EM81 tuning valve

[BUSHVHF]

I have a Bush VHF61 with an EM81 tuning valve, I see that there are many EM84 valves for sale on ebay for around a fiver, but the EM81 is much more expensive, is it possible to use an EM84 with the Bush VHF61 radio? would it work the same as an EM81 or is it so different that it wont work? thanks BUSHVHF

[HamishBoxer]

A quick look at the valvemuseum.org or co.uk might well reveal the answer,worth a try as it shows the spec.

[crackle]

It would seem the EM84 has a linear (bar) display whereas the EM81 has a fan display.
The pin assignments don't look compatible either.

Mike

[julie_m]

Apart from the different display shape (two bars as opposed to a pair of angel wings or theatre curtains) the base wiring is different, and the EM84 works over a wider voltage range than the EM81. So you will have to rewire the base at least, and maybe change some resistors.

But if anyone can do it, you're in the right place to meet them .....

[crackle]

See here. http://www.magiceyetubes.com/patterns.htm

[paulsherwin]

This was a recommended service substitution after the EM81 became obsolete, but it's not straightforward. You need to rotate the base as the display is in a different position, and you need to mask off the display hole so that it's right for the bar display. As has been said, you need to change the base wiring too. Personally I don't make this sub as it never looks right and the magic eye is largely cosmetic anyway.

[David G4EBT]

Not sure if it's pin compatible but the EM80 (6E1P) display is very similar to thhe EM81 and quite cheap.

I've had several from here:

https://tubes-store.com/product_info.php?products_id=5

Hope that might help.

[Mike. Watterson]

A Russian eye similar to EM80 / EM81 works fine.
EM80 6BR5 CV1352 6e1p EM81 are all same pin out and similar.
Many Ukrainian, Russian, Latvian, Bulgarian sellers on eBay. ONLY buy NOS. Bought lots from various East European sellers on eBay over last 5 years.

I've used some Chinese ones. Also fine.

An EM84 or EM87 isn't compatible

[BUSHVHF]

Great thanks for that Mike. Watterson and David, I have only just realised that the EM84 is the two bar type, I didnt realise that, If the EM81 is too dim I will look for an EM80, there is an EM81 on ebay currently but its £10 and the seller doesnt seem to really know if its a "bright" one, no point in spending £14 (with postage) for one that might be as dim as the old original one in the set already. Thanks, So handy to know that an EM80 is compatible, thanks agian

[BUSHVHF]

thanks, what is NOS exactly?

[Herald1360]

New Old Stock.


Previously unused item maybe in original packaging etc.

[GRID LEAK]

Its new old stock. Old but unused.
Cheers
John

Oops. Post crossed with Chris

[BUSHVHF]

i have just noticed this one for $10 on the U.S. ebay, with £5.75 postage to UK, so thats not bad, its even got the spec page on the photos for an EM80

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1pcs-or-m....c100005.m1851

[BUSHVHF]

Oh, I see, New Old Stock!! this one on the U.S. ebay is a NOS valve, I think its worth while getting one of these? especially as it will be a direct fit for the EM81 in the Bush VHF61/
thansk BUSHVHF

[julie_m]

NOS = New Old Stock.

[ekjdm14]

Hi Laurence, just an update on the EM81. In daylight it's visible but not very bright in all honesty. Toward the top of the valve is brighter but when between stations the glow is pretty weak.

Looks like the EM80 could be a good substitute if a reasonable priced EM81 doesn't turn up. As advised, ONLY buy a brand new old stock one if you wanted it replacing since the price for used isn't worth the gamble since people's idea of "working" can vary... You've got a really nice buy with the set itself, it's in truly lovely condition and working very well still.

The only part I need to buy for it is a Y class capacitor for the Gram input (just got a normal disc in for testing), all the others I had in the draw anyway as they're common to many valve sets. Will PM you in a sec too, cheers,

[ekjdm14]

Looks like the Svetlana one in the link is a decent price, NOS 6E1P/EM80 for less than a used and unknown EM81... I would appreciate opinions on Svetlana though, having read less than perfect reviews of their KT88's. My thoughts are they ought to be just fine for a magic eye though.

Cheers /

[Mike. Watterson]

The KT88 are maybe the current production of the brand. The NOS stock will be Soviet era.
The 6e1p is about €7.50 plus under €10 shipping from various eBay sellers in Eastern Europe specialising in old Soviet era NOS.

Never by a used "Eye", except maybe a DM70/DM71 with tested filament.

[BUSHVHF]

Hi Dan, Ive just noticed that this U.S. seller Svetlana has over 10 of these valves in stock!
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1pcs-or-m...53.m1438.l2649

laurence

[Mike. Watterson]

Originally Posted by BUSHVHF

Hi Dan, Ive just noticed that this U.S. seller Svetlana has over 10 of these valves in stock!
laurence

They are in the Ukraine, though that's better than USA shipping to Europe. Perhaps a USA guy owns the brand now?

I'm sure that's one of the sellers I was thinking of and I *might* have used them. Probably has 1000s of NOS 6e1p