New British Valve Manufacturer. - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Autochanger · 11th Sep 2008, 10:47 pm

Just been reading about the London Sound and Vision show 19th – 21st September and one of the exhibitors is a British company (Blackburn MicroTech Solutions) announcing newly manufactured (old) valves called TechTube.

http://www.techtubevalves.com/index.php

Just to add I am in no way connected to this company, but my word their product looks promising.

Roy

dave walsh · 12th Sep 2008, 12:30 am

Thanks Roy. This is really interesting. I drove past the Blackburn site many times twenty years ago and then found out what it was when they closed it down! These strange valve things would be interesting from China or Russia but back on the old [Mullard?] stamping ground-that's really good. Dave W

ALANS ANITAS · 12th Sep 2008, 12:42 am

I wonder if they would be interested in making some CRT cathodes?

ALAN

newlite4 · 12th Sep 2008, 9:54 am

The film reel goes into great detail showing all aspects of modern (1960s) valve manufacture and highlights the huge capital investment required to mass produce them. With this in mind, I wonder if the Blackburn plant ever completely closed or were some areas retained for very low production "just in case".
It was significant during the film reel that mention was given to glass envelopes for transistors (OC series etc) as well as for valves.
Lets hope that this can lead to some enlightenment and ultimately to a rebirth of UK valve manufacture.
Neil

yestertech · 12th Sep 2008, 10:56 am

I just watched the film in awe ! Who were the REAL heroes I wonder, the clever guys who designed all the plant and equipment which automated many of the processes ?
One can't help wondering about the commercials of such a new venture. In these days of bean counters controlling a company's future, can they really be allowed to produce valves at a sensible price with the sort of quality standards enjoyed by Mullard ?
That said, I noted with interest the rate of sales of some of the popular audio valve types by a well-known valve retailer who deals in old stock. To say that their considerable stock will soon be exhausted would be an understatement, so I guess theoretically the demand is there.
(NOT so for radio valve types alas, stocks here seem to stay fairly constant !! )
I for one would be delighted to be able to buy new audio valves without trusting to the vagueries of "NEW OLD STOCK" at exorbitant prices.
Andy

Tim · 12th Sep 2008, 1:56 pm

I wonder if it would be worth their while making UL41s?

kalee20 · 12th Sep 2008, 5:15 pm

...Or magic eyes?

high_vacuum_house · 12th Sep 2008, 7:17 pm

or a few crates of EF80's

Aerodyne · 12th Sep 2008, 7:28 pm

Quote:

The film reel

Er... am I being slow on the uptake? Exactly which film, and where is it to be seen?
-Tony

mickjjo · 12th Sep 2008, 7:34 pm

Hi Tony, It's on the "About Us" page:-

http://www.techtubevalves.com/about_us/film_reels.php

Regards, Mick.

ianj · 12th Sep 2008, 11:07 pm

Wonder if they would overhaul EM34 type magic eyes...........? ianj

Peter.N. · 13th Sep 2008, 12:08 am

Most fascinating film I have seen in a long time - very nostalgic. I must have used thousands of valves over the years but never gave much thought to their production.

There was a Brimar valve factory not to far from us at the STC/Kolster Brands works at Footscray, I never got to see in it, but watched with fascination as the liquid oxygen was fed in to the building from the tanker.

I wonder how long they went on producing valves there as transistors made their appearance in the late '50s and within a decade had practically taken over. There has always been a demand for EL84's and ECC83's in the pop music business, especially as they came to realise that valves sounded better.

I always said 'Bring back valves' looks as though I've got my wish now!

Peter.N.

Mullard · 13th Sep 2008, 4:05 am

Well what a surprise. I used to work at Philips Road Blackburn when Mullard made valves there. I worked in PPFA (pre-production and factory assistance) and then in the technical department. I played a small part in putting nickel iron backbones in EF183s and EF184s to replace molybdenum in the frame grids (G1). I got out when it was clear there was no career future in valves. I moved into computers - a very good career move as it turned out. I shall watch this new venture with interest.

John

Aerodyne · 13th Sep 2008, 12:43 pm

Thanks for the directions, Mick. Just watched the film through. Hard to see the processes at this size, but a fascinating glimpse of the past and proof yet again if proof be needed that valve technology was far, far more sophisticated than its ill-deserved epithet 'steam radio'. The engineering alone used in the production machinery is awe-inspiring. Clever folks, engineers...
-Tony

Paul_RK · 13th Sep 2008, 4:30 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aerodyne

Hard to see the processes at this size...

