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tv7 au tube tester

Any of the TV7's are great testers - the only significant differences are the addition of ferrite beads to later versions to decrease oscillation problems, and the additional "F" 60,000 umhos scale on the TV7D/U version.

The TV7/U dates from 1952, the TV7A/U dates from 1954, and the TV7B/U dates from 1957. There was also a Canadian TV7C/U version.

The later TV7D/U ranges from 1960-1982.

Although I have a TV7D/U, I use a beatup looking TV7B/U for "daily use".

The TV7D/U bring much higher pricing, but most folks would be fine with any of the versions as long as they are in good condition. Watch out for the "my uncle who died in 1967 said it worked fine" or "the light comes on, but I don't own any tubes to test it with" sort of Ebay sales.

The TV7 series has an impressive amount of public data available - from manuals, tube listings etc.

About the only significant weakness is that the TV7 lacks compactron sockets (although adapters can be made) and screening large batches of dual triodes (12AX7/6SN7 etc) is slow as you need to switch settings for each side. The EICO 667 (an emissions type) or Hickok 752A is a better choice for dual triodes or compactrons.

Before you invest in any of them, I'd strongly suggest Alan Douglas' book "Tube Testers and Classic Electronic Test Gear". Great reading, and full of sage advise.

- Gary




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  • tv7 au tube tester - Gary Kaufman 02/23/0511:55:33 02/23/05 (0)


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