Interactive Tube Manual

Since the goal of this manual, as is the goal of my site, is not necessarily to comprehensively cover all dimensions of tube/valve radio homebrewing, but rather the simpler aspects and dimensions therof, i felt that it was not necessary or expedient on my part to write a page for over 500 different tubes. Indeed, over 10,000 types exist, for which less than five percent is really ever utilised in our endeavours. While it is nice to have references for iconoscopes, oscillograph tubes, and odd varieties of proprietary makes, it would do about as well to have every variety of spice on earth in the pantry for which to make a simple pumpkin pie.

I therefore make reference to the basic triodes, tetrodes, pentodes, diodes, and multi-use and multi-element tubes which seemed to be called upon most often to perform yeoman's duty over the years.

Note that this section is undergoing development. I want to add a few visual indicators and VR tubes, plus some of the common Hexodes and Pentagrid mixers, which are used in some of the simple supers. Also, some of the diagrams are not completed yet. Hey, i do this in spare clinic time, so it'll be a little while before i complete this undertaking. This manual will be also periodically updated to include more varieties of military and JAN coded tubes, and certain others that come to my attention.

Tubes are listed in the navigator bar. Simply click on the desired tube. In the main window, the text info, as i am able to find it, plus a tube pin-out schematic when possible (these will eventually be finished.) and a tube socket bottom view pin-out will be shown. Note that these tube diagrams are not simply re-scans of the Handbook or Manual renderings: they are re-drawn in what i consider a more easy-to-follow manner. I do not correspond the pins to actual placement, requiring all sorts of diagramic contortions, but instead simply list the pin number. Where the pin number exists in chronology can be readily seen (or deduced) by the socket diagram.

You know, different books say different things. I used a lot of different sources, and i will also provide a link to some of the more detailed on-line manuals, so you can double check a few items. You might find some variations. I rely heavily on RCA, Fred Collins and ARRL handbooks. Also the old E&E handbooks. But also, i looked at how some of these tubes are used in actual circuits, and have included my own observations as well. I have a pulse, which means i probably have opinions as well.

I hope this Tube/Valve "Short-list" comes in handy.