The symbol just to the left of the volume setting on the bar beneath the film changes it to full screen - surprisingly good definition as well. I'll just echo what's been said already, a most worthwhile film and a surprising and joyous development which I'll hope to support with an order or two.

Paul

TempusFugit · 13th Sep 2008, 6:34 pm

Agree with whats been said. Fascinating film- sat through its entirety- no mean feat for a Saturday evening! In awe at the number of processes and machines to produce one valve.

radio edgar · 13th Sep 2008, 8:50 pm

Brilliant film, and great to see something positive happening in Britain.
Shame they only do 3 valves at the moment but if we all support them as I will then who knows?

Regards

Paul

vmp4gmpt4 · 13th Sep 2008, 9:29 pm

Fascinated my 15 year old, who is admiring an old EL84 as I type, I am hoping this will kindle an as yet latent interest in the lad.
Excellent film, interesting news.
I may pass on the hot soldering iron yet.
Les

dseymo1 · 14th Sep 2008, 9:37 am

As has recently been discussed on another forum, the construction of these new valves is very different from their original equivalents. It remains to be seen if their characteristics and reliablility are comparable. A very interesting development, nevertheless!

SKEXIS1 · 14th Sep 2008, 3:13 pm

I wonder whether they would be interested in letting a party of people (maybe BVWS members?) through the doors to watch the new production process.

This could only be seen as positive PR from their perspective and would be very interesting for those members who could make the trip!

I wonder what the production cost per valve is? I don't think the website gives any clues as to the selling price per unit?

11th Sep 2008, 10:47 pm	#1
Autochanger Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Leicestershire Posts: 42	New British Valve Manufacturer. Just been reading about the London Sound and Vision show 19th – 21st September and one of the exhibitors is a British company (Blackburn MicroTech Solutions) announcing newly manufactured (old) valves called TechTube. http://www.techtubevalves.com/index.php Just to add I am in no way connected to this company, but my word their product looks promising. Roy

12th Sep 2008, 12:30 am	#2
dave walsh Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Ramsbottom (Nr Bury) Lancs or Bexhill (Nr Hastings) Sussex. Posts: 5,817	Re: New British Valve Manufacturer. Thanks Roy. This is really interesting. I drove past the Blackburn site many times twenty years ago and then found out what it was when they closed it down! These strange valve things would be interesting from China or Russia but back on the old [Mullard?] stamping ground-that's really good. Dave W

12th Sep 2008, 12:42 am	#3
ALANS ANITAS Rest in Peace Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: North West Northamptonshire, UK. Posts: 346	Re: New British Valve Manufacturer. I wonder if they would be interested in making some CRT cathodes? ALAN

12th Sep 2008, 9:54 am	#4
newlite4 Octode Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Bath, Somerset, UK. Posts: 1,805	Re: New British Valve Manufacturer. The film reel goes into great detail showing all aspects of modern (1960s) valve manufacture and highlights the huge capital investment required to mass produce them. With this in mind, I wonder if the Blackburn plant ever completely closed or were some areas retained for very low production "just in case". It was significant during the film reel that mention was given to glass envelopes for transistors (OC series etc) as well as for valves. Lets hope that this can lead to some enlightenment and ultimately to a rebirth of UK valve manufacture. Neil __________________ preserving the recent past, for the distant future.

12th Sep 2008, 10:56 am	#5
yestertech Nonode Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Coulsdon, Surrey, UK. Posts: 2,130	Re: New British Valve Manufacturer. I just watched the film in awe ! Who were the REAL heroes I wonder, the clever guys who designed all the plant and equipment which automated many of the processes ? One can't help wondering about the commercials of such a new venture. In these days of bean counters controlling a company's future, can they really be allowed to produce valves at a sensible price with the sort of quality standards enjoyed by Mullard ? That said, I noted with interest the rate of sales of some of the popular audio valve types by a well-known valve retailer who deals in old stock. To say that their considerable stock will soon be exhausted would be an understatement, so I guess theoretically the demand is there. (NOT so for radio valve types alas, stocks here seem to stay fairly constant !! ) I for one would be delighted to be able to buy new audio valves without trusting to the vagueries of "NEW OLD STOCK" at exorbitant prices. Andy

12th Sep 2008, 1:56 pm	#6
Tim Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 3,307	Re: New British Valve Manufacturer. I wonder if it would be worth their while making UL41s? __________________ "Nothing is as dangerous as being too modern;one is apt to grow old fashioned quite suddenly." Last edited by Tim; 12th Sep 2008 at 2:02 pm.

