Hickok 6000a limitations

I recently came into possession of a Hickok 6000a. It seems to be limited on the types of tubes I can test.

Which tubes might that be?

Maybe it is just the chart but an example would be the 6S tubes . The only one on the chart is 6SN7. This is also true for the 12S tubes. The only one on the chart is 12SN7.

I just noticed that all the tubes I cannot test are metal tubes. Is there a separate chart or supplement for these types?

Yes, there most probably is a very lengthy supplement, and I suspect that you can obtain it from:

http://radioera.com

I have a Hickok 800A, and about 15 years ago I obtained the supplement for it (many pages filled with tiny print, so it would not be practical for me to reproduce it for you) from a gentleman by the name of J.W.F. Puett, of Puett Electronics in Dallas, TX. He was and/or is a prominent figure in the antique radio collecting field.

He is no longer in business, but I understand that a few years ago Radio Era Archives (url shown above) purchased Mr. Puett's inventory of literature and other items.

The supplement I have, btw, is identified as being for Hickok Models 533A, 600A, and 605A, but I have never had a problem using the settings it lists on my 800A. So keep in mind that a supplement useable with the 6000a may be identified as being for other models. The people at the link I provided may be able to advise further on that.
Regards,
-- Al

Thank you for the help.

Another question I have concerns the conductance reading on the chart. Does it represent the minimum reading or the reading of a new tube. I do not have a manual yet and therefore the confusion.

The mutual conductance (micromhos) reading is the minimum reading for a "good" tube. A reading less than that indicates a "weak" tube.

Note that to read micromhos directly you do NOT set the shunt dial to what is listed in the chart. The chart setting is for reading on the "good/replace" scale on the meter. To read on the micromhos scale on the meter, you set the shunt dial to one of the three red dots that are on it, corresponding to which of the three micromhos scales you want to use.

You'll find the following video of interest, although it looks like he is using the tester incorrectly relative to what I said in the previous paragraph about the shunt setting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVMnKIM4LEc

Also, note that the 6000A does not provide sockets for testing of early tube types:

http://www.vacuumtubes.com/6000.html

Regards,
-- Al

Thanks Al. Steve

05-09-09: Almarg
The mutual conductance (micromhos) reading is the minimum reading for a "good" tube. A reading less than that indicates a "weak" tube.

Al are you sure about that?

Quote from manual:
(6) FUNCTION and MUT. COND. - The first column lists the proper setting for the FUNCTION selector switch. The second column (with numbers) lists the values of mutual conductance that is normal for the average tube.

That could be interpreted for the average of a new tube.....
>>>>>>>>>

You'll find the following video of interest, although it looks like he is using the tester incorrectly relative to what I said in the previous paragraph about the shunt setting:

Al by the guys own admission he had not used the tester for three years..... He should of reread the manual first before making the video.

First off he should of stated all controls should be set to their proper positions before inserting a tube.

I don't recall he ever mentioned the FUNCTION SELECTOR SWITCH when he talked about setting the controls.



When he preformed the GAS test he only depressed the gas test button only.... Both the GAS and TEST push buttons must be depressed simultaneously for the GAS test.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Sbm604, do you have access to a fax machine? If so email me the area code and phone number and I will fax you a copy of the owners manual for the 6000A.
jim

Yes, you're mostly right about the mutual conductance numbers, Jim. Thanks for catching that -- I haven't used mine in a while either! But according to my 800A literature it is not the average of a new tube, it is the number corresponding to an "average tube":

New tubes typically read higher than the mutual conductance average reading listed in the mutual conductance column of the roll chart. A weak tube will read lower, and a bad tube will cause a very low meter reading or no meter reading at all

And yes, the guy in the video did not do the gas test correctly. On my 800A, which apparently has somewhat different nomenclature than the 6000A, the procedure I was given is to set the English ("Shunt") dial to the 3000 red dot; increase the bias setting; push P5 ("Gas1") and while holding it down adjust bias for 100 on the meter (which is 2 small divisions up from 0 on the 3000 scale); while holding down P5 ("Gas1") then press P6 ("Gas2"). If the meter goes up significantly (past 600) the tube is gassy.

Thanks again,
-- Al

My home fax is 9082038441. It will not be on until I get home from work today. So it will be on after 7PM. I really appreciate you guys helping me out. It is nice to see people who are enthusiastic about something!(anything)
Thank you, Steve