How can a 32 tube that tests at 14% and falling still work in a philco 38-123....tested by my triplet 3413. I also tested the 32 that is normally in the radio to see if it tested the same and it is at 82%

Hi,
Some circuit designs, and component combinations just happen to be forgiving. I have an Emerson AA5 chassis that I put all my weak tubes into it, because the radio still gives impressive performance when other AA5's that I have get finicky with a weak tube. The only exception is the final audio stage, where I have to have at least 45% measurement for the audio to still sound acceptable.

:How can a 32 tube that tests at 14% and falling still work in a philco 38-123....tested by my triplet 3413. I also tested the 32 that is normally in the radio to see if it tested the same and it is at 82%

Hi Sean

Try increasing filament voltage slightly on your tube tester. A weak 32 tube at 2 volts may be 100% with 2.5 volts on the filament. Not all stages require perfect tubes.. Final test of a tube should be the actual circuit.

You will find some cases just the opposite. A tube testing good won't work. This is sometimes the case with oscillators and TV tubes.

Norm

:How can a 32 tube that tests at 14% and falling still work in a philco 38-123....tested by my triplet 3413. I also tested the 32 that is normally in the radio to see if it tested the same and it is at 82%

:Hi Sean
:
: Try increasing filament voltage slightly on your tube tester. A weak 32 tube at 2 volts may be 100% with 2.5 volts on the filament. Not all stages require perfect tubes.. Final test of a tube should be the actual circuit.
:
: You will find some cases just the opposite. A tube testing good won't work. This is sometimes the case with oscillators and TV tubes.
:
:Norm
:
::How can a 32 tube that tests at 14% and falling still work in a philco 38-123....tested by my triplet 3413. I also tested the 32 that is normally in the radio to see if it tested the same and it is at 82%
:
:so how high can you go on 2v filaments..2.5 wont hurt it..or for how long
on a lighter note I'm glad I didn't become a tv repairman"here's your problem ma'am, you've got good tubes in your tv!"