This article will discuss repair and calibration of the Jackson 561 tube tester. High voltages are present, repairs should only be attempted by a qualified technician. Copyrighted, all rights reserved.

Also, the exact Jackson 561 that is the subject of this article is for sale [SOLD], rebuilt and calibrated as discussed below.

Introduction

The Jackson 561 appears to be a rare model. Very little documentation exists. In my 19 years in the hobby, I have only seen one other example. When I had the opportunity to buy this one, I jumped at the chance.

The model 561 is a combination of the Jackson 634 and the 648. Photo below shows Jackson 561 (left); Jackson 648A (right).

If the 634 and 648 mated, the 561 would be its offspring. It shares the following characteristics from the 648: (a) the same meter, (b) variable leakage control, (c) color scheme, and (d) case design. From the 634, it shares (a) the same test method (which Jackson calls “Dynamic Output”), (b) Shorts Test control, (c) lack of a Noise test, and (d) function control layout. In fact, the 634 tube setup chart can be used (with slight modification) with the 561, as explained later.

Physical size of model 561 is 15 x 12 x 6 (inches), which is between the other models. Weight is 11.5 lbs. In comparison, the 648A weighs 18-lbs, and 634 weighs 9-lbs.

Tube Setup Data Information

As previously explained, model 561 shares the same “Dynamic Output” test method and Control Layout with model 634. There are two minor differences: (1) model 561 has “Circuit X” — a set of lockout switches that Open circuits to individual tube pins, which model 634 does not have; (2) model 561 has the Plate Control indexed from 0 to 50, whereas model 634 indexes the Plate Control from 0 to 100. The “Circuit Y” control on the 561 is the equivalent of “Circuit” control on model 634.

Therefore, with slight modification, you can use the tube setup chart from model 634 with your 561. This is very useful because the 561 roll chart does not provide data for most antique 4-pin & 5-pin types. To use the 634 chart, you must (1) Leave Circuit X in the Normal position, and (2) divide the Plate Control setting in half. Very simple!

Let us use a #10 Power Triode as an example. This is one of the few early 4-pin triodes that are listed on both the 561 roll chart and the 634 chart.

• 561 roll chart: “7.5 Fil., Circuit X = normal, Plate = 18, Circuit Y = 2, Z = LS”
• 634 chart: “7.5 Fil, Plate = 36, Circuit = 2, LS”

Obviously, the only change was the plate control being double on the 634. This is common sense when you remember that model 634 indexes the Plate Control from 0-100, instead of 0-50.

Another quick example, consider Diode #1 of a #83 rectifier.

• 561: “5.0 Fil., X = Normal, Plate = 9, Y = 2, Z = S”
• 634: “5.0 Fil., Plate = 18, Circuit = 2, S”

Therefore, the pattern is obvious. One unique setup data quirk is that a 6L6 has slightly different setup on the 561 than the 634, but when tested under the 634 setup data, the results are actually slightly more accurate, so either are acceptable.

Roll Chart

The 561 roll chart has an excellent selection of audio tubes listed, including listing data for popular tubes such as 2050, 5687, 5842, 5879, 6146, 6550, 6973, 7027, 7189, 7199, 6CA4, 6BM8, 6CA7/EL34, 6BQ5/EL84, etc. This is only a small list; the chart is quite comprehensive in my opinion. When used in combination with the Jackson 634 setup data for the early 2-digit and 3-digital tubes, such as #50, 01A, 1V, #10, 2A3, #15, #19, #26, #27, #45, 71-A, 807, …etc…, you have strong coverage of most antique and popular audio tube types.

Sockets

Model 561 has the following sockets: 4-pin, 5-pin, 6-pin, 7-pin large, 7-pin miniature, Octal, Loctal, 9-pin-miniature (aka - noval). To accommodate future expandability, there are two spots available to add additional socket types. Missing are “newer” socket types of Novar, Compactron, Magnoval, and Nuvistor.

Technical, Service, and Calibration Information

As always, start by removing the chassis from the case, remove the meter and roll chart, give the unit a thorough cleaning (inside and out), and dry with a powerful garage air compressor. Reinstall the meter, and check that the meter needle is indexing at zero (adjust setscrew accordingly). Remove and clean the plastic roll chart window. If the roll chart does not roll smoothly, very carefully lubricate. Even the slightest excess lubricant will absorb into the paper roll, which you want to avoid. Do not reinstall the roll chart until you are ready for final reassembly.

Replace the 0.1 capacitor. Check ALL resistors for accurate values. Resistors that cannot be checked in-circuit must be removed from circuit, checked, and reinstalled or replaced. All switches, potentiometers (especially the Plate control), and sockets must be meticulously cleaned and treated with Deoxit. See my article on repairing and calibrating a Jackson 648 for a detailed explanation of this process. All Circuit X switches and all Circuit Z buttons must be treated with Deoxit and vigorously worked. There are no shortcuts. If you fail to perform ALL of these tasks thoroughly and accurately, you cannot achieve a calibrated tester. While you are in this part of the tester, you may want to install an SS-9 socket saver to protect the popular 9-pin-miniature socket.

Here is a photo where I removed the 561 Plate control, and will treat the potentiometer with Deoxit through the small opening as shown with the arrow in the photo. Work the Plate control vigorously after treating with Deoxit, then reassemble. This completes the preliminary work necessary for calibration.

Remove the 6C4 tube, clean its pins, test this tube on another tester. Replace tube if its emission is not strong. Be sure to test for shorts and leakage.

The 561 uses a different Line Control circuit than its brothers. This 6C4 tube is wired as a triode (unlike the 634, which has a #30 wired as a Diode). The “Line” position on the meter will not set immediately when the Tester is powered-on, because the 6C4 triode must reach operating temperature.

Line Calibration

It is now time to calibrate the Line, which calibrates all voltages. Plug tester into Variac, turn on tester, allow 5 minutes to warmup. Set Variac at 107 and confirm voltage with Fluke meter. Set the “Line Adj” control to the first position Counterclockwise from OFF. Observe whether meter needle is perfectly indexed at the center “Line” position. If not, turn off power and adjust variable resistor R11, then recheck. Repeat process until Line indexing is consistently accurate.

The “Line Adj” works in the following manner: the 561 “wants” a medium line voltage of 114.5. If your AC Line voltage at wall receptacle is measuring at 122, then the 561 will switch you through the 107V transformer winding. Conversely, if your Line voltage is measuring at only 107, then you are switched through the 122V transformer winding. The available positions are 107, 110, 113, 116, 119, 122. An interesting observation is that all positions (except 107) actually occur two times in a row. For example, the first and second clockwise settings for the Line Control are both 122, the third and fourth are 119, fifth and sixth are 116, seventh and eighth are 113, ninth and tenth are 110, eleventh is 107, and the twelve position is Off. In each instance, the duplicate switch positions are simply jumped together. The only explanation for this implementation is that 12-position switches were rather common, so it was probably more cost effective to use a standard 12-position switch instead of buying a 7-position. To fill all 12 positions, obviously they needed to double some of them up. A quick glance at the schematic shows this unique implementation. Most end users would probably think each position is giving them some unique adjustment. This is not the case.

Hence, now that you understand the circuit, you can double-check your Line calibration by turning the “Line Adj” control to the first setting Clockwise from OFF, and set your Variac to 122. Your Line should be centered accurately.

For those of you “thinking ahead”, you may have noticed that there is no accomodation for Line Voltages above 122V (or below 107). That is correct, although not as limiting as you may think, because the current draw from the tube under test will drop the Line, causing the user to make a Clockwise readjustment of the Line Adj control. Of course, a perfectionist can easily run the tester from a Variac if so desired!

You can further verify calibration by observing the filament voltages that you achieve when the Line is set perfectly center. Your filament voltages should be spot-on accurate — See the following photos. If your line is not calibrated, these (and all other voltages) will NOT be spot-on accurate!

Shorts and Leakage Test

Using a test socket and jumper wire to short two pins, you can easily check proper Shorts Test functionality.

(Jackson 561 shorts test working properly — notice very bright Neon Light as circled in photo)

Using a 1-Meg resistor instead of jumper wire, you can verify Leakage Test functionality. Notice more dim response from the Neon Light, which is proper. The more leakage, the brighter the Neon will illuminate. [More leakage = closer to Short]. As you turn the variable leakage control counterclockwise, the Neon Light will dim and eventually not light. This is correct behavior. As you turn the Leakage control clockwise, the glow should become brighter. If your results are materially different, you need to recheck this circuit.

Performance: Tube Test Photos

(Testing a Cunningham CX-350 Globe #50 Triode tube. Setup data obtained from the 634 setup chart variation as discussed above.)

(Testing a weak 6N6-MG (metal envelope) triode tube. Setup data from the 634 setup chart variation as discussed above.)

(Testing a new #83 rectifier tube)

(Testing a Leslie Tung-Sol Coke-Bottle ST 6550 USA audio tube)

(Testing a weak RCA Globe UX-226 triode. Setup data from the 634 setup chart variation as discussed above.)

(Testing an nos RCA EL84/6BQ5)

(Testing a Western Electric 5842; notice test results virtually identical to 648A, as marked on tube box, approx 01% test result difference)

(Testing an Amperex-manufactured 6BM8 nos)

(Testing a Sovtek 5881/6L6. Tested with the 561 roll chart configuration)

(Testing a Tung-Sol 5687)

(Testing an nos GE 6146B finals tube)

Final Thoughts

The case here has been repainted with a custom hammertone color.  The original case color was green, identical to the Jackson 648A.

The Jackson 561 is a quality tube tester, with durable construction and versatile configuration. It would be an excellent choice for most people, including antique radio collectors, most guitar tube amp guys, and most tube audio enthusiasts. A good combination of medium size, excellent build quality, dependable design, ease-of-use, and the ability to test most popular antique tubes and most newer tubes (with the exception of Compactrons/Novars/Magnovals, which are mostly used by Ham Radio operators, and also nuvistors). The variable leakage control is also a welcome feature.

regards,

Bob Putnak.

eBay ID = rjputnak

Miscellaneous Notes:

How Long Does a Calibration Last?

This is an impossible question to answer, but I can explain which factors most influence the calibration.

The condition of the 6C4 tube directly relates to the accuracy of the Line Control Calibration. As the 6C4 tube ages, or develops a defect, the Line Control will become inaccurate. This will be the most common source of inaccuracy after a complete calibration has been once performed.

Next, component failure could occur. Most likely this situation would be a resistor(s) changing value. Assuming diligence in your restoration, this is a less-likely situation.

Finally, continuity issues relating to the switches/buttons and sockets. At a minimum, you should clean switches and sockets at least once a year (more often if you are a power user) and treat them with Deoxit. This is good practice and should be considered part of regular maintenance.

Reduce the wear on your tester sockets — Get in the habit of never testing tubes with dirty or rusty pins until you have completely cleaned the tube pins first. This will also increase the accuracy of your tube testing, because dirty or rusty tube pins can significantly affect the accuracy of the test result.

© 2008. All rights reserved.