Hickok CA-4 Adapter

[ltr317]

I have an early Hickok 533 tube tester, which doesn't have the small 9 pin socket needed for the 12A() family of tubes, as well as 6EU7, 6BQ5, etc. I just acquired their CA-4 adapter which, among other sockets, does have a small 9 pin socket. Someone in my audio club said that socket on the adapter is only for compactron tubes and not for the novar or small 9 pin tubes. Does anyone here know for sure whether or not I can use this socket for a 12A() family, 6EU7, 6BQ5, etc. tube? Thanks.

 

[RWood]

Yes. It looks like it does have a 9 pin miniature (noval) socket, the one with the white backround:

The 9 pin novar (7868, 6GF7) is larger.



RWood

 

[ltr317]

Yes. It looks like it does have a 9 pin miniature (noval) socket, the one with the white backround:

The 9 pin novar (7868, 6GF7) is larger.



RWood

Yes, that's the CA-4 adapter that I just got. The club member said that the adapter's small 9 pin socket has a notch cutout for the compactron tube (can be seen in your photo), and therefore is not for the 12A() family and similar tubes. I tried a 12AX7 tube in the socket and it fits perfectly though I haven't tried connecting the adapter to my 534 yet, for fear that I'll blow a fuse if it's not for the intended purpose. Do you know if this will work? Thanks.

 

[RWood]

Do you know if this will work? Thanks.

I'd be willing to bet on it. I would certainly bet a new fuse.

The 9 - pin compactron tubes have a larger base than the 9 pin miniatures like the 12AX7 and would not fit in the socket you tried. Go for it.

RWood

 

[ltr317]

RWood,

Thanks for the advice. I'll try testing a tube tomorrow.

 

[Bob E.]

The Noval Compactron socket is immediately to the right of the "CA-4" logo. It has a larger diameter pin-circle and the center hole (some Compactrons have the evacuation seal in the center of the pin circle).

--Bob