A mess-load of tubes... What to do?

[Consul]

Some time ago, I got a large box of tubes (along with some orange drops and other misc. parts) from CJ. It doesn't have any of the famous tubes (12ax7, 12au7. 12ay7, 6v6, etc.) within, but surely there has to be something in there that's useful for something. I'm aiming for the idea of building a small combo guitar amp. This might be the most unique guitar amp ever. :green:

I've decided to pull the box out of the basement with the intention of inventorying all of the tubes to see what I have. Is there anything I might want to look out for? Part number ranges, brands, and stuff like that? I don't know what might come out of this, but I figure it's worth a try.

Thank you for the help.

 

[dale116dot7]

With a mystery box of tubes, I go in there with the 'RCA Essential Characteristics' book, identify each tube - its designated function, Rp, voltages, bias details - with a piece of paper and a rubber band wrapped around each tube. Then I look at what I have and what I can build with them. Remote-cutoff tubes = compressors, power output tubes = line or speaker amplifier (depending on size), low-noise tubes = preamps. I did this in my junk box and found a 5670, a 7044, a 6AL5, a 12AU7, and some Sowter iron, so I built a compressor out of it.

 

[Consul]

[quote author="dale116dot7"]With a mystery box of tubes, I go in there with the 'RCA Essential Characteristics' book, identify each tube...[/quote]

Oh, if only I had a copy of that. :wink: I'm settling now for writing down numbers and brands where I can, both on their boxes and in a notebook. Hopefully, I can find some help in identifying each one.

 

[dale116dot7]

There are tube database sites on the 'web. Just do a search for them.

 

[cannikin]

Consul


I got this to inventory my components might be a good thing for you and your box of goodies:

http://www.glass-ware.com/

 

[Gordy]

There is a great free program called Tube Data Sheet Locator. You can download it from duncanamps.com.

http://tdsl.duncanamps.com/

In the program use Search > Find by designator
Then click tab Data sheet links
A list of resources should be presented
Then double click on any line, and the program will open up the internet and go to the data sheet page

The program also lists viable alternative tubes


: )

 

[Ian MacGregor]

[quote author="Consul"][quote author="dale116dot7"]With a mystery box of tubes, I go in there with the 'RCA Essential Characteristics' book, identify each tube...[/quote]

Oh, if only I had a copy of that. :wink: I'm settling now for writing down numbers and brands where I can, both on their boxes and in a notebook. Hopefully, I can find some help in identifying each one.[/quote]

I've got a "RCA Receiving Tube Manual" that I'd be happy to send to you (I've used it, like, once!).

Lemme know...

Ian

..edited cause I can't spell my own name....