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11th Sep 2008, 10:47 pm | #1 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Leicestershire
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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 |
Dekatron
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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
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12th Sep 2008, 12:42 am | #3 |
Rest in Peace
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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 |
Octode
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Bath, Somerset, UK.
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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
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preserving the recent past, for the distant future. |
12th Sep 2008, 10:56 am | #5 |
Nonode
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Coulsdon, Surrey, UK.
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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 |
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Re: New British Valve Manufacturer.
I wonder if it would be worth their while making UL41s?
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"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 |
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Re: New British Valve Manufacturer.
...Or magic eyes?
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12th Sep 2008, 7:17 pm | #8 |
Octode
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Belper Derbyshire
Posts: 1,936
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Re: New British Valve Manufacturer.
or a few crates of EF80's
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Interests in the collection and restoration of Tefifon players and 405 line television |
12th Sep 2008, 7:28 pm | #9 | |
Octode
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Hampton Vale, Peterborough, UK.
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Re: New British Valve Manufacturer.
Quote:
-Tony |
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12th Sep 2008, 7:34 pm | #10 |
Rest in Peace
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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 |
Heptode
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Cheltenham Spa, Gloucestershire, UK.
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Re: New British Valve Manufacturer.
Wonder if they would overhaul EM34 type magic eyes...........? ianj
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13th Sep 2008, 12:08 am | #12 |
Dekatron
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Location: Charmouth, Dorset, UK.
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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 |
Pentode
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Clophill, Bedfordshire, UK.
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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 |
Octode
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Hampton Vale, Peterborough, UK.
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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, 4:30 pm | #15 |
Dekatron
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Re: New British Valve Manufacturer.
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 |
13th Sep 2008, 6:34 pm | #16 |
Triode
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Bedfordshire, UK.
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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.
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13th Sep 2008, 8:50 pm | #17 |
Pentode
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Grimsby, Lincolnshire, UK.
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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 |
Triode
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Truro
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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 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Shropshire, UK.
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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!
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14th Sep 2008, 3:13 pm | #20 |
Retired Dormant Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Redditch, Worcs, UK
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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? |