The Hickoks are good testers. Usually you don't need plate current to test the tube, but you should understand that tube testers like the Hickoks, which are called transconductance testers are in fact an approximation. But they are usually much more accurate than emissions testers, which are usually a lot cheaper, although they can test the tube faster.
There are testers that do apply plate voltage, like the old RCA WT-100, but expect to pay a pretty penny for one of those, in good operable condition they can be $1000-$2000. They are also quite large...
So the Hickoks are a very good compromise.
There are testers that do apply plate voltage, like the old RCA WT-100, but expect to pay a pretty penny for one of those, in good operable condition they can be $1000-$2000. They are also quite large...
So the Hickoks are a very good compromise.