UTracer Continuous Test Mode

[BHdeC]

Hi guys,

I have a Utracer 3+ for years now and I used it to test hundreds of tubes successfully.

We all know the limitation of this great product so I won't repeat it.

But one functionality I was hoping to see in the NXTracer was the ability to make a continuous test, especially for audio power tubes, at as close a possible real usage condition, typically running the tube at close to 500V, with a constant current of 60mA and see it the tube holds it. Many scenarios could be implemented.

In order to get some real condition reading, the tube plate needs to be hot. The pulse mode does not achieve it, so you basically testing a cold tube.

Also observing the tube's property as it gets to operating temperature would be something interesting.

I don't know if it is a hardware limitation or a software one but I would really like to see this functionality implemented.

My 2 cents,

Brice.

 

[theold...@gmail.com]

In order to do a continues test as you describe it would require a totally different tester. In the uTracer the high voltage is drawn from a charged capacitor, and it only has enough energy to deliver a very short pulse before needing to be charged again. This design could never sustain a continues load.

 

Bill v.

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[Martin Manning]

uT3+ can do 3-4 mA in continuous mode, limited by the boost converter. I've used that a few times to test eye tubes. I would expect the uTNXT to have similar capability. 

[BHdeC]

Yes, definitely. 

This functionality will require new Anode/Screen PS to be able to generate the power needed.

Amplitex and Maximatcher do offer this. 

I was hoping uTNXT could have it, or at least provision for an external programmable PS module TBD.

[Daniel Farrell]

Tube burn in is quiet important for audio quality but mainly because of QA of manufacturers! I know of issues with audible clicks that tent to go away after a few hours in the tubes.

But to get back to the point. What data are you hoping to get from the continuous measurement that you can’t do already?

I’m working on continuous tube power supplies at the moment. I think it could be made programmable too. 

Dan 

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[Ihor Smal]

Indeed, by the design of utracer will never allow to do a proper continuous tests, but again with modern Chinese voltage converters it is easy to build another tester which will do it without any problems, one of the designs is like this:

https://youtu.be/lEPc2HRH5oY?si=mUY3J3a0oamtSVIz

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[BHdeC]

Yes, precisely. I think this is an entirely new project. 

Using an Arduino as the brain of the tester, and programmable PS for screen, plate and bias, with sufficient power at decent operating voltage (~500VDC).

Well, another rabbit hole...