AVO Valve tester Valve data books - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

oobovril · 11th Nov 2018, 4:00 am

I notice that some valves have dropped out from the later editions of the AVO valve data books. I have an 3A5 valve that appears in the late 1950's valve data book but has disappeared by the time the much later 23rd Edition data book was issued. I assume though that the valve setup data, back from the late 1950's edition, can still be used today, or was there a problem testing some of these valves hence their removal from the later editions of the data books.

David Simpson · 11th Nov 2018, 11:46 am

Hi oobovril,
Not only old valves from the early 1950's can be tested on AVO VCM's, but many of the early first ones from just after WW1.
Keep an eye out for early Bernards Valve Data Books &/or Illiffe VD Books. They sometimes are offered for sale on this site, eBay, Swapmeets, Junk Sales etc. They all show the pin connections, & working voltages & currents, and you don't need a specific thumbwheel code from an AVO Valve Data Manual - just select the appropriate electrode for each pin thumbwheel. As I've advised many times, with all valves, particularly early or valuable ones, always add a bit extra -ve grid volts then reduce to the book value whilst monitoring Ia.

Regards, David

Stevie342000 · 11th Nov 2018, 11:50 pm

Hello

You will find nearly all the Bernards Manuals here including valve data books: https://www.americanradiohistory.com...rds_Babani.htm

Along with a lot of other UK magazines if you did not know already, you will shortly get lost in a black hole of information.

oobovril · 12th Nov 2018, 9:44 pm

Hi Steve and Dave, thanks for your help here, much appreciated.

11th Nov 2018, 4:00 am	#1
oobovril Triode Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Ruislip, Middlesex, UK. Posts: 15	AVO Valve tester Valve data books I notice that some valves have dropped out from the later editions of the AVO valve data books. I have an 3A5 valve that appears in the late 1950's valve data book but has disappeared by the time the much later 23rd Edition data book was issued. I assume though that the valve setup data, back from the late 1950's edition, can still be used today, or was there a problem testing some of these valves hence their removal from the later editions of the data books.

11th Nov 2018, 11:46 am	#2
David Simpson Nonode Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Aberdeen, UK. Posts: 2,852	Re: AVO Valve tester Valve data books Hi oobovril, Not only old valves from the early 1950's can be tested on AVO VCM's, but many of the early first ones from just after WW1. Keep an eye out for early Bernards Valve Data Books &/or Illiffe VD Books. They sometimes are offered for sale on this site, eBay, Swapmeets, Junk Sales etc. They all show the pin connections, & working voltages & currents, and you don't need a specific thumbwheel code from an AVO Valve Data Manual - just select the appropriate electrode for each pin thumbwheel. As I've advised many times, with all valves, particularly early or valuable ones, always add a bit extra -ve grid volts then reduce to the book value whilst monitoring Ia. Regards, David

11th Nov 2018, 11:50 pm	#3
Stevie342000 Hexode Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Greater Manchester, UK. Posts: 373	Re: AVO Valve tester Valve data books Hello You will find nearly all the Bernards Manuals here including valve data books: https://www.americanradiohistory.com...rds_Babani.htm Along with a lot of other UK magazines if you did not know already, you will shortly get lost in a black hole of information.

12th Nov 2018, 9:44 pm	#4
oobovril Triode Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Ruislip, Middlesex, UK. Posts: 15	Re: AVO Valve tester Valve data books Hi Steve and Dave, thanks for your help here, much appreciated.