12th Sep 2008, 5:15 pm	#7
kalee20 Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Lynton, N. Devon, UK. Posts: 7,077	Re: New British Valve Manufacturer. ...Or magic eyes?

12th Sep 2008, 7:17 pm	#8
high_vacuum_house Octode Join Date: May 2003 Location: Belper Derbyshire Posts: 1,934	Re: New British Valve Manufacturer. or a few crates of EF80's __________________ Interests in the collection and restoration of Tefifon players and 405 line television

12th Sep 2008, 7:34 pm	#10
mickjjo Rest in Peace Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Dartford, Kent, UK. Posts: 1,661	Re: New British Valve Manufacturer. Hi Tony, It's on the "About Us" page:- http://www.techtubevalves.com/about_us/film_reels.php Regards, Mick.

12th Sep 2008, 11:07 pm	#11
ianj Heptode Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Cheltenham Spa, Gloucestershire, UK. Posts: 525	Re: New British Valve Manufacturer. Wonder if they would overhaul EM34 type magic eyes...........? ianj

13th Sep 2008, 12:08 am	#12
Peter.N. Dekatron Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Charmouth, Dorset, UK. Posts: 3,601	Re: New British Valve Manufacturer. Most fascinating film I have seen in a long time - very nostalgic. I must have used thousands of valves over the years but never gave much thought to their production. There was a Brimar valve factory not to far from us at the STC/Kolster Brands works at Footscray, I never got to see in it, but watched with fascination as the liquid oxygen was fed in to the building from the tanker. I wonder how long they went on producing valves there as transistors made their appearance in the late '50s and within a decade had practically taken over. There has always been a demand for EL84's and ECC83's in the pop music business, especially as they came to realise that valves sounded better. I always said 'Bring back valves' looks as though I've got my wish now! Peter.N.

13th Sep 2008, 4:05 am	#13
Mullard Pentode Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Clophill, Bedfordshire, UK. Posts: 127	Re: New British Valve Manufacturer. Well what a surprise. I used to work at Philips Road Blackburn when Mullard made valves there. I worked in PPFA (pre-production and factory assistance) and then in the technical department. I played a small part in putting nickel iron backbones in EF183s and EF184s to replace molybdenum in the frame grids (G1). I got out when it was clear there was no career future in valves. I moved into computers - a very good career move as it turned out. I shall watch this new venture with interest. John

13th Sep 2008, 12:43 pm	#14
Aerodyne Octode Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Hampton Vale, Peterborough, UK. Posts: 1,698	Re: New British Valve Manufacturer. Thanks for the directions, Mick. Just watched the film through. Hard to see the processes at this size, but a fascinating glimpse of the past and proof yet again if proof be needed that valve technology was far, far more sophisticated than its ill-deserved epithet 'steam radio'. The engineering alone used in the production machinery is awe-inspiring. Clever folks, engineers... -Tony

13th Sep 2008, 6:34 pm	#16
TempusFugit Triode Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bedfordshire, UK. Posts: 12	Re: New British Valve Manufacturer. Agree with whats been said. Fascinating film- sat through its entirety- no mean feat for a Saturday evening! In awe at the number of processes and machines to produce one valve.

13th Sep 2008, 8:50 pm	#17
radio edgar Pentode Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Grimsby, Lincolnshire, UK. Posts: 133	Re: New British Valve Manufacturer. Brilliant film, and great to see something positive happening in Britain. Shame they only do 3 valves at the moment but if we all support them as I will then who knows? Regards Paul

13th Sep 2008, 9:29 pm	#18
vmp4gmpt4 Triode Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Truro Posts: 22	Re: New British Valve Manufacturer. Fascinated my 15 year old, who is admiring an old EL84 as I type, I am hoping this will kindle an as yet latent interest in the lad. Excellent film, interesting news. I may pass on the hot soldering iron yet. Les

14th Sep 2008, 9:37 am	#19
dseymo1 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Shropshire, UK. Posts: 3,051	Re: New British Valve Manufacturer. As has recently been discussed on another forum, the construction of these new valves is very different from their original equivalents. It remains to be seen if their characteristics and reliablility are comparable. A very interesting development, nevertheless!

14th Sep 2008, 3:13 pm	#20
SKEXIS1 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Redditch, Worcs, UK Posts: 66	Re: New British Valve Manufacturer. I wonder whether they would be interested in letting a party of people (maybe BVWS members?) through the doors to watch the new production process. This could only be seen as positive PR from their perspective and would be very interesting for those members who could make the trip! I wonder what the production cost per valve is? I don't think the website gives any clues as to the selling price per unit?