Ive been looking around for a respectable tube tester for some time now. My head is spinning trying to figure out which one to buy. I have a collection of older radios such as an Atwater Kent M#55-C, Philco 42-380 and 37-89, Sparton M#?, and about 20 others. I also have about 500-800 tubes that I would like to sort thru from time to time. As you can see Im looking for a tester that will test later tubes as well as older 4 pin (such as 41, 42, 245s/345s etc.) I have had this collection going on 24 years now and want to finally start working with them. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.

If you can find a Hickok Dynamic Mutual Conductance Tube tester. Those seem to be one of the best.

:Ive been looking around for a respectable tube tester for some time now. My head is spinning trying to figure out which one to buy. I have a collection of older radios such as an Atwater Kent M#55-C, Philco 42-380 and 37-89, Sparton M#?, and about 20 others. I also have about 500-800 tubes that I would like to sort thru from time to time. As you can see Im looking for a tester that will test later tubes as well as older 4 pin (such as 41, 42, 245s/345s etc.) I have had this collection going on 24 years now and want to finally start working with them. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.
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;Hi! Kevin,
I had the same problem when I was looking for a tube tester.I bought a couple tube testers that I shouldn't have.Avoid really old 1930's tube testers as the transformer insulation is very dry and deteriorating.I had one pop on me.I ended fixing a basket case Hickok 600A. After a pair of tubes and a meter and resistors and refinishing the cabinet etc. I spent about $350 on it.It turned out to be a very good tester.I don't mind having spent the money on it as it should last another 60 years with occasional calibration.I also found some emission testers.My favourite being the Precision 10-12, 10-15, 10-20 line.I have a 10-20. They are well built and reliable.I find it is good to have more than one tube tester for comparison purposes. Here are some sites I found useful: www.tone-lizard.com/Tube_Testers.html-
: www.tubewizard.com/recommended_Hickok_testers.htm-
: www.alltubetesters.com/articles/tester_guide.htm-
You can also google: tube tester info
or if you have one in mind ie.
: Hickok tube tester info
:Hope this helps. Happy hunting!
: Bob Masse
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:Ive been looking around for a respectable tube tester for some time now. My head is spinning trying to figure out which one to buy. I have a collection of older radios such as an Atwater Kent M#55-C, Philco 42-380 and 37-89, Sparton M#?, and about 20 others. I also have about 500-800 tubes that I would like to sort thru from time to time. As you can see Im looking for a tester that will test later tubes as well as older 4 pin (such as 41, 42, 245s/345s etc.) I have had this collection going on 24 years now and want to finally start working with them. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.
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I started out with a Precision model 920 then picked up an Eico model 625 to cover the later type tubes. I have had nothing but very good luck with them and they can be found for reconable prices.
Best of luck,
Jon.

Thanks for the loads of information. I shouldnt have a problem looking for the right tester to do the job and fit my budget.

The Tone lizard lounge has GREAT info for you.

http://www.tone-lizard.com/Tube_Testers.html