RMS Pix Eye TE-5

[Electronic M]

Seems less like a dummy load and more like a "the gun bias is/isn't in the right to make a picture" meter.


Though someone who actually owns one will probably now tell me I'm mistaken.

There was a special vacuum tube that was basically a 10BP4 gun and base firing into a small anode which was a proper dummy load...This tube was basically the proof of concept for the 6BK4 and was like an oversized version of it.

[N2IXK]

The tube you are referring to is the 5890.

http://lampes-et-tubes.info/vs/vs060.php?l=e

https://frank.pocnet.net/sheets/049/5/5890.pdf

It was intended for use as an HV shunt regulator in early theater projection TV sets, making it a forerunner of the 6BD4, 6BK4, 6EL4 etc. It is a pretty rare item, due to the limited application.

It consists of the gun structure of a 5TP4 CRT, aimed into an anode structure from a 2X2A. Has the standard 12-pin duodecal CRT base and a 3/8" anode cap.

I have a couple of them, and they do make a handy way to provide an HV load on a chassis without a CRT, or for testing a CRT tester.

[Notimetolooz]

Originally Posted by Electronic M

Seems less like a dummy load and more like a "the gun bias is/isn't in the right to make a picture" meter.

Not so much a load.
Most of the internal parts involved resistor ratios to scale the voltage, etc.
The CRT filament supply went to the filament of the eyetube to check that voltage.
The G2 (first anode) voltage is the plate supply for the eyetube. No green glow means the first anode voltage is not in the right range.
The G1 bias is connected to the eyetube grid. Changing the TV's brightness control would vary the shadow on the eyetube.
It doesn't check electrostatic TVs, color TVs, the HV or focus supplies.
Very simple idea, very limited. Almost like a test CRT but without deflection or image display.