[Boatanchors] type 83 mercury vapor tube

[Phil Carpenter]

Regarding replacing 83 tubes with a solid state substitute, you must be extremely careful. See website:

www.radiolaguy.com/solidsratereplacements.html

The miniature 83A1/7890 is a more modern replacement that may be available at a better price.

Phil, W4RTV

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 6, 2013, at 9:09 PM, Garey Barrell <k4oah at mindspring.com> wrote:

> Joe -
> 
> Your tube is probably just fine.  The blue glow only appears when current is being drawn.  In the Hickok no current is drawn until you 'push a button' as part of a tube test.
> 
> The glow is also directly affected by the amount of current passed, so try testing a power tube with the case off, I bet you see the blue glow!
> 
> 73, Garey - K4OAH
> Glen Allen, VA
> 
> Drake 2-B, 2-C/2-NT, 4-A, 4-B, C-Line
> and TR-4/C Service Supplement CDs
> <www.k4oah.com>
> 
> Joseph Trombino, Jr wrote:
>> 
>> 
>>> I just opened up my Hickcock 752 tube tester and turned the lights off in the shack to observe the 83 mercury vapor after a several minute warm-up period.
>>> 
>>> I saw NO blue haze that is typical of mercury vapor tubes.
>>> 
>>> I am fairly sure this indicates a bad tube....but ask if any of y'all have seen the same thing in a GOOD type 83 tube.....that is NO blue haze but the tube is still good.
>>> 
>>> If the tube is bad I wonder if anyone has a spare to sell...I've seen prices upwards of $50 from on-line vendors.
>>> 
>>> Also interested if any one has successfully used a solid state replacement for the 83 tube in the Hickcock line of tube testers??
>>> 
>>> Many thanks for you comments/observations.
>>> 
>>>            73, Joe W2KJ
>>> 
> 
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