09-01-2020, 09:43 PM
The original uTracer does do n-type depletion FETs. There is a mod to allow positive grid, which you need to test valves like ECH81/ECH83 (same part) being used with a car +13V HT as you need +1V approx bias then.
I don't know if the new model incorporates that mod.
An AVO style socket board doesn't work at lower heater voltages due to all the ferrite beads on the wiring. I use an external supply for testing 0.5V to 3V on filaments. (0.65, 1.3V, 2.1V and 2.6V nominal battery valves). I'm going to redo mine with some of the mods and a single socket and then plug in adaptor boards so that the 5V to 12V works accurately on all sockets.
Thus I advise against a multiple socket panel. I may also add parts to test LO leakage out of RF in on Osc/Mixers (pentode/triode, hexode/triode, Heptode, Octode, Nonode) and standalone mixers with a way to check max HF and VHF osc and Mixer conversion gain.
I'm not into testing valves for valve power amps, for audio or RF, I think testing in the complete amp is more "useful". So I won't upgrade to the new model. I hardly use it anyway.
I don't know if the new model incorporates that mod.
An AVO style socket board doesn't work at lower heater voltages due to all the ferrite beads on the wiring. I use an external supply for testing 0.5V to 3V on filaments. (0.65, 1.3V, 2.1V and 2.6V nominal battery valves). I'm going to redo mine with some of the mods and a single socket and then plug in adaptor boards so that the 5V to 12V works accurately on all sockets.
Thus I advise against a multiple socket panel. I may also add parts to test LO leakage out of RF in on Osc/Mixers (pentode/triode, hexode/triode, Heptode, Octode, Nonode) and standalone mixers with a way to check max HF and VHF osc and Mixer conversion gain.
I'm not into testing valves for valve power amps, for audio or RF, I think testing in the complete amp is more "useful". So I won't upgrade to the new model. I hardly use it anyway.
