Re: Any opinions on Hickok 230 Tube Tester for use on Guitar Amps

I am a total rookie on tubes and testers. I am slowly learning about
guitar amps and am thinking that my next bench tool needs to be a tube
tester but need one to be reasonable as well as reliable. I have read
that the Hickok 539C is the "one to have" but in reality, I just need
to be able to make sure the tubes I am going to use are good quality.
I also assume that there will be a learning curve involved in any tube
tester I get. So far, I have a Fluke meter and am wanting to figure
out and then buy the next tool as I can only afford one at a time.
I would appreciate any suggestions... thank you...J.P.

On 30 Aug 2006 14:14:07 -0700, "pfjw@xxxxxxx" <pfjw@xxxxxxx> wrote:


J.P. wrote:
I am looking at one of these for $200 plus shipping. Is this a good
unit/choice for use on guitar amp workbench? Thanks...J.P.

It isn't so much the tester as the user of same. Do you understand what
the various types of testers actually do? And more importantly, what
they do not do?

If so, and _IF_ this Hickok also does *reliable* tests for "SHORTS" and
"GAS", then it is a worthwhile tester. At $200, however, an Emissions
Only (And the Hickok 230 IS ABSOLUTELY emissions-only) tube-tester is
nothing short of highway robbery. $50 for a top-flight emissions-tester
+ $25 for the Hickok name is about tops for this unit assuming all the
paperwork and up-to-date charts.

But if you want an equally useful tester at a fraction of that price,
look for a Heath TC-1 or TC-2 or TC-3. Cheap, well-supported, upgraded
charts available... usually reliable.

Peter Wieck
Wyncote, PA
.

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