantime I'd enjoy it.

Yes I will run it a while.. the tubes are individually fused.
Its just an old friend..

Regards
M. Gregg

 

[M Gregg]

,

Well after pulling the tube from the amp...It would seem that the getter ring on the bottom was tilted down to the glass base and it was just a small amount "now gone" on the side of the tube....BUT there is still loads left in the base of the tube so its back in...

( I couldn't see it until I looked in the bottom of the glass envelope)

Regards
M. Gregg

 

[kevinkr]

Good news I'd say..