I got hold of this beautiful tube tester, my very first. It was advertised as fully working, and seems to be so as well. I haven't heard much about this one, but it seemed to have all the right features, so I went for it.
However, as with all vintage gear, I assume I have to do some fixing unless I want one of us suffer. So I had a peek inside.
I can only find one electrolytic cap, which I assume is used for filtering after rectification. Ok, no issue to replace. I've heard rumours about some types of old solid state rectifiers not being stable - is there any way for me to tell if this is such a type? The tester is from 1957, as far as I know.
Also, I saw some yellow components I didn't know what was, and one of them was chipped. I've attached pictures of those as well.
Apart from that, the power cord is a bit scary (and the chassis all metal), but everything else is in great shape!
Anyone know these?
EDIT: Sorry about the upside down pic. Looked fine until I uploaded.. :O
However, as with all vintage gear, I assume I have to do some fixing unless I want one of us suffer. So I had a peek inside.
I can only find one electrolytic cap, which I assume is used for filtering after rectification. Ok, no issue to replace. I've heard rumours about some types of old solid state rectifiers not being stable - is there any way for me to tell if this is such a type? The tester is from 1957, as far as I know.
Also, I saw some yellow components I didn't know what was, and one of them was chipped. I've attached pictures of those as well.
Apart from that, the power cord is a bit scary (and the chassis all metal), but everything else is in great shape!
Anyone know these?
EDIT: Sorry about the upside down pic. Looked fine until I uploaded.. :O
Attachments
Last edited:
I think you are referring to a selenium rectifier. If one blows, it'll throw out a cloud of highly toxic smoke.
Selenium rectifier - Wikipedia
Selenium rectifier - Wikipedia
Hang on--- It looks nearly identical to the old Taylor 45C valve (tube ) tester I had , I still have the circuit diagram and made converter sockets for newer bases using the IO8 base as standard .
Being honest your internal build looks superior to my old Taylor --I had two ,the original 45A and the 45C , the "A" was flat but the "C" casing is identical to yours including the bases on the top .
I still have the original meter but the 45C transformer developed shorted turns.
I see someone just bought your tester on eBay $455 .
The "yellow " components are capacitors --early film types --don't increase the capacitance value the meter is set up for the value of components inside it and if you fit a modern SS diode then fit a small value resistor in series as the selenium one had a "slow " build up " and slight voltage drop.
Being honest your internal build looks superior to my old Taylor --I had two ,the original 45A and the 45C , the "A" was flat but the "C" casing is identical to yours including the bases on the top .
I still have the original meter but the 45C transformer developed shorted turns.
I see someone just bought your tester on eBay $455 .
The "yellow " components are capacitors --early film types --don't increase the capacitance value the meter is set up for the value of components inside it and if you fit a modern SS diode then fit a small value resistor in series as the selenium one had a "slow " build up " and slight voltage drop.
- Status
- This old topic is closed. If you want to reopen this topic, contact a moderator using the "Report Post" button.