So this is how it starts...

[opabob]

... And if you work on old tube gear, you may need a traditional low impedance analog meter (like a Simpson). Some of the measurements will be off with a high impedance meter.

  And speaking of old tube gear, what is a good tube tester for 70's era transmitting tubes?

Thanks,

[Roehrenonkel]

  And speaking of old tube gear, what is a good tube tester for 70's era transmitting tubes?

Thanks,

Hi opabob,
 
i guess you'll have to build a jig for each type of tube.
(If we are talking of VT4/211, 845...)
Universal tube-testers can't provide the voltages and currents.

Good luck

[Muxr]

I don't mind spending money on something that I will actually use a lot, and having a fancy piece of test equipment will make me more efficient at a task I do a lot, or where safety is concerned. Where I skimp and go cheap is on things that I just need once or twice here or there.

In electronics you'll find there are often multiple ways to achieve the same goal. Sometimes you can just make your own device for a specific narrow task that does a good enough job as well. This way you can also learn a lot more.

GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) is a trap, but it can be managed.

I went down the metrology rabbit hole briefly and while it was tons of fun and I had a blast doing it. Chasing ppm low drift low noise really gets expensive both in terms of gear and time invested quickly.

I guess this is true for anything. Any time you're trying to extend the envelope, the exponential diminishing returns kick in.

I still love all the volt nuttery that goes on, but you can also look at it from the sidelines and follow it passively.

We are so lucky to have all these awesome folks sharing their knowledge with us part timers and hobbyists.

[Messtechniker]

Buyers typically fit into a few obvious categories, such as "cheap, cheap, cheap", "bargain hunters" and "money is no object".

I think I belong to a "more than good enough for the job" category between "bargain hunters" and "money no object".
See my equipment list below.