I recently acquired an NOS 83 rca rectifiet tube as a spare for my tube tester. I remember reading a discussion here that these tube should always be kept base down to keep the mercury iin the base.

Obviously, being sent to me in the mail, this didn't quite happen. I recall a discussion on this forum about a procedure for persuading the mercury to go back in it's place (i can see a few silver patcjes on the glass so I suspect I'll need to do this). I couldn't find the original thread, so I would appreciate if you could repost what to do.


Thanks,
Joe

Joe

This requirement is while in operation but as you know Hickok didn't follow these rules in their tube testers. When using an 83 best to let filament warm up before supplying plate power. Regardless I've never had a problem with an 83 in operation.

Aye. Other than operating in a arctic circle, probably will be OK. Moe than 50 years of adverse applications seems to not have had all that bad effect. My Hickok still lives.

If you warm it up for a couple of minutes, any condensed mercury will vaporize from places it shouldn't be, and the tube will work fine. This happens automatically in a Hickok, since plate voltage is only applied when you push the Gm button.