Test Equipment

I am gradually accumulated a few pieces of test equipment.  Ones that I consider vital for maintaining hollow-state gear at a reasonable level of performance are:

For restoration and to maximize performance of these old rigs, a few other pieces are nice to have available:

TV-7A/U Tube Tester

This is a really nice military tube tester that is capable of testing almost anything you'll find in old boatanchors.  LOTS of information available on this tester.  I think I paid about $150 for this tester.  Essential for any reconditioning of an old receiver or for keeping the one(s) you already have at peak performance.

HP-8640B RF Signal Generator

I brought this one back from Dayton 2001.  After using it a bit, I don't know why it took me so long to break down and buy one of these.  It sure makes the job MUCH easier.  Just set the dial and go!  No more need to calibrate every time you change frequencies.

HP-410C VTVM

I pick up this one in Dayton for $50.  You really need a nice vacuum tube voltmeter (VTVM) for checking vacuum tube receivers.  These are especially nice when you need to check grid bias levels.

Eico 950B Capacitance Tester

This is great for applying up to 500 volts to check for leaky capacitors.  Nice for checking Filter Capacitors (C603 and C606) prior to rebuilding unnecessarily.  $30 at a swapmeet.

Tektronix 442 Oscilloscope

This is a nice dual channel oscilloscope.  Not needed during normal tuneups, but indispensable if your looking for problems in your boatanchor radio.  Especially nice for tracing down those mysterious noise problems.

Last edited: 08/26/2001

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© 2005 by Walter Wilson, KK4DF.  All information is offered for non-commercial use without warranty, expressed or implied.