kevinmi Posted January 23, 2019 Share Posted January 23, 2019 Hey tube gurus, I'm looking for advice on a good tube reference/guide/ manual. I'd like to find a comprehensive one that covers all the exchange data, specs, etc. Any recommendations? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebes Posted January 23, 2019 Share Posted January 23, 2019 You can download this for free and run it on your computer. Nifty. Been using it for years. http://www.duncanamps.com/tdslpe/ I also use a Sylvania Technical Manual. I do believe RCA also put them out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tube fanatic Posted January 23, 2019 Share Posted January 23, 2019 The most comprehensive collection of tube data is available from the Tube Collectors Association: http://www.tubecollectors.org/announc.htm Although it is not free, it is a "must have" for anyone who is serious about using tubes. Maynard 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeloManiac Posted January 24, 2019 Share Posted January 24, 2019 8 hours ago, thebes said: You can download this for free and run it on your computer. Nifty. Been using it for years. http://www.duncanamps.com/tdslpe/ I also use a Sylvania Technical Manual. I do believe RCA also put them out. That program is almost as old as NOS tubes! 😉 Specs: Processor: Minimum 486, recommended Pentium or better. Display: 640 x 480 or greater, with 16 colour capability, as a minimum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebes Posted January 24, 2019 Share Posted January 24, 2019 Yup it's old but there is nothing really new in the world of tubes As far as I know nobody's designing new tubes. Heck, that Sylvania tube manual probably dates from the 1960's. Also on the Duncan Tube Amps site you can search their database for more extensive info than is contained in the software program. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimjimbo Posted January 24, 2019 Share Posted January 24, 2019 I use the RCA tube guide, and it's very good. I'll have to check out the other resources mentioned above. I believe this is the latest version: https://tubedepot.com/products/1973-rca-receiving-tube-manual?gclid=Cj0KCQiA4aXiBRCRARIsAMBZGz-C_OzKBGdqtdwkCV52cJmd7FFZzP7lxiOPPwbnXvcvHFn9-XKp158aApSUEALw_wcB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joshnich Posted January 24, 2019 Share Posted January 24, 2019 2 hours ago, jimjimbo said: I use the RCA tube guide, and it's very good. I'll have to check out the other resources mentioned above. I believe this is the latest version: https://tubedepot.com/products/1973-rca-receiving-tube-manual?gclid=Cj0KCQiA4aXiBRCRARIsAMBZGz-C_OzKBGdqtdwkCV52cJmd7FFZzP7lxiOPPwbnXvcvHFn9-XKp158aApSUEALw_wcB This what I use as well. All the info that I need and a whole lot that is over my head! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seti Posted January 27, 2019 Share Posted January 27, 2019 Collect tube manuals. I don't think just one wil get it. I have sylvania, rca, tungsol, and many others from different time periods. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevinmi Posted February 2, 2019 Author Share Posted February 2, 2019 I just received my RCA manual from The Tube Depot, and it looks like just what the Doctor ordered. Thanks for all the recommendations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Lammers Posted February 5, 2019 Share Posted February 5, 2019 Here is an excellent and free source. https://www.scribd.com/document/36723618/Taste-of-Tubes 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebes Posted February 6, 2019 Share Posted February 6, 2019 I have that book. It written for non-tecnical idiots like me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Lammers Posted February 6, 2019 Share Posted February 6, 2019 1 hour ago, thebes said: I have that book. It written for non-tecnical idiots like me. I resemble that remark. 😀 It's a good book and free is a great price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevinmi Posted February 6, 2019 Author Share Posted February 6, 2019 There is a boatload of great free info on the web to be had for free, or even a nominal fee. But none of it does me any good when I'm at a garage sale and stumble upon a box of old tubes that I'm not familiar with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimjimbo Posted February 6, 2019 Share Posted February 6, 2019 16 minutes ago, kevinmi said: There is a boatload of great free info on the web to be had for free, or even a nominal fee. But none of it does me any good when I'm at a garage sale and stumble upon a box of old tubes that I'm not familiar with. Do you have a smartphone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevinmi Posted February 7, 2019 Author Share Posted February 7, 2019 19 hours ago, jimjimbo said: Do you have a smartphone? my phone is a lot smarter than me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimjimbo Posted February 7, 2019 Share Posted February 7, 2019 3 hours ago, kevinmi said: my phone is a lot smarter than me! Mine too....I just use mine to look up tubes when I'm out and about at sales, auctions, etc. Of course by now I pretty much know what to look for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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