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Picking between two tube testers available...

Danzilla

Danzilla

Active Member
Hey. I have a few devices I've picked up over the years with tubes (and a box of used tubes) and wanted to get a tester for a while, even though I probably don't really need it. At any rate, saw a local posting this week with two models for sale and was wondering if anyone here knew which was the better buy. Considering both the overall value vs cost and possible future resell-ability. Both from around 1950 or so and look in good condition on the working faces, but cases outsides are scraped up and have surface rust in some places. Neither have been tested by the current owner so their condition inside is unknown.

A Weston 978 for 150. Looks pretty big, like a large attache case. Larger size seems like a negative to me at the moment, but from what I've read it does sound like a good model, even if less common than some other Westons. No manual.

An Army Signal Corps Tube Tester I-177-B, by the Daven Co. for 100. A unit apparently made by one of several different companies for the Army. A more compact model and I've read a couple negatives about the I-177 model, but I'm pretty sure that's an earlier version and they don't necessarily apply to the I-177-B. Comes with manual.

NOTE: I'm NOT asking how much these are worth ($$$), as I do want to follow the rules. I hope asking if they're (both?) worth the price and which is a better choice for that price does fall within the allowed margins. Along with some pros and cons, if anyone knows...
 
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those both look like pretty decent units and at 100 and 150 I pick both of those up. If you were to get something similar made by Hickok you’d be spending at minimum $500 for each one. I have found I need multiple tube testers on hand, one tube tester won’t do every tube I need to test, so I keep another one around to test those other tubes, Hopefully between the two of them you should be able to test most any tube. If you had to choose one, I would say probably the army one, but I think you’ve been making a mistake if you didn’t grab both. Those seem like very good buys. The Weston usually fetches $400-$450 and the army in working condition $350-$400. Not trying to evaluate their value, just saying that both are a screaming bargain as long as they’re in good condition.

Dan
 
At those prices, for those testers, I'd be grabbing both of them. Quite frankly, in the time it took you to post your question, I wouldn't be surprised if they're not both already sold.
 
Heh... both of you telling me to buy them both doesn't help a lot. I'm already kinda overflowing with gear... though you are tempting me.
 
Actually they are giving you good advice. What Dan said above is true And happens more often than you might think. And they don’t take up much space.
 
Dang peer pressure... bought both of them and he knocked off $10. :( Might add some pics later if anyone is interested, but probably be a while.
Thanks for the replies.
 
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