RAF VT1 Valve - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Tannebri · 30th Sep 2015, 9:31 am

Has anyone got any technical info on the RAF VT1 valve from the 1920's/30's?

Apparently there are three varaints of the VT1, one is the GPO VT1 second is the RAF VT1 and third the US VT1 all different. They are all triodes but I'm looking for info on the RAF VT1 hoping to find a commercial equivalnet for a restoration project that I hope to get back on the air, well into a dummy load anyway.

Thanks Brian

frankmcvey · 30th Sep 2015, 11:08 am

According to Jeremy at the Virtual Valve Museum, the VT1 commercial equivalent is the WE-203A. Data sheet here.

Some serious volts there!

Cheers,

Frank

Andrew B · 30th Sep 2015, 12:06 pm

Thanks for that research Frank, seems a very handy tube, bit like an 807 on steroids (and less grids).

Jeremy M0RVB · 30th Sep 2015, 1:19 pm

I can't find anything other than the US VT1 - the 1944 CV Register mentions a VT1A (CV1550) and VT1C (CV1551) (and no data of course) - I have the Keith Thrower and Tyne books at home, will check tonight.

Jeremy

Mr Moose · 30th Sep 2015, 1:34 pm

Hello,
Could it be the VT.1A http://www.r-type.org/exhib/aac0070.htm. If so I think it is a bright emitter.

If so they, or an equivalent, do occasionally appear on ebay but expect to pay £80 to £120 for a good working one.

Yours, Richard

Cobaltblue · 30th Sep 2015, 1:42 pm

Beaten to it by Mr Moose

As mentioned by Jeremy in post 4 there is a VT1A and that is described as an RAF transmitting valve originating in 1919 and an example can be seen here

http://www.r-type.org/exhib/aaj0128.htm

Cheers

Mike T

Tannebri · 30th Sep 2015, 6:22 pm

Hi All

Thanks for the prompt replies I believe the Valve that Frank refers to the VT1/203 is the US version it appears to have short pins and a bayonet fitting on the Base. The Transmitter (a T21C) I'm rebuilding does not have a bayonet fitting. I think it's more likely to be the Ediswan on the R type web page thats got a more conventional base and it's British! So it's commercial equivalent maybe the T15. Any further Info much appreciated

Brian

Jeremy M0RVB · 30th Sep 2015, 6:56 pm

None of my books added anything - the VT1 is only mentioned as the US version, VT1A is the earliest UK VT listed.

Jeremy M0RVB · 30th Sep 2015, 6:57 pm

Drat - now I see the T21C reference - Google found http://www.rnmuseumradarandcommunica...YPE%20T21C.pdf

That lists it as VT.1A

Jeremy

30th Sep 2015, 9:31 am	#1
Tannebri Tetrode Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Kington Langley, Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 52	RAF VT1 Valve Has anyone got any technical info on the RAF VT1 valve from the 1920's/30's? Apparently there are three varaints of the VT1, one is the GPO VT1 second is the RAF VT1 and third the US VT1 all different. They are all triodes but I'm looking for info on the RAF VT1 hoping to find a commercial equivalnet for a restoration project that I hope to get back on the air, well into a dummy load anyway. Thanks Brian

30th Sep 2015, 11:08 am	#2
frankmcvey Rest in Peace Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Cottesmore, East Midlands, UK. Posts: 858	Re: RAF VT1 Valve According to Jeremy at the Virtual Valve Museum, the VT1 commercial equivalent is the WE-203A. Data sheet here. Some serious volts there! Cheers, Frank Last edited by frankmcvey; 30th Sep 2015 at 11:13 am.

30th Sep 2015, 12:06 pm	#3
Andrew B Heptode Join Date: May 2015 Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 512	Re: RAF VT1 Valve Thanks for that research Frank, seems a very handy tube, bit like an 807 on steroids (and less grids).

30th Sep 2015, 1:19 pm	#4
Jeremy M0RVB Hexode Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 458	Re: RAF VT1 Valve I can't find anything other than the US VT1 - the 1944 CV Register mentions a VT1A (CV1550) and VT1C (CV1551) (and no data of course) - I have the Keith Thrower and Tyne books at home, will check tonight. Jeremy

30th Sep 2015, 1:34 pm	#5
Mr Moose Octode Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Gloucestershire, UK. Posts: 1,043	Re: RAF VT1 Valve Hello, Could it be the VT.1A http://www.r-type.org/exhib/aac0070.htm. If so I think it is a bright emitter. If so they, or an equivalent, do occasionally appear on ebay but expect to pay £80 to £120 for a good working one. Yours, Richard Last edited by Mr Moose; 30th Sep 2015 at 1:40 pm.

30th Sep 2015, 1:42 pm	#6
Cobaltblue Moderator Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Exeter, Devon and Poole, Dorset UK. Posts: 6,865	Re: RAF VT1 Valve Beaten to it by Mr Moose As mentioned by Jeremy in post 4 there is a VT1A and that is described as an RAF transmitting valve originating in 1919 and an example can be seen here http://www.r-type.org/exhib/aaj0128.htm Cheers Mike T __________________ Invisible airwaves crackle with life or at least they used to Mike T BVWS member. www.cossor.co.uk Last edited by Cobaltblue; 30th Sep 2015 at 1:44 pm. Reason: Already posted by Richard

30th Sep 2015, 6:22 pm	#7
Tannebri Tetrode Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Kington Langley, Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 52	Re: RAF VT1 Valve Hi All Thanks for the prompt replies I believe the Valve that Frank refers to the VT1/203 is the US version it appears to have short pins and a bayonet fitting on the Base. The Transmitter (a T21C) I'm rebuilding does not have a bayonet fitting. I think it's more likely to be the Ediswan on the R type web page thats got a more conventional base and it's British! So it's commercial equivalent maybe the T15. Any further Info much appreciated Brian

30th Sep 2015, 6:56 pm	#8
Jeremy M0RVB Hexode Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 458	Re: RAF VT1 Valve None of my books added anything - the VT1 is only mentioned as the US version, VT1A is the earliest UK VT listed.

30th Sep 2015, 6:57 pm	#9
Jeremy M0RVB Hexode Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 458	Re: RAF VT1 Valve Drat - now I see the T21C reference - Google found http://www.rnmuseumradarandcommunica...YPE%20T21C.pdf That lists it as VT.1A Jeremy