There is a Hickok 533 up for auction on eBay and I was wondering if this is a good tester for antique radios. Will it test tubes like an 80, 6K7G, 5Y4G, 42, etc.? I have a Heathkit TC-2 but wanted to get a mutual conductance tester. Since it was made in 1947 I am assuming it will work with most tubes made before WW2. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Geoff

Yes, but unless it's guaranteed to work properly, it probably won't. It's fixable but that should be factored into the price.

It was calibrated by Roger Kennedy back in 06 so it might still be good. That tester looks well used and that price looks about $100 too high to me. That is a great tester for old radio work.

Thanks everyone!

- Geoff

Darn it, I was too late ! The one on eBay sold before I got a chance to buy it! But alas, I found one on Craigslist . I brought a few tubes with me that I knew were good when I went to check it out and they all tested good. I also brought a tube that I knew was bad and it failed. Cost was $180-.



Thanks again for the advice everyone.

- Geoff

Don't know what vintage your chart is, but as I remember there is a chart circa '63 or so out there, might be on BAMA.

I've had mine for several years and its been a real work horse at times, and never given any trouble.



Through the summer of '08, a couple of tubes were sent around to 24 ARF members and the results were pretty decent.

That was a pretty good deal and you saved on the shipping!