"There are countless horrible things happening all over the world and horrible people prospering, but we must never allow them to disturb our equanimity or deflect us from our sacred duty to sabotage and annoy them whenever possible." -Auberon Waugh
There's a definite market for those; I believe there are maybe 2 factories in the world that still make thermionic valves (yes, that's technical name for vacuum tubes), both overseas.
The vintage tubes are in demand because a fair amount of the old radios are still in use, and the tubes need to repair or refurbish them are often not made. "New old stock" can be a hot item.
New tubes are in demand for stereo systems, as they are considered more natural sounding than electronics.
I've got a Hallicrafters SX-96 SW receiver that had stopped working the last time I plugged it in. Among other things, I think it needs a couple of new (working) tubes. I should have got some spares back in the 80s when I got the radio.
Oh, r-man, that's a classic! Never owned one, but they come highly recommended. They are still sold, refurbished.
So you should be able to replace the tubes now, but it's very much a niche market. Finding the one you need would be a chore.
If you ever refurbish yours, at least the electrolyte capacitors are still made, which you should replace, or you'll risk a small explosion at some point.
Washing machines and front doors - both can be hazardous to your health!
ReplyDeleteI know it's tempting to use modern appliances, but on rock washing day it's probably a good idea to use a sink.
ReplyDeleteOr a bucket.
Remember the Warner Bros cartoon reference?
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ujyRBW_iHk
Amateur radio operators believe that all electronics work on smoke.
ReplyDeleteWe say that because if we turn on a piece equipment, and it burns out, we say "Whoops!
I let the smoke out!"
It's also known as a "smoke test".
Your mention of electronics reminded me: my neighbor collects vintage vacuum tubes and sells them (those he doesn't keep for himself, that is).
DeleteThere's a definite market for those; I believe there are maybe 2 factories in the world that still make thermionic valves (yes, that's technical name for vacuum tubes), both overseas.
DeleteThe vintage tubes are in demand because a fair amount of the old radios are still in use, and the tubes need to repair or refurbish them are often not made. "New old stock" can be a hot item.
New tubes are in demand for stereo systems, as they are considered more natural sounding than electronics.
Yeah, he's got some nice old stereo equipment and old radios.
DeleteAre the radios receive only, or does he have transmitters as well?
DeleteHe need not be a ham to have transmitters ... ... some of the old radios had very elegant designs! Decco was quite common.
I don't know, although some of the equipment is definitely ham-related.
DeleteI've got a Hallicrafters SX-96 SW receiver that had stopped working the last time I plugged it in. Among other things, I think it needs a couple of new (working) tubes. I should have got some spares back in the 80s when I got the radio.
DeleteOh, r-man, that's a classic! Never owned one, but they come highly recommended. They are still sold, refurbished.
DeleteSo you should be able to replace the tubes now, but it's very much a niche market. Finding the one you need would be a chore.
If you ever refurbish yours, at least the electrolyte capacitors are still made, which you should replace, or you'll risk a small explosion at some point.