CRT tester recommendations

[TUD1]

I'm looking for a good CRT tester to test and possibly rejuvenate CRT's from the 50's to the 80's. I'm leaning towards getting a Sencore Super Mack. I've seen it demonstrated countless times watching Youtube videos and that's the one I'm most familiar with. I don't really want a Beltron - I've heard you can accidentally fry tubes if you try to rejuvenate them. What's y'all's opinion? I think my radio club downtown has a few they don't want. I'll check with them and see what they have.

[zeno]

Get a modern one from the '70's or later. Forget the beltron IMHO.
Look at the B&K's & Sencores. We ran CR70's IIRC. Only
problem was the cable would go bad ever 3 yrs of heavy use.
Also be sure to get the universal adapter with hooks, you
can test almost anything with it.

73 Zeno

[kf4rca]

Its cheap, does a good job, and has 4 meters. You can see whats happening at all times without switching.

[kf4rca]

Make that IT-5230. Sorry for the typo.

[davet753]

B&K model 467. I've tried many brands and models, and found the 467 would do the job where the others failed. They're indestructible, easy to operate, and (most importantly), they just flat out work.

[TUD1]

Thank you all for the input. After a little more research, the three testers I'm considering now are the Sencore CR-70, Heathkit IT-5230, and B&K 467.

After checking ebay, I doubt I'll be able to get a B&K 467. They are upwards of $300.

[WISCOJIM]

Originally Posted by TUD1

After checking ebay, I doubt I'll be able to get a B&K 467. They are upwards of $300.

Remember that ebay isn't the only source. I picked one of these up at the last WARCI radio meet for $5. The only thing wrong with it was the plastic clasp on the case was busted. Ask for one (WTB) over in the ARF classifieds. A lot of the radio guys pick up accumulations from estates and often toss out the TV stuff.

http://antiqueradios.com/forums/view...9dde112dcbeb30

.

[TUD1]

I decided that the Heathkit IT-5230 is best for me. I like the layout and it looks easy to use.

[kf4rca]

I HAVE a 467 but I used a 5230 where I used to work. I thought the 5230 was easier to use and did a better job.

[davet753]

Originally Posted by kf4rca

I HAVE a 467 but I used a 5230 where I used to work. I thought the 5230 was easier to use and did a better job.

I never knew anyone who had a heathkit rejuvenator, so I've not tried one. I do have several Heathkit items , and have found them to be good equipment (depending on who assembled the kit).

My local competition had a Sencore, and a shop in a neighboring town had an older B&K machine....and they both brought me sets all the time to rejuvenate CRT's because their machines couldn't do it. If I remember correctly, the shop with the Sencore one could often rejuvenate the tube, but would end up with an internal short. He would bring it to me to use the "remove shorts" function on the 467 for him.