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Eico 667

thefragger

thefragger

Certified Crazy.
Finally! A real tube tester!! :banana:







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I haven't fired it up yet as I understand that there are some things that need to be fixed as precautions, such as the rectifier and something to protect the meter, I think... but it looks amazing!

I bought this tester from Bstable; it was in Barter Town some time ago and I snatched it up! He described it as looking never-used, and he was right! We worked out the logistics of getting it shipped to me and now I finally have it!

This is just a quick show-and-tell... I may document the mods I make to it. So what do you guys think?


:banana:
 
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Pretty cool, but it's no 666. :D I'm "patiently" waiting for the manual for my Jackson, should be here any day. :smoke:
 
Ha! I can test transistors, though :smoke:

I've been reading here that the Selenium diodes (schematic here, CR1 and 2) need to be replaces with 1N4007 silicon counterparts; would 1N4004 diodes suffice? I've got a bunch of the '04 variety here I can't see that point of the circuit going over 400V...
 
I think that this has been serviced in the past; I cracked it open and snapped a few photos;


I could eat off of that. (note the mini-VARIAC on the lower-left corner)


Soo many wires!


Someone was in here before... replacing resistors... ?


I see... a silicon diode?


... And another? (smack in the middle)

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I'm not too familiar with either unit, but the tone lizard says your Eico 667 & my Jackson 648S use the same circuit. It'll be interesting to learn as I go, gonna refurb it, obviously. :smoke: Edit: Just saw your pics, & can see some similarities. Mine has 2 transformers though, & a roll chart, plus different controls. You know, the same thing only different. ;)
 
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spaceman said:
Pretty cool, but it's no 666. :D I'm "patiently" waiting for the manual for my Jackson, should be here any day. :smoke:
Click to expand...
Actually the 666 and the 667 are EXACTLY the same tester, with the exception of the fact that the 667 trades a couple of older tube sockets for newer sockets. They use exactly the same settings, and work exactly the same way.

The Jackson works similarly to the Eicos (both are so-called "dynamic emmisions" testers) but they do not use the same circuit, even though they do operate on the same basic principle.

One of the greatest things about the 666 and 667 is that they will test virtually any tubes you can throw-at them, provided that you have a couple of adapter sockets made-up to test either the newer tubes (on the 666) or the older tubes (on the 667). The other thing that is really great about these testers is that they have a super-sensitive leakage test, which you do not see on many (if any) Hickoks.

The biggest down-side to these testers is that they will only give you a good/bad reading on a tube. But for most people, that is sufficient.
 
The 667 is a nice tester...I have the same one as well as a couple Hickoks. I use this often as it is very easy and gives good reliable results. I use the Hickok's when I match power tubes but for everyday testing the 667 can't be beat. I think you need a cap across the meter to protect it.
Very easy to calibrate as well. Nice find :smoke:
 
I can't get the meter to fall on the line marker, I also tried testing the merit of a rectifier and the tester loudly hummed at me and nearly pegged the meter (I let go of the switch before I let that happen).

I'm leaving it to go cold for a while until I can take a closer look at it, but I can tell it's a huge step up from my Accurate Instruments emissions tester!
 
thefragger; This is just a quick show-and-tell... I may document the mods I make to it. So what do you guys think? :banana:[/QUOTE said:
I think it looks like a bomb! :yes:

I hope the "it looks like someone has been in here before" is not a bad thing.
Click to expand...
 
thefragger said:
I can't get the meter to fall on the line marker, I also tried testing the merit of a rectifier and the tester loudly hummed at me and nearly pegged the meter (I let go of the switch before I let that happen).

I'm leaving it to go cold for a while until I can take a closer look at it, but I can tell it's a huge step up from my Accurate Instruments emissions tester!
Click to expand...

There are several charts from different years that go with this tester and some of the early ones have the wrong settings for some tubes. This tester was sold in the mid 60's, wired or as a kit so if the wiring doesn't look quite up to factory par it may be the result of some repairman's poor soldering job. There is a way to adjust the line setting.....I'd have to look in my calibration book. There's some info for the tester at http://www.tone-lizard.com/Eico.html He has schematics and other good info for getting it up and running. The late chart I use with my 667 is pretty acurate and seems to have very few errors. BTW this tester will hum at you while testing certain tubes which is normal. The manual states not to hold the test button longer than needed, just long enough to get your reading. Don't want to put any extra strain on the power transformer and tube....
 
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The humming may be from old caps inside. If I remember right, I replaced two caps in my eico 666 and it stopped humming. It has been awhile but I think they were pretty common values that can be had for a couple bucks.
 
deafanddumb said:
The humming may be from old caps inside. If I remember right, I replaced two caps in my eico 666 and it stopped humming. It has been awhile but I think they were pretty common values that can be had for a couple bucks.
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The humming comes from the load on the power transformer when testing a tube, and only when you push the test lever. I replaced all caps on my 667 and the 666 I used to own and they do hum on certain output and rectifier tubes.....
 
I use a 667 as well. Very good, accurate tester with a lot of flexability (as others have alluded)
I like it because unlike the older 666 it also is able to test the Nuvistors used in the later Fisher receivers and tuners
There used to be all the updated "mods" and roll charts over on the Boat Anchor Archives.
But if you shoot me an email addy that accepts attachments, I'm willing to share all the digital docs I have on it.Some of it might be in dejvu format...
WOT
 
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Alright, I tested a known good 12AX7 and a 6550 quickly. There was no loud humming and they tested correctly-- it must've been that rectifier :yikes:

WopOnTour, I'll get you my email addy, thanks!!
 
I've owned a 667 for the last 10 years. Great little tester. And yes, it does hum when you test rectifier tubes.

The only oddity I've noticed is when I try to test 6l6gc - they always read very low. Never took the time to look into this.

One thing to remember: ALWAYS make sure all the switches are in the down position before closing the lid! Impossible to replace if they break. An old ham, speaking from experience burned this bit of wisdon into my brain.
 
thefragger said:
I can't get the meter to fall on the line marker, I also tried testing the merit of a rectifier and the tester loudly hummed at me and nearly pegged the meter (I let go of the switch before I let that happen).

I'm leaving it to go cold for a while until I can take a closer look at it, but I can tell it's a huge step up from my Accurate Instruments emissions tester!
Click to expand...

I've got the same tester, and am going to do the recommended updates as well. Have you had any luck with that meter coming to the line? I've got the same problem.
 
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