Valve tester adapter question - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

rcaradiola · 22nd Oct 2013, 8:34 pm

Greetings! I mainly use my Hickok 539A valve tester to test my radio/tv valves. I am currently restoring a Bush DAC90A valve radio. The valve test data for the Rimlock valves (B8A base) states to use the 'Hickok adapter code 1050-129'. Nobody in the US seems to know anything about this adapter. I was hoping someone in the UK would have some information for this adapter since Rimlock valves with the B8A base are much more common there.

Regards,
RCARADIOLA
Donald

Pamphonica · 22nd Oct 2013, 10:31 pm

I am not sure about Hickock, but for early Avo testers I believe that the adapters just had a suitable plug that went into an octal socket and wired pin 1 to pin 1, pin 2 to pin 2 etc, on the new socket. Have you tried this 1-1, 2-2 etc wiring and seen if it works using an existing socket?

Phil G4SPZ · 23rd Oct 2013, 8:31 am

I made a series of adaptors, using the principle described by Jeremy, to plug into my Weston TV-4A/U tube checker, and it works very well. The only problem is obtaining the test data for setting up the valve tester...

rcaradiola · 23rd Oct 2013, 10:16 pm

Jeremy, Phil: Yes, I read an article pertaining to this. I just ordered a couple rimlock B8A sockets and will give this a try. I do own a Funke W16 Wehrmacht valve tester (1938) that has a B8A socket. The problem I have is that I don't have the cards for the DAC90A valve types.

Thanks,
RCARADIOLA
Donald Kennedy

22nd Oct 2013, 8:34 pm	#1
rcaradiola Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Beaverhead County, Montana, USA. Posts: 22	Valve tester adapter question Greetings! I mainly use my Hickok 539A valve tester to test my radio/tv valves. I am currently restoring a Bush DAC90A valve radio. The valve test data for the Rimlock valves (B8A base) states to use the 'Hickok adapter code 1050-129'. Nobody in the US seems to know anything about this adapter. I was hoping someone in the UK would have some information for this adapter since Rimlock valves with the B8A base are much more common there. Regards, RCARADIOLA Donald

22nd Oct 2013, 10:31 pm	#2
Pamphonica Nonode Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Virginia Water, Surrey, UK. Posts: 2,877	Re: Valve tester adapter question I am not sure about Hickock, but for early Avo testers I believe that the adapters just had a suitable plug that went into an octal socket and wired pin 1 to pin 1, pin 2 to pin 2 etc, on the new socket. Have you tried this 1-1, 2-2 etc wiring and seen if it works using an existing socket? __________________ Jeremy, G8MLK, BVWTVM Friend, VMARS, BVWS Secretary. www.pamphonic.co.uk www.bttt.org.uk

23rd Oct 2013, 8:31 am	#3
Phil G4SPZ Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bewdley, Worcestershire, UK. Posts: 4,748	Re: Valve tester adapter question I made a series of adaptors, using the principle described by Jeremy, to plug into my Weston TV-4A/U tube checker, and it works very well. The only problem is obtaining the test data for setting up the valve tester... __________________ Phil Optimist [n]: One who is not in possession of the full facts

23rd Oct 2013, 10:16 pm	#4
rcaradiola Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Beaverhead County, Montana, USA. Posts: 22	Re: Valve tester adapter question Jeremy, Phil: Yes, I read an article pertaining to this. I just ordered a couple rimlock B8A sockets and will give this a try. I do own a Funke W16 Wehrmacht valve tester (1938) that has a B8A socket. The problem I have is that I don't have the cards for the DAC90A valve types. Thanks, RCARADIOLA Donald Kennedy