I have a Silvertone Model# 1711X battery powered radio that I would like to get running. The radio is missing the 5E1 tube. Is there a way around the tube or some kind of sub for it? There just is not a lot of information on this tube.

Hi Robert

5E1 ballast drops 1 volt @ 500 ma. It's used to drop 3 volts from dry cells to 2 for tubes. This type of ballast gives some regulation.

Could use a 2 ohm resistor in place of the ballast. No regulation but don't need it if 3 volts holds fairly constant.

Here are some available ballast tubes:

http://www.oldradioparts.com/2a2fl.txt

Norm

:I have a Silvertone Model# 1711X battery powered radio that I would like to get running. The radio is missing the 5E1 tube. Is there a way around the tube or some kind of sub for it? There just is not a lot of information on this tube.
:

:Hi Robert
:
: 5E1 ballast drops 1 volt @ 500 ma. It's used to drop 3 volts from dry cells to 2 for tubes. This type of ballast gives some regulation.
:
: Could use a 2 ohm resistor in place of the ballast. No regulation but don't need it if 3 volts holds fairly constant.
:
: Here are some available ballast tubes:
:
:http://www.oldradioparts.com/2a2fl.txt
:
:Norm
:
Robert,
Direct subs for the 5E1 are:
1A1,5-1 & 6AA
Gary at oldradioparts.com shows he has these three in stock but you will need to verify with him before ordering..just email him.
John

::I have a Silvertone Model# 1711X battery powered radio that I would like to get running. The radio is missing the 5E1 tube. Is there a way around the tube or some kind of sub for it? There just is not a lot of information on this tube.
::

:I have a Silvertone Model# 1711X battery powered radio that I would like to get running. The radio is missing the 5E1 tube. Is there a way around the tube or some kind of sub for it? There just is not a lot of information on this tube.
:
Two 1N4001 diodes in series will drop ~ 1.2 volts, leaving you a little shy of 2.0 volts for the filaments, but I doubt if it will affect radio performance. Useable end of life for filament batteries may come sooner. Use the older 'standard' zinc-carbon batteries - not alkaline batteries. (Alkaline batteries have a lower output voltage.) EdM