If you appreciate vintage tube test gear, you will enjoy this 1940 vintage Jackson 634 Tube Tester. It is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quality, well-built, tester that can test the VERY OLD tubes, such as #50, 01A, 1V, #10, 2A3, #15, #19, HY113, HY115, HY125, #26, #45, 71-A, #83, etc.

This article is also relevant to Jackson 637 tester, which is same as model 634 tester with additional integrated multimeter functionality (volts and ohms testing).

(Jackson 634 testing Cunningham CX-350 Globe #50 Triode tube)

What is really “cool” about this tester is its very small size. Measuring only 8.5 x 8.5 x 6 inches and weighing 9 lbs, this unit packs a big punch in a small size!

This tester has been in my personal collection since 1990, and it is the oldest tester in my collection (except for a Supreme 550 Radio Tester from 1936, which also has some basic tube testing capability).

Jackson 634 - 637 modernization bulletin. Click to enlarge.

This tester is so old that it did NOT come with a 9-pin-miniature socket installed — that was too modern!

(Article UPDATE, Nov 3, 2008): I found an original Jackson modernization bulletin, and the Jackson 634 and 637 testers were released in 1939. All 1939 models were sold without the 9-pin-miniature socket installed. The 1940 models were already modernized at the factory.

I have installed a new 9-pin-miniature socket, and will teach you how to “modernize” your 1939 vintage Jackson 634 also. (Jackson sockets are wired unique, and do not correspond to the 1-to-1, 2-to-2, wiring that many testers employ).

Service information and many additional photos are as follows…

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This article will discuss my method of professionally installing a socket saver into the socket panel of a Hickok 6000 / 6000A / 6005 tube tester, and is designed so that (1) you cannot even see that a socket saver is installed, (2) the case lid will close normally, and (3) the socket saver is easily replaceable when it wears out.

The Hickok 6000-series of tube testers use a plug-in socket panel instead of individual sockets affixed to the chassis. The socket panel protrudes upward, and there is no extra room between the socket panel and the case lid. Therefore, traditional installation of a socket saver (plugging it into an existing socket) is unacceptable for these testers because the case lid will not close.

Fortunately, if you are willing put forth effort, you can have your cake and eat it too! This project will demonstrate a 9-pin miniature socket saver installation, but the process can be adapted for other sockets.

When you are finished, here is what you will accomplish:

Photo above shows Hickok 6000 after my method of professionally installing the socket saver. It is impossible to see that a socket saver is even installed!

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©2008, Bob Putnak.  All rights reserved.  This article discusses the B&K 707 Dyna-Jet Dynamic Mutual Conductance tube tester, including repair and calibration. The discussion is also relevant to the B&K 700 (the 700 is almost identical except for socket configuration) and some of the information is applicable to the B&K 650.

BK 700

my BK 707 with custom TubeSound plate current meter upgrade

The B&K 707 tube tester dates from the late 1960s into the 1970s. My manual is stamped August 1969, and a modern tube data setup chart dates 1978.

First of all, a brief explanation of the circuitry of this tester is necessary. Is this a Mutual Conductance tube tester? Well, yes and no.

Tubes that test in the “Jet-Check” section test for mutual conductance, with the exception of diodes/rectifiers (which always test only for Emission). The Jet-Check section is the upper panel (sockets 1 – 35). Tubes that test in the “Switch” section — the bottom panel (sockets 36 – 45), are tested for Emission.

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This article will discuss servicing of the Lafayette TE-50 tube tester. Electrical voltages are present, repairs should only be attempted by a qualified technician. Copyrighted, all rights reserved. Ebay ID = rjputnak

The Lafayette TE-50 is an excellent example of a nice portable tube tester that packs a lot of punch into a very small package. Measuring only 10 x 9 x 4 inches and weighing approx 6-lbs, you have a tube tester that can be easily taken on the road, while at home, it only occupies a small bench area. The instruction manual, tube charts, and substitute chart are attached to a drawer that tucks away neatly inside the tester. (The drawer handle is NOT a carry handle!) The all-metal chassis is very durable. A black fabric carry case with handles was also supplied.

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Redone from scratch, a new product from us at TubeSound. A new manual package for the Hickok 530, 530B, and 510X tube testers. Includes schematics and ballast setup chart. The product covers all three models (530/530B/510X).

Benefits include: all instructional text being newly transcribed into computer by hand; factory text errors & grammatical errors corrected; factory addendums integrated into the text; and page layouts enhanced for much improved readability. The readability and presentation of this product is “Light Years” better than the original document!

Hickok 530-530B-510X remastered manual -- $9.99 free ship USA

I recently restored a Sylvania model 620 tube tester. The manual was dated 1955, so that is the approx vintage.

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Sencore Mighty Mite solid-state tube testers (TC28 Hybrider, TC162, and TC154) are durable, easy-to-use, and test a wide variety of modern tubes (including modern sweep tubes such as #8950). They were VERY popular among old-timer technicians. For most people , they are a very good choice.

Sencore TC28 Hybrider

Sencore TC162

Sencore TC154



Regardless of model, all the Mighty Mite solid-state models use the same basic circuitry, albeit configured slightly different among each model.  Model TC162 is functionally equivalent to B&K 607 / 667.

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