Discussion:
How to test a Wunderlich Tube
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N***@attbi.com
22 years ago
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I think Wunderlich tubes have a number that one can use the find the
settings to test them with. Anyone know what it is? Thanks.
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Norman S. Braithwaite
22 years ago
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There are at least three versions of the Wunderlich tube. The tube is a
dual grid detector used during the early 1930s to accommodate an early
application of AVC. Versions included 2.5-volt and 6.3-volt types with
six pins on the base and a five pin version with a grid cap (I don't
recall the heater voltage of this version). The 6-pin 6.3-volt version
can usually be identified by a star marked on the top of the globe or
the word "automotive" engraved on the base. The most common application
was as a detector and AVC tube in the E.H. Scott Allwave Deluxe (AKA
AW-12, one dial). The 6-pin, 2.5-volt version was used in this
receiver. The 6.3-volt versions were marketed for use in automobile
receivers. I can recall seeing the schematic for one Majestic home
receiver having a Wunderlich tube.

Once the version and heater voltage is known, the best method of testing
the Wunderlich tube is to substitute it into a working receiver. This
isn't exactly easy even if it is a 6-pin, 2.5-volt version because there
aren't that many Scott receivers around in which to test them. Some
mid-1930s tube testers included settings for testing the Wunderlich tube
but most were emissions testers. The Hickok AC-51 and a couple other
early Hickok tube testers (mutual conductance) also included settings
for the Wunderlich but these are not much more common than the Scott
receivers and I'm not sure the setting will translate to other models.

Norman
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Post by N***@attbi.com
I think Wunderlich tubes have a number that one can use the find the
settings to test them with. Anyone know what it is? Thanks.
Remove the characters NOSPAM from my e-mail address when responding.
Alan Douglas
22 years ago
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Hi,
I should think you could tie the two grids together and test it as a
normal triode. As Norman pointed out, the best way is to plug it into
a radio, and if you don't have the radio for it, who cares if it's
good anyway? Even a dud Wunderlich is worth keeping.

Cheers, Alan
Phil Nelson
22 years ago
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Post by Alan Douglas
good anyway? Even a dud Wunderlich is worth keeping.
With my tinfoil hat on, I can tell from here that yours must be a dud.
Better sell it to me and save yourself some grief.

:-)

Phil